I started off playing this game in fits and spurts around other games, but found myself forgetting where I was and what was happening. So in December, I decided to just go all in on it until I finished.

I love this genre and I loved the first game, so I knew I'd have a good time with this one once I got into it. And I wasn't wrong. When I first started I was just gonna do the critical path, given how many other games are on my docket, but I got really sucked into it and wanted to uncover every corner of the map.

For the most part I was able to discover the collectibles and side missions all on my own. There were a few obtuse ones that I needed a guide on. And I got 95% through the game without much trouble. But then I hit the penultimate boss it was just so much more punishing than every other boss in the game. Even with online advice I struggled. I eventually landed on a build that worked for me and it came down to one last hit for either of us. And I prevailed. But I never found the 2nd stage of the boss fight very legible, so I must say it was not satisfying, like so many of the other bosses in the game.

That boss aside, I had a great time overall and am looking forward to the DLC when it eventually comes.

Lastly, this game has lots of ladders. It's really satisfying to break the glass that makes the ladders drop.