Somewhat mixed reactions.
But BW2 really went off the prequel's aspect and delievered some what new gameplay features, which didn't really turn out that successful as planned and somewhat ruined the core the first game delievered on it's point.
Besides, BW2 has only a "Campaign" mode, no "Skirmish" or "MultiPlayer" can be found in the game, and it certainly decreases chances of replaying the game.
Morever, the game has horrible AI scripting - enemy plattons don't use tactics, they sometimes gather near your walls and even though they are getting shot by archers on walls, they just stand on same position while getting killed.
The creature in the game is also very poorly composed, it's AI isn't good either and it's not the fun caring for it like in the original.
Something I was delighted with was the visuals, but it didn't cover the fact that BW2 was quite a dissapointing experience for both fans and regulars.
I believe LionHead could put more work and polishment into this during its 5 years of development, and I now only hope that the upcoming simulator "The Movies" doesn't meet the same fate as this game received.