This game is fantastic. If you could look past the shoddy graphics and flawed gameplay it is really one of the most unique things you will ever play. Definitely in my top 3 of the year so far.
IGN is full of shit. I really think the reviewer had his mind made up before he even popped the disc in.
I enjoyed the combat quite a bit, but I can see where you're coming from. I pretty much avoided doing side missions altogether due to repetitiveness and just powered through the main story.