Like the first one but better.
The game felt not easier, but more convenient with the addition of leader skills, and stronger consumable items, which you can buy. I still found myself closer to a game over more often in this game than in the first, though I can certainly blame a lot of that on trying really hard to play fast, that is what the game wants you to do, judging by the ranking system (as well as the new soul cannon mechanic).

I didn't expect to beat the game in four days, it just happened to me.
I actually still haven't 100%'d the first game... I should get to that.