Just finished it...
I need a second play through to confirm for sure (though a second play through has never changed my opinion of any game I've ever played), and I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I honestly believe this may actually be my favourite game of all time.
To put that into perspective, my fave game of all time hasn't changed in 23 years. Hell, my top 2 hasn't changed in 16 years. That's how much of an impact this game had on me, not necessarily just in terms of narrative or characterisation, but the gameplay for me is simply without peer in the genre, as are the visuals and sound design. Everything about it was just benchmark pushing.
This was a massive, unique, rivetting and immensely powerful experience, from beginning to end, one that I don't think I'll ever forget.
I feel like it put me through the entire gamut of emotions, and was packed to the brim full of incredible and memorable moments. My jaw was on the floor more times than I could count.
I can't believe how meaty the experience and journey was too, almost as if it could have been multiple games worth in terms of overall content.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't without its faults, for example the pacing was off here and there, I feel there could be more environmental or artistic diversity (too much takes place in a dreary Seattle), I also feel a few characters were slightly undercooked and their fates lacking a bit of impact as a result, but these things are mostly nitpicks. The game ultimately had more highs than any game I've played in recent memory.
Despite the original still to this day being one of the best games ever made, with one of gamings best stories and set of characters, the sequel somehow makes it seem slightly small in comparison. The sequel is bigger, deeper, bolder, more daring and more complex in almost every way, for me it's the overall better game too.
Amusingly, I was one of those who wasn't sure if I wanted a sequel or if one was even necessary, but what a fool I was.
I want to do a proper in-depth review at some point, but thought I'd just post a summary of thoughts following completion.