I won't lie, I got a bit concerned when I went to get the link for the release trailer for a friend and I saw a bunch of "this was disappointing" in the results before I go the chance to give it a try, but I can't say I share in the disappointment.

The graphics are very good. the game is visually beautiful and the mocap/animations in particular feel substantially better than the original. The world feels a great deal more open and is absolutely gorgeous as a result. There's also some wild details to character models that I have noticed/that people watching me play have pointed out to me.

The game play itself is about the same as the original, and ultimately not all that complex. The combat style is really basic, it's a lotta walking and looking at scenery. That said, it doesn't necessarily need to be in my opinion, as both titles have seemed to be more focused on the general spectacle in both art direction and story. I do understand how that can be make or break for some, people, though so use that information as you will.

That said, at about 6 or so hours for an initial run, I feel the story is well put together. I wont say it hit me nearly as hard as the prior did, but that's no where near saying I'm disappointed in what I got. It feelt like a very natural next step in the over arching tale with only one or two minor inconsistencies that I've noticed. Not entirely sure if I agree that the latter half felt rushed like I keep seeing; but I am, however, kind of curious if they're going to do anything with the ending as it does feel a bit more.....sequel baitey than the last one did if only by a little bit.

all in all 9/10

I won't lie, I got a bit concerned when I went to get the link for the release trailer for a friend and I saw a bunch of "this was disappointing" in the results before I go the chance to give it a try, but I can't say I share in the disappointment. The graphics are very good. the game is visually beautiful and the mocap/animations in particular feel substantially better than the original. The world feels a great deal more open and is absolutely gorgeous as a result. There's also some wild details to character models that I have noticed/that people watching me play have pointed out to me. The game play itself is about the same as the original, and ultimately not all that complex. The combat style is really basic, it's a lotta walking and looking at scenery. That said, it doesn't necessarily need to be in my opinion, as both titles have seemed to be more focused on the general spectacle in both art direction and story. I do understand how that can be make or break for some, people, though so use that information as you will. That said, at about 6 or so hours for an initial run, I feel the story is well put together. I wont say it hit me nearly as hard as the prior did, but that's no where near saying I'm disappointed in what I got. It feelt like a very natural next step in the over arching tale with only one or two minor inconsistencies that I've noticed. Not entirely sure if I agree that the latter half felt rushed like I keep seeing; but I am, however, kind of curious if they're going to do anything with the ending as it does feel a bit more.....sequel baitey than the last one did if only by a little bit. all in all 9/10