a great prequel.
this game is alot like the last game but improved in almost every category, the one thing that bugs me is you can only have 3 party members total which is not that bad because the battles are really fun. they explain alot of why the things happened in the original, which is really really cool.
sound: I'll start with my biggest complaint of the original game the voice acting it was nasily and really annoying and that problem has been fixed and is actually pretty well done, the music is terrific and improved from the first game one thing that i miss is giacomos original theme chaotic dance which has been remixed and its not as good.
Graphics: the backgrounds are pre-rendered and are as gorgeous as ever some things kind of blend together which can make finding an exit hard but that only happened to me once. the character models arent terribly upgraded but they are done very well.
Gameplay: the gameplay is faster paced and more frantic than the first, which is a very good thing. sometimes boss fights can be hard if you dont get a good hand but if you set up a good deck that wont happen. the added ability of using your wings outside of battle is a very welcome addition. I mentioned earlier the fact that you only have 3 party members which is a small amount but it actuall is pretty nice because in most games 3 characters are usually the ones that are focused upon. also there is only one deck which can be kind of confusing but it works very well. it is very fast paced and is improved vastly over the first game, also you get more empty quest magnus so you can hold more items. earning money has been made easier instead of shooting a picture of an enemy you get gold after a battle, and no more going to a church to level up you still go to a church but just to buy auras ( temporary enhancements). also the addition of numerous sidequests and a coliseum is just great.
As far as sequels go this is a very good one and i suggest you go out right now and go get it trust me it will hole you over until the wii.