>>715433285 (OP)>step up from the first in some ways>shows signs of improvementHonestly, improvement is all people really want to see with each new game/installment (side-games are another story)
Look at 343-era: people weren't vying for Spartan Ops, Warzone or Open World. Not more than just launching at least as feature-rich as 3/Reach, with some nice improvements and application of feedback.
How about Crysis: slimming down worlds and possibilities for the sake of console development? Blending suit modes together rather than making that a mere option to select? Reducing the amount of cooperation with Marines?
Sure, there would be people who would say they could do more than just a bit of improvement in a new title, but a little improvement is definitely better than just an over all step backwards.
In contrast, Space Marine 2 was an over all step forward, especially in an era where cooperative play is even more welcome and the cool factor of seeing Space Marines work together. True, there were sacrifices that hopefully won't have to be made for solo play next time, but over all it felt like a step forward.