Honestly, I loved the storytelling. That may be in part due to a longstanding love of Sengoku Japanese history, though

Story could be so much better if the character actually talked and had a personality instead of just standing there staring

Hey everyone has a different way of communication, our character expresses himself through combat.

They know exactly what they are doing.

we? Funny, it's you that needs it, don't pull me in there too.

Ofc for anyone that played the first Nioh will find this easier, we already mastered nioh combat mechanics, and mastering burst counter takes little time. Though new players will still struggle in the beginning. But as you say it is still pure fun.

Or playing Nioh 1 just increased your skill so Nioh 2 seems easier. I played Dark Souls 3 and it was hard to me. Then I bought Dark Souls 2 and it seemed easier. The more games like this you play the easier it gets to you. Even if objectively there is no difference in difficulty.