Simply put, is this game worth it? I heard that the melee combat is cool, but the weapons tarnish the expirience. Is this true? and, back to my previous question, is this game worth getting?

Sorry about not seeing this sooner. This game is imo not worth a buy sure it is a great game. However it lacks replay value. It's still the 2nd best game I have played. the original condemned being number 1.

Yes, this game is definatly worth a buy. Multiplayer can get really fun, and single player is amazing. The single player does lack replay value, but that's what the Multiplayer is for. Weapons don't exactly "Tarnish" the experience, but they are harder to use than in say... "Halo 3". If you are cornered, you're screwed, and they aren't worth much at close range. However, using weapons is completely optional, and the Melee system is great.