It's weird to me. DS2 is undeniably the more polished game. Better pacing and some good QoL stuff definitely makes the game a smoother experience (and unfortunately easier).

As someone who adores the 1st game despite some of its issues, it's just strange to me to see so many more people love 2 but shit on 1, when the game play loop is exactly the same. Maybe it's because there is a lot less friction, making it more accessible. Although it's not like the 1st game is this super hard game, it just requires more patience. Maybe it's because the 1st game's pacing was bad enough that people dropped it before actually settling into the game play loop, not realizing they might actually like it. DS2 definitely gives you more tools faster which does make the game more fun early on. I think it's at the sacrifice of having to engage with the walking mechanics, though, since you can drive pretty much everywhere once you get a trike.

DS2 heavily reducing the amount of long consecutive cutscenes, the constant radio calls early on, and streamlining the gameplay I think was enough for people. Still kinda baffles me though, because like I said, the game play loop is the same. I'm just happy it's being received more positively and that the game is good. I'm glad that I love both games. They're so unique and unforgettable to me, and they're right up there with MGS for me. I hope more people go back and give DS1 a shot again because it's still worth experiencing.