While the gameplay doesn't quite live up to its predecessor, it's still a phenomenal game and worth a good, hard look.
It dumps the platforming and strategic aspects for a more streamlined, straightforward action experience, which, isn't all bad, it's just a little less fun than the first.
In this installment, you'll find yourself up against a completely different kind of evil, with the original's villain teaming up with the X-Men. Once the X-Men have stormed Avalon, and beaten the crap out of Magneto just enough to force him to listen to reason, he joins the X-Men as a playable character himself. Unfortunately, his unique abilities make him only a little more than a novelty, as it can be difficult to maneuver him through tighter spaces in levels such as The Savage Land.
One thing I do like about this game over the first, is that you don't run out of "energy", and have unlimited mutant powers. Also, should you happen to completely fill your health meter, including the two yellow spots at the top, your mutant powers will increase, making the attacks much more powerful, and visually stunning.
The boss battles range in difficulty, and you'll find yourself face-to-face with some of your favorite villains from the X-Men universe, including the final battle with the Brood Queen, which can be absolutely epic.
All in all, it's a great game that expands upon the original in many of the right ways, and is absolutely worth it for any fan of the X-Men.