That game was simply amazing. My brother bought the game on it's first release date, and we did 4-player multiplayer action, along with one of his real life friend's and our cousin.
The only times I ever played alone was to nab the rest of the achievements, but playing with at least one other person is always better.
He got rid of it last year to buy other new games that caught his attention.
It was fun while it lasted.
I wholeheartedly agree with you, however.
The first game was a billion times better than the sequel.