Reached Chapter 8, will continue tomorrow. I am enjoying it.
This is really my first time playing NG2 so far into the game. I had tried the older games but couldn't stand with the various BS all over the place. Annoying platforming, absurd bosses, inventory with keys and shit. You don't need this in an action game. It is a waste of time, and you can be sure it will get even more annoying in subsequent playthroughs.
My feeling is that they have probably addressed a ton of this as the pacing is pretty good. You still get some big/huge areas that are absolute BS. Like when you reach the underground water temple. Abysmal experience. You swim or walk on water to find stuff, you keep mashing A, there is nothing of interest, you eventually understand where to go, these shitty flying fishes are annoying and not fun in any way. Big bosses too. Can't say they are great. The flying thing in Chapter 3 was pretty garbage, and the water dragon just as uninteresting.
But when you take out all these missteps, you do find a very solid game and gameplay. It would be a better game without all of this. Not going to beat Razor's Edge, that game was amazing, intense, excellent gameplay, no BS and wasting your time with useless stuff.