I don't know what was the intention when making this game but in my opinion they get the basic concept wrong.
The first game was genre defining and clearly had it's audience but dispite this they went to an entirely different direction this thime. The game is not for a fans of the first game AND too hard and not worth getting in it as new player.
The first game was hard for sure but in this game the hardness get a totally different level and in not a good way. The game surely not respect your time becausee now an have an avarage 3 hour runs and if u loose even one hero u lose 3 hour progress cos there is no chanche to but a run even if u get a bountry hunter in inn.
The game gets super repetitive after a few runs cos they entiry recyled monsters and maps it has only 4 map.
No sense of progression the candles system just not good enough so u can easily can get stuck.The relationship system just straight bad and makes no sense. U just get 12 heroes this game instead of 17 and only one new hero and their skills nerfed in oblivion especially early on.
But if u like this type of game i would recommend to play with the first game u will get much better experience than with this one.