The Gameplay? The best of the series. The Story? Much like God of War 3, the main characters didn't learn the obvious lessons screaming in their face, making the story rather disappointing as they saw major consequences (the death of Johnny - not a spoiler, it happens right away) that they ultimately don't address well.

Once you get into the hedonistic (sp?), god of chaos mood, however, you'll power through the story and enjoy explosions, violence, and power.

Great writing. Not very repetitive (unlike many of their efforts in the past). Decent combat.

A thousand times better balanced than the first game.