Cheaper looking, and bad plot intergration
This is shot in bland locations (most likely disused ruins in Eastern Europe) and it shows. The A-plot (the main story) is interesting, with a single scary supersoldier and how normal soldiers can handle such a formidable opponent. But that idea gets no room to breathe, for reasons that will become apparent.

The B-plot (the sub-plot) about Luke trying recapture his humanity, and could be explored, but of course we don't get to. Instead we get to smash the two plots together and rush to the finale. And of course - Dolph has to be in this for no reason other than the name. There is no sense of why he ought to be in this story, and he contributes nothing.

The movie ham-handedly sets up a sequel which does not get realized the way they imagined it, as Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning does NOT tie directly into this story, and leaves more holes than it answers questions.

This is one to avoid. At least Day of Reckoning has Scott in it. This only has stunt-doubles for a lot of wide-shots of Jean-Claude, as he is tired.