El Shaddai is undoubtedly beautiful - and fun, in that 'video games in general are fun' way - and there's another game I think is a litmus test as to whether you will like it or not: Prince of Persia 2008. Both are games that build a colourful and expressionist space, and insert discrete and predictable encounters into them. The platforming is forgiving, and if you make a mistake, you lose very little progress, if any.
I think PoP 2008 is the better game. El Shaddai pushes 'predictable' into 'boring' territory, and that automated camera is an inescapable frustration. (Will I make that jump? Will I attack the target I want?) But it's definitely a good game, a 'vibe' game - a place and story to feel your way through. It's not here to test you, it's not here to be explored. It's here to be seen, heard, and absorbed. The PC port is not great, but it's serviceable, so if you're a Prince of Persia 2008 person, or want a bit of light game action in abstract spaces, El Shaddai is quite a trip.
