>>529992473
Magnolia isn't as good but as someone who liked Lilies I still would rate it a solid 8 or so. Innovates on the combat and mechanics from the first game, another great soundtrack, starts slower and less interesting than Lilies early game but ramps up with better level design after the first few areas.

>>529118598
2H for juicy charged attack. dual wield for jump L1 spam (or status spam, got a forked sword with hoarstomp on it once as wylder)
I go with whatever type of passives I stack the most of on day 1, though I lean towards 2H because it's less purple/smithing stone2 management