i never played the first so i dont know how this game compares to that. but i like this game. i beat it in one day. so it wasnt a very long game. difficulty was about right tho. i died alot but had some good moments. so the game isnt exactly hard but to most people you wont find it easy. i like the general gameplay mechanics. doest fail. the running and movement feels a bit slow but you get used to it after the second mission. i find the general story idea pretty wigged but its still interesting none-the-less. i enjoyed the game but if i were you just rent it. but dont forget about the music videos and extras at the end of the game. so if you really want those thats the only reason i think you would want to buy it. replay value is medium. just depends on how much you enjoy the game. i gave it a decent score because i enjoyed the game and i dont have any major complaints. hope this helped.