Axiom Verge was a respectable attempt at making a Metroid game. Axiom Verge 2 was an okay attempt at making a Castlevania game. The most important part of good Castlevania games is that they ooze style, and AV2 just doesn't have a strong one, especially when held up to its predecessor. AV1 revolves pretty heavily around its hacking mechanic, but that mechanic is watered down in the sequel before being dropped almost entirely after the early game. Indra's movement feels good enough, and it's pretty fun to play a game where the Morph Ball stand-in actually increases your mobility.