As an RPG, this is a solid game. The combat is pure and satisfying hack n' slash, the drive to explore and find gear is just as compelling as in any genre peer, and the added influence of Silent Hill makes for some entertaining fan service that, if not taken too seriously, should amuse long-time fans. Maybe not the fanatical purists, but the fans who just enjoy Silent Hill as a series and don't mind seeing a fun little spin-off.
Like I said, I will not attempt to convince you to give Book of Memories a chance if you have already planned to hate it. What's the damn point? All I can say is, as a fan of dungeon crawlers and as a fan of Silent Hill, I really am starting to appreciate this fresh spin for what it is, and I very much enjoyed what I played. The games I already love are still there, so why are we pissed? A good game is a good game, and Book of Memories is shaping up to be just that.
In fact, I am just going to say that this is now my most anticipated portable title of the year. So there.