Overall the game was just shy of the first. I am not sure if it was the change in the humor (more over-the-top and sometimes felt they were trying too hard instead of letting it be more natural), sequel syndrome, minor changes in game play, or a bit of all three.
I found this game to be not quite as good as the first Borderlands, but it definitely stands on its own; The characters are interesting and amusing, and I appreciate the references back to the first game; I took personal amusement with the main antagonist.
Part of this may be sequel syndrome, but some of it felt like they were trying too hard; The humor wasn't quite as original, and I found it to be far more crude and direct; I rather enjoyed the subtly of some of the humor of the first game.