Beta access is out now for those who preordered the game, and it comes with an extra beta gift copy to give to a friend.
From the hour I put on so far, it's simply amazing. Everything you expect in a sequel is there. The audio effects are much improved. When you grab a heavy bag your screen tilts to the left to simulate how you would walk with 50 lb duffle bag on your shoulder.
The perks you get for leveling are easier to understand, and it uses a skill tree so you can pick your next perk. In 1 mission there was a part where we had to bring bags of coke to a dropoff, and while we were escorting some bags the cops picked up the ones we left behind and were trying to take off with them! We had to run back and kill the cops.
If the game is this fun in beta I can't wait for the full version. Prepurchase it and join the beta!