[quote name='8bitArtist'] least this time around, you actually controlled your character instead of pushing 1 button and basically watching the game play itself.[/QUOTE]
Exactly. I hated the last game because I figured out that I wasn't actually controlling the game very early on. Then the game kind of became a pretty background for me to stare at while I watched the game do whatever it wanted to do.
I had no problems with PoP:FS (aside from the story sucking). The graphics were solid, the controls were great (best pole jumping controls ever, IMO), the pacing was excellent, and the fighting system was fun.
I really don't see why everyone rags on it.