That pop-in looks bad, I would guess this game is going to need some driver updates to get it running right. Both AMD and Nvidia have released drivers specifically for this game, so I think it'll maybe take a little while for them to get it right. It might even need something like lots of fast system memory and SSDs to take care of the texture streaming, or it might just be not great code (i.e. optimized to take advantage of the extra PC capability).
I really hope the next gen of consoles will help improve the texture pop-in. Its pretty bad in UE3 games, some do a bit better with it than others. While its not game breaking, its noticeable enough to be a distraction.
as for the review--the technical flaws don't bother, as I think most conscious people should assume such things on release anyway.
what bothers me is the apparent lack of depth with story, shallow characters, useless side missions, and false open world atmosphere. Though the review does read rather bitter and so it may be over-zealous. If opinions here don't convincingly reflect the Ars review, then I will purchase when on sale.
Yeah the technical aspects, especially on the PC should be able to be alleviated. Hopefully they'll figure out the backend so that you can adjust some settings (someone mentioned V-Sync, which sometimes can be a necessity).
Looking around, it seems that the console versions are getting decently good reviews (8+), but its a pretty hyped game, and that's almost typical. Really, if a console game is one of the best looking there is, it automatically will get about a 7. If the game isn't complete crap it'll do better than that.
I think the overall consensus will likely be that its not a terrible game, but never really lives up to its potential. Often, I find these more disappointing. Its got what appears to be a pretty great game engine behind it, and other aspects are ok, but just needs more.
Even if you don't like it, I do think its actually a big improvement for id. The tech seems better than their last game engine (or at least it looks better and I think will hold up better), and they are showing that they're trying to make more in depth games. I think they just need some more help to get there, but, to me it is progress.
To me, this is a game that I think would have been great if they had done something interesting gameplay wise. Like allow you to build your own guns. Want a gun that combines a sniper rifle and a sawed off shotgun? Ok. Triple barrel sniper? Sure. Take several machine guns and make a mini-chaingun? Yep. It wouldn't need a full on leveling system or anything like that, but just allow you some extra ability to alter your gameplay experience. Plus having a "smith" in the towns would have helped with fleshing out the NPCs. Getting things you can use for gun building would also make fetch quests much less tedious too.
