I definitely agree with the slower pace. I am not sure if that's the current build or if its because of the two characters available, but I played S1 like a coked-up speed shooter so the difference was noticable.

I think we have to keep focus on the big picture items seeing as its a pre-alpha demo. Hitbox issues etc will hopefully be smoothed out by launch. Level design feels much more alive. I feel like they're working on making it feel more like a game taking place inside of its own world than just a shooter with a nice skin.