OK, the controls.....
You look around and move with the dpad and buttons. (reversible for left handers) You can also use the stylus to look around too, your choice.
The stylus is also for your menu stuff and "shooting off spell scrolls".
Left and right shoulder buttons are used for melee weapon attacks. Two types....one for each button. Or you can tap the sword on the touchscreen. Again, your choice.
The games auto-saves, but there are save orbs around for you to save at too.
I've never played games like Hexen, but from what I did see of games like that, it's like them, more or less.
I like the atmosphere of the game. If anything I'm anti-claustrophobic, I like crawling through the dungeons. The dudes at 1up and Nintendo Power must have been on crack, because this seems like a GREAT game to me. From the little I've played of it so far I'd put it in the 7 to 9 out of 10 range. Time will tell how good it actually is as I play it.
I'm currently stuck trying to beat these 4 red orcs, they are almost instantly kicking my butt. Gonna have to grind a bit I guess.
Also, when I bought it, it came with the "choose your own adventure" book that it's based on. Cool! I can play through the book now too.
Might want to bump up the brightness level one notch from your normal setting too......kinda dark.
Doesn't seem to remember when you set it to left hand controls......makes you set it again every time you boot.