Given what's been floating around about what Mitsoda and his fellow writers were planning for the initial sequel, them not being the writers could be a blessing in disguise, given they were intending to be way more political with the sequel. And I'm not talking vampiric politics and such, which is kinda a staple of VtM. I'm talking IRL politics, which given how Mitsoda's been for a while, I don't doubt would've gotten obnoxious pretty damn fast.
Speaking as someone whose also recently played through the first Bloodlines game, I'm coming toward the sequel with very tempered expectations, and will be keeping an eye out for any red flags. Will also make sure that any purchase won't come until at least a week after release, so there's enough time for a lad I know IRL, who I trust, to play it, since he's been looking forward to the game way longer than I have. If he gives it a stamp of approval, I'll buy. If he doesn't, I'll pass.