Not quote as good as ds3, can understand the points made against the world not feeling connected, lack of links and shortcuts within areas and between areas and first half of the game being all humanoid bosses. And while I understand and agree with some of those, it doesn't stop ds2 from being a fantastic experience.

The classic FromSoft formula and combat is still incredible (once you level ADP) and there's some ideas in there like how vendrick is built up and revealed, going into memories of the giants and the milfanito that are really fresh, unique and would love to see explored more.

Some areas are a little bland and none blew me away visually like some in later games but nearly all of them have so much character and environmental storytelling on par with later from soft titles. Use of light in areas like no man's warf is wonderful. Dragon eerie and shrine are incredible. Iron keep can fuck right off.

Really surprised me how good it was and basically on the same level as the other FromSoft titles after people be hating about it so much. That's random people on the internet for you I guess.