Shocked at how mid this felt for an iconic PlayStation exclusive. Carries over all the same problems from the first: Bullet-sponge enemies, poor pacing between puzzles and combat, wonky movement mechanics. The few things it does add, higher emphasis on stealth and shooting from climbing positions, are also pretty damn messy. It's crazy to think this was on the same console as METAL GEAR SOLID 2, 8 years after that game, and yet the stealth aspects are so garbage. Nate refuses to cling to walls I'm pushing towards, guards will see me through obstacles 99% of the time. In areas where stealth is encouraged, it's a slaughter.

The train level is arguably the highlight of the game. I was glad this one had an actual "Final boss" compared to the generic shoot out ending of the first game. And while there is still fun to be had here in surviving arenas of enemies with cool weapons, I got real burnt out on it all. For every cool set piece, the in-between can be a real drag at times.

Last gripe is honestly the story. The game doesn't really seem to realize that it's painting Nate and his self-centered quest to pillage history for his own gain as a bad thing. He's depicted as this "noble" thief, even though his inability to let go of his treasure seeking ways screws over a lot of innocent people. Then at the end the Final Boss makes a flimsy observation about how he and Nate aren't that different, and then it's all waved away. They even do a fake out on a character death that actually would've given Nate some consequences to wrestle with. Misses the mark entirely.

Here's hoping 3 and 4 are as good as everyone claims, because this made me want to bail on the franchise.