Gameplay is a huge step up from the first game, less bulletsponge, guns feel and sound very realistic. the map is more dynamic this time, you might secure a control point, but ignore it too long and enemies will take the neighborhood back over.
Story was considerably worse than Division 1 IMO. Division had elements of terror, mystery, etc. Lots of brutality from local gangs. New game is kinda generic we're the good guy, rise from the ashes, oo-rah. Havent watched civies running from flamethrowers or anything yet like in Div1, no mysteries like Aaron either. The better gameplay makes up for this.