A really disappointing sequel to me. Takes a lot of improvements with its visuals, audio, full analog movement, and expanded areas to run around and throws everything else to the side.

The lack of auto-aim hurt the combat a lot, making simple encounters more of a hassle. That said, the enemy variety is a huge improvement and the bosses are bigger, faster, and far more difficult.

The biggest hit is the world design where the actual towns and overworld areas feel fleshed out, but the dungeons take a huge hit in design. Gone are a lot of varied hills and connectivity and instead are more flatlands and hallways that tend to drag on with an occasional set piece to break it up. It's a change I personally do not enjoy, but the set pieces are cool at times.

Audio is one of the few things I think this game matches the original on. Great score, voice acting sounds more refined, ambience is solid for what there is.

Visuals also got an upgrade with better shading on textures, more cluttered environments in towns/houses to make it feel more lived in. Bosses especially look great in this.

I wish I cared more for this as the story is good, but the gameplay and design as a whole feels like it just takes a big ol' hit in exchange for spectacle. Frustrating but still comes recommended.