Just got off the first three missions and some side missions, and I have to say I'm really digging it. I just beat the first game about two days ago and it was a really good game, only gripes were the guns and clunky combat.
Open world took a little getting use to because my brain was wrapped around linear paths so that took a bit to adjust too as did the new combat system. Which now getting more into it I will say I do prefer and I love the momentum takedowns. It feels more appropriate than running up to a guy and jump kicking him, taking his gun then proceeding to shoot his buddies. Here it feels like that duel with Celeste from the first game where the moves seem to shine. It's not perfect but I like the round house kick.
Traversal feels great at 60 fps, but runners vision is wonky, I set it to classic and at times it would not highlight the route which is a bit confusing, get this a beta. Controls feel intuitive and highly responsive, which the first game had as well so it's nice to see that carry over. Now the skill trees do seem pretty arbitrary, they are basically like far cry style so you will be able to get them all, and it's moronic that the gear is locked behind missions, but I have to see how it turns out in the full game.
There were some popin issues that were a little bothersome and some characters are darker than dark. It's hard to see them like Birdman, he needs to illuminate more. The story seems more substantial than that basic "plot" we had in the first game, and I do miss the stylized cutscene. They had this energy to them. Some characters seem alright Icarus is annoying and with his name taken from the first games runner program and the classic Greek tale just reaks of foreshadowing. I am intrigued what the tatoo means in this one, and if Faith and her sister and have genetic alteration of some sort. The story may fall flat like many of DICEs games so I will have to wait and see.
Overall I like the game and I am really interested in seeing where they are going to take this one.