Can you convince me to get the 2nd game?

I started the 1st game 2 years ago and quickly dropped it. It’s not that I hate the game I find it quite beautiful and sometimes rewarding. But it is also quite frustrating. I found episode 4 to be awesome. But I’m finding it really hard to continue the game and complete it. After a failed mission or falling in a river I just don’t feel like I’m having much fun.

That being said it seems DS2 had a much better reception and it makes me curious to see what all the hype is about. That’s why I’m so set on beating the first one even though it’s a slog to me.

What are some of the things that make DS2 better? Will I enjoy it if I find the first one rather frustrating and somewhat of a chore?