I’ve been finding the game a lot easier than the previous ones. TRU depends a lot less on trick moves (at least in the main gameplay) and has a much smoother plotline, rather than obviously disjoint authored levels by separate teams vaguely cobbled together at the end. I think the production levels are quite high and there is a lot of content, but the time taken to complete the game may be shorter than before. I prefer it that way. Padding with cheap maze-like levels or corny “combination lever” puzzles is poor show.
Also we are not forced to battle some boss creature every section, trapped in a little area with no ammo left, until we figure out some running around in circles trick or repeated side jump left then right whilst shooting. Or something.
Does anyone remember back in the classic engine days, there was a huge difference between the quality of some levels. Not just the design, but the texturing and attention to detail. I think I remember it being almost alternate in nature. One good level, then one bad level etc. those were the bad old days and it was obvious that they had a couple of really good level builders and the rest weren't so great.