Saying SM2 or GOWR are similar to previous games with prettier graphics is accurate, but it's also somewhat missing the point. SM and GOW are dramatically deeper/longer games with much more content, story, etc. than Hellblade. HB is a walking simulator with basic puzzles and simplistic combat. I would expect that after so long and with Microsoft's deep pockets we'd be getting more, especially since Microsoft really lacks a big blockbuster single player game that could really go toe-to-toe with what Sony is usually putting out.
The first game was, IMO, a lot like the first Alan Wake. Solid narrative and atmosphere, but devoid of anything approaching interesting gameplay mechanics or replayability. (Though HB is a lot better than AW, IMO) I was hoping the combination of seven years of time and new ownership would result in them being free to take things to the next level and really expand on what they did in the first game, but it's looking more and more like that isn't really the case.