once the novelty of the first game wears off, the flaws in the game design make themselves apparent. there aren't as many bullshit platforming sections, but there are glaring flaws in the design that make this shit borderline unplayable. the combat is repetitive and shallow. half the game is spent winding up cranks and pulling levers. why does every door have to be opened by button mashing? what was the point of that? like, what does that add? is it meant to be fun? ironically, this game was easier than the first one but i still felt so unfulfilled by the end because the gameplay was so soulless and boring. not to mention how uninspired this story is. i feel like there's so much more you could do with a guy taking on the gods than this. the narrative isn't all bad though. it's got me hooked enough to get the third game and play it. but i guess dark souls kind of ruined hack and slash games for me.