My very first initial reaction to the game was that I was daunted by the number of items. (When I do play games, I tend to play ones that present themselves very simply like N++ or Spelunky). Now that I'm a little more comfortable, I do like what that aspect of the game allows -- I suppose kinda a 2-pronged (bident?) approach to winning:
1. Learn to choose better items for the particular situation.
2. Get better at the mechanics of using those items.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the game a lot -- and it was especially cool to see that PcGamer article!