Although I appreciate the different approach this game took to almost everything (from exploration to acquisition of items to lack of mandatory bosses until the end for the most part), this game just didn't gel with me like the first one did.

I really liked the first one a lot and I think the overall direction this took just wasn't quite what I'm looking for in a Metroidvania. It's...fine? I'd elaborate more on design choice thoughts, but I just don't want to spend more time on a game that left me feeling underwhelmed. It does its job, there's enough content to warrant its price point, and that's about all I'm going to say.

If you're on the fence about it, get it on sale. You could do worse, you could do better.