Just enough of a step down from the first to be a slight disappointment but not nearly enough a step down that it's not still a great time from start to finish. Most of the problems with this game are only going to bother you if you're an elitist action game nerd like me, and at the very least they don't totally invalidate what a solid combat system Bayo 2 still has. There's some really weird stages and mechanics that I don't think are very fun to interact with, and the boss fights are more of a mixed bag but what's here works for the most part. At this game's very worst it's just kind of meh, but still has more than enough quality action game goodness to keep me engaged, even if nothing QUITE hits the same highs as the first game.

On the bright side the QTEs are gone! Fuckin thank you.