No spoiler review. I didn't play this game initially due to being scared off by the bad reviews, until a friend convinced me to give it a go. If you loved the first game then I would ignore everything you've read and play this game. I think on balance I may even prefer it to the first, but both are masterpieces. It's an incredible emotional rollercoaster that will stay with me for a long time. The developers did a brilliant job of sticking to what made the first game so great but giving us a totally different story, new motives, and new themes on the nature of humanity. The gameplay is more fun, with great new combat mechanics. I'm sad it's over and really hope the developers aren't put off by the negative reviews, some of which are clearly by people who are triggered by anything they consider left wing. Hopefully there will be a third installment!