Honestly I loved the first game... I have to say I love the 2nd even more! Yes there are things that could be improved on but that's with any game nowdays.
I was hooked right from the start and I loved the story. It's a rollercoaster of emotions with every hour or so altering your perceptions of characters and understanding them more. I thought this gave it more of a realistic feel, no characters are invincible, it feels real. The story ties in pretty perfectly to the first and answered some unanswered questions.The game looks amazing and vibrant. The story is just beautiful.
You will go through many conflicted emotions with each character, which can alter your perceptions of them, this gives more of a deeper understanding as to why they do certain actions and I love this aspect.
Don't listen to negative reviews, or people that just hate on the game because of certain relationships or stereotypes, buy the game and play it for yourself.
YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!