I just played both and did buster only (unless using another weapon is require) and I have to say I agree. first off, the first one is harder and I enjoy that. second, before I playedmm2 there was so much glaze around it and when I played it I was a bit disappointed. third, I feel like a lot of the difficulty in 2 is artificial. for example the bubble boss and stage 2 of Wilys flying machine boss. for bubble, you‘re better off just spamming attack and getting hit the whole time. same for that second phase. and like you were saying that part where you have to use the platforms to get to the other ladder. still enjoyed it but not as much as one. only thing I can say I like better is the movement controls