They admitted this was the case. In the 'postmortem' earlier this year Skip to 30:30

"Each of these different aspects were being - at various times - developed almost in isolation of one another."

I never understood the conflict he was talking about between looks, fiction and gameplay. To me, it's a game, so gameplay should ALWAYS lead. Writing and art can and should inspire gameplay, but if it ain't fun fight and kill then scrap it.