Gameplay cliches get a lot of chatter, but when the game is successful and has a core experience that people enjoy, no one says a word.
Case in point: Gears of War.
Mine carts.
Ammo boxes that are strewn around abundantly.
Crates that contain ammo boxes. Also strewn around at every juncture.
Lava levels.
Gears of War has all of these gameplay cliches.
Not a peep about it in the rags.