Alone In The Dark 2 discards almost everything that was appealing about first, landmark title, it's very much what Resident Evil 4 was to Resident Evil, but not good.
The sporadic enemies from the first game built around atmosphere and tension have been been replaced with a barrage of grunts wielding guns.
While Resident Evil had an auto-aim, Alone In The Dark 2 requires a specific approximation of perspective. This, combined with pixelated graphics and off-screen enemies, makes for a frustrating experience.
The enemies on the other hand have dead aim. not only that, once they engage in a repeated loop of shots, it's nigh on impossible for the player to aim back. Further aggravating is the games habit of throwing numerous enemies, exacerbating the ill thought out design.
The original games non-linear progression, takes a step back as a wholly linear experience, exploration a consistent interruption of enemies.
Visually, the deliberately muted colors are replaced by bright primary colors, although it has some impression animated sequences.
The story-telling like the first game is done primarily through breif introduction cut scenes and verbally spoken (what by todays standards would be) text logs. This seems to be the one redeeming aspect of the game.
In short - this is a very early example a poor sequel