TSE1 was okay, but TSE2 is much better. The whole sidescrolling thing is less noticeable in the sequel primarily because you can run instead of walk, which reduces travel time between combats by a huge amount. There are many other improvements of course, not the least of which being major additions to the battle system that make it easier to control your characters, but if I would list everything that’s better in TSE2 this post would be ridiculously long.

I guess what I’m saying is that even if you thought TSE1 was a terrible game, the sequel is still worth checking out, because in terms of quality they’re in entirely different leagues.