Creatine DOES work. Yes, there is water retention that gives you a pump that will even last for a couple of days if you've been loading it. Yes, it replenishes your ATP so that you can keep those high-intensity workouts in the anaerobic zone a bit longer.

But the major advantage of its "water retention" function is electrolyte transport. Whacking whey protein mixed with creatine will improve the transport of protein to your muscle cells and helps maintain a positive nitrogen balance.

Also, a constant "pump" will exert continuous tension on your muscle cells and for beginners, will promote satellite cell differentiation into myoblasts. Satellite cell differentiation and hyperplasia is far, far more beneficial that the usual hypertrophy gained from regular juicing-up on protein shakes or from steroids (yes, the gain from steroids is just hypertrophy, that's why when you come off a cycle, you only get to retain 30% to 50% of your gains).

I've benefited from creatine, and I know many other pals who have as well.