Gameplay was better than LAD but the story was worse. Having not played any of the games where Kiryu was the main character, his half of the game didn't hit as hard for me. Chitose is also a lame party character. I overall didn't feel as emotionally connected to the storyline and villains as the first one.

Gameplay wise, I was slightly disappointed you never get all of the characters in the same party. But otherwise, the movement/knock back/grapple, skill inheritance, special armors and weapons, better bond leveling, combo and environmental attacks were all an improvement.

Like usual, I'm always impressed that they manage to fit entire other games into this game lol. Pokemon, animal crossing, crazy taxi, Pokemon snap.

Also points for getting to fight a shark.