Given the premise is already known, there isn't much the author could do aside from introducing and setting up new characters, as well as give a new character journey for the main character.

In terms of setting, it's the same; and the plot more rushed; the author favoring direct exposition than spending the time for it to become clear as the story progressing. I guess the choice there was to avoid making it boringly long, or changing the genre of the show.

Thematically it's a much stronger more coherent critique compared to the first season. While people think it's a critique of capitalism, it's actually more a critique of liberal democracy, from a liberal who won't sacrifice it for something post liberal. It's more a lament for the Korean soul in certain respects but is also hopeful.

It's anti-conservative, anti-religious, anti the shift within Korean youth culture influenced by American Urban culture and the embracing of the Halyu wave within the West, fueled in part by Korean expression of "urban music" (Urban in the American context). A liberal dissatisfied with liberalism. Highly individualistic, but as with the first season, unable to bring things to a proper resolution.

Given there was going to be little shift in terms of setting. More has been poured into the plot, and characters. We are given more time with other Characters; I imagine since, their reasons would be more compelling than that of our main character. Many mysteries from the first season being resolved makes this feel more like an add on. Ideas from the 1st season being made clearer. The ideological conflict being given a bigger stage.

So, this season is more of a character study far more than the first one. Giving it a feel of clarifying ideas from the first, and its individualistic conception of human motivation, and coping strategies. It's a competent an anti-morality tale, which will struggle to meet the expectations of the fanbase that loved it for the gore; but has opened new doors, promising more about those who make the game work, not just those desperate enough to participate.

I give it a 7.5 or an 8 as a piece of entertainment. Those familiar with death games (more common in anime and manga) will not find anything really new. "Liar Game", "Tomodachi Game", "Btoom". It's more of the same. What fans of death games can appreciate is how the author weaves common struggles into his narrative, and how he updates it with his characters.

Most people will like this, except for horror fans. (Specifically, those who hunger after gore). A good watch for those who liked the first season. This is more for the Character-narrative fans, and "theorycels" who enjoy figuring out the author's critique.