⚠ spoilers
better than the first
Outside of GTA6 & Half Life 3, this was probably the most anticipated game ever.
In most ways this game is a lot better than the first; however, I'm rating it lower because sequels should not be rated against the first game, but rather as a sequel. Sequels should be expected to make significant improvements over the original and bring completely new ideas (otherwise what's the point).
I'll start with the positives. The wasn't even supposed to be a full game, and the amount of work and care that went into this over 7-8 years from the devs is incredible and it shows. Areas like the coral towers are simply stunning. The first sinner fight might be one of my favorite bosses ever, and it almost feels like you're fighting against yourself (ik first sinner is a weaver too). The movement and combat feels just as smooth as the first one and there are even more options. Crests and tools are good adds and allow players to find their own unique kit and play style. The journey from the bottom of the world to climb up to the citadel and the cut scene that plays when you reach there is just epic. Chris Larkin's original soundtrack is somehow even better than the one he composed for the first game. The price also has to be mentioned. For how well made this game is and how much content there is (including all future dlcs) $20 is incredible value. Also I may just be ass at the game but the steel soul does feel quite a bit harder than the first game.
I only really have 3-4 main criticisms for this game:
1) The hidden rooms/secrets gimmick is way overdone and the game doesn't really do anything different in this aspect from the first. I end up just slashing and hacking at every wall and trying to jump into every obscure spot possible.
2) Tools are just way too overpowered. You can beat almost any boss by just beating the first phase/taking it down to half health and then spamming tools to instantly end the fight. This is also why the architect crest is so broken. If spammed correctly you can take down entire bosses from full hp in seconds.
3) The story feels largely the same to the first one. A higher being (in this case GMS instead of the king/radiance, taking control of the bugs making them mindless).
4) the delivery quest for great taste of pharloom is one of the best quests in the game and I love how crazy the community has gotten with doing all 5 in one run, or delivering the meat while beating path of pain, but the other delivery quests are just tedious and really don't add anything to the experience.
All in all it's an incredible game, but it's not the best game of all time like many of the community would say. I do think the community massively overrates it simply because of the hype and the 7 year wait and it becoming the most wish listed game on steam. I'm very excited to play Sea of Sorrows when that comes out and maybe when it's all said and done and all the DLCs are out I'll revise my score again.
