Sadly, this sequel is a lesser game in almost every way. While the rock-paper-energy shield dynamic is solid and sensible, it's also deeply boring. There's no mad spark to it, as in the original. Nor does it look particularly interesting: the visuals are bland, factory knock-off neon sci-fi. The campaign missions are utterly lacking in dynamism, and the floating, weightless nature of everything makes this a joyless experience.
There's a flicker of the old magic when you see the terrain-shattering super-weapons, or when those energy fields go up, but it's impossible not to be bored after just a few hours of play. It's similarly impossible to recommend this to fans of the original, or indeed fans of anything else.
