Steady improvements seen here compared to 1st Gen. It introduced critical mechanics like Overboosting, a new type of specialized leg type in Hovers, and Heat management. The Arena is much more fun to get through this time around, and every complaint I had with the FoV and Draw Distance in 1st Gen seems to have banished.

I didn't like how the game speed seems to have been reduced from 1st Gen (maybe that's why Overboosting is a thing now?). The speed has been more standardized across leg types which is something I liked, since light builds reign supreme in Gen 1 and using tank threads in those games is suicide. I also didn't really like Hover Legs, they felt like shittier quad legs you'd only use in water missions.

The presentation didn't take that big of a leap aside from steady 60 fps all around, it looks more like a Dreamcast game if anything. At least the music in this game is just as stellar as it was on PS1.

The story was whatever. Apparently Klein is the MoA protagonist who ended up following Nine Ball's ideals but I don't feel anything for the guy. I did like how you met a lot of the arena contestants in missions, makes them feel more connected to the plot.

Overall, a worthy successor. The series is starting to form its own identity instead of throwing everything at the wall and see what sticks.