yes but that's like playing Nier automata without playing Nier
Can you play XBC2 without playing the first one?
based
Yeah, don't really know why you'd want to though. The first game is leagues better than this garbage, and the only cool moments actually are better appreciated if you've played the first game.
The ending will be confusing-ish, but the rest of the game has no connection to the first one.
But who will take the bait?
Yes.
But you'll enjoy it more if you have.
Yes.
It's literally trash with dumb anime tropes in it. Do yourself a favor and play the first one while not wasting your time with the refuse that is 2.
I mean, the ending being a surprise can kind of be experience on either end of the spectrum considering the biggest surprise is realizing that both universes are connected and Shulk's "Today we use our power to fell a God." line.