more heart and soul has been poured into this game than many games nowadays, and even some of the later entries in this franchise. the levels are interesting and varied, the writing is pretty good--with the exception of the arc after the protagonists change objectives--and the characters are likeable. it's difficult overlooking the somewhat sluggish controls, especially if you come to this from a more modern game in the franchise. the lack of a strafe button makes fighting some enemies a little burdensome. regardless, this was a fine start to one of my favorite franchises.