As someone who had a hard time getting in Arkanes other games at first, this was a blast. The gameplay of collecting data on targets, assassinating them with an arsenal of unique abilities and weapons.
With levels designed in such a way where the pace is mandated by your skill and knowledge of the gamessystems and which ones you master for your preferred style of play. So getting into these maps to see all the constantly changing new aspects to then use them to your advantage in subsequent playthroughs is very very satisfying.
Story for the most part engaging with the unfortunate exception that it doesn't really give any strong conclusions to what it sets up. That said it doesn't take away from the downright brilliant performances the VAs give as the 2 playable characters. If I wasn't playing for the already fun gameplay loop (I'm sorry), I would have been playing it to see what these characters would say next. A traditional plot was not the focus here though but given how I felt about going into the conclusion of Dishonored 1, I can't say I'm disappointed. I'd even say this has the better plot and characters easily.
My only issues with the game would be that it feels slow to get access of the games mechanics and systems, particularly the ability to retain weapons and abilities through loops which really sucked if you took the time like me to explore and find one fo the special weapons, early on only to lose it in a loop before you got the ability to do so.
I'd also give a warning that this is a game where losses can be easily brutal. When you run out of your lives end that loop, the potential for losing valuable weapons and enemies is quite high, especially in early game. That said the game also knows how to give you some very satisfying rewards through exploring and experimentation.