I can understand why this game is loathed by so many. However, outside of how spongy normal enemy encounters can get and a change in art you either tolerate or hate, I had a good time with it. The music feels like it's actually present outside of mostly cutscenes, Story takes off quicker and has more memorable moments than in the first game, introduced the break system. Overall 2 steps forward, 2 steps backwards from the original.