I just started play it today for couple hours. I agree with you that there is a lot things to do before you want to start the main mission. There also so much places to explore, I think this one is better then the 3rd one.
I agree that it is better then 3 but until I play through the entire game 2 is still my favorite.
CAG Dogg Level: 43 [?]
Experience: 3,426,559
Next Level: 3,609,430