Eh, I've heard better and worse versions of the song.
And companies just seem to really hate making "more of the same" sequels these days. I mean, I get it, it's easier to make headlines and such with New and Exciting stuff, but for many, many games, I think what fans want really is "more of the same, with a good story, and with minor improvements to looks/menus/etc".
Of course, that means your game gets compared to the old one one differences, and if that's the story and your story sucks...
But anyway, "same engine, new tracks", "same engine, new story", "same engine, new skills",... Are all often better than "completely new and different!" - but they also all get the stink eye as "just like a good mod"etc.