Having totally missed out on the original, I did not know what to expect.
I think it's safe to say that this is my all time favourite 'arcade game' of the 'fighting' genre. There's actually some story behind the characters and why they're actually fighting (snore), but to put it into simple terms: They fighting for an evil sword to meet their own personal ends.
Too complicated? Maybe. I'm just in it for the mindless violence and uber-cool weapons so who cares? If I want a story-line, I'll play Lord of the Rings.
There's absolutely no point for the 'Adventure Map' except to perhaps hone your multiplayer skills. I must say it works so I can't take that for a bad point (completely).
Good graphics, sound, characters and general layout. I recomend it for those who love to beat the crap out of ugly, humanoid-shaped pixels. Yes, 'E' for Everyone!