In several ways, this one is superior to the First Encounter. It has less troll-inspired design choices, and generally better combat encounter design. The one exception is the final boss. It's not as badly designed as the final boss of the First Encounter, but it's way too easy for some reason, and this makes it more forgettable.

The level and map design is noticeably worse. Every level is a series of a wide open area with a smaller area on either side. You have to clear those side areas, collect a key item from each, then return to the central area to progress. The game does this so many times that one of the log entries makes a self-aware reference to it with "You should know how this works by now!"

It's not life ruining but it's pretty frustrating when the core gameplay is still as satisfying as it is. I found myself continuing to fall into a flow state many times. Still, I can't really justify a higher rating than this.