In with the old, add a little new
The graphics in this game are actually very much improved they look incredibly better then the first game including the expansion pack. The terrain looks more life-like and your pet looks droolable from the detail. The people in your villages don't have any improvement to them but you'll start to see different actions (i.e. pregnant women).
The gameplay is jumbled into a toolbar that takes a while to really get used to like any sim-type game. Though constructing buildings tends to be a lot easier and very well done this time around. Instead of just supplying the wood and waiting forever for the humans to build whatever it is you can also take a tree and do a quick build by using the tree's materials (now you may have been able to do this is the previous one but its been awhile since i played it i don't remember being able to).
Now the key factors that make this game more enjoyable is for one, the graphics look amazing and they don't ever turn down like in some sim-type games when scrolling or zooming in to watch battles. The other factor is the fact that you can see what your pet is thinking of doing before he does it so its easier to discipline and make your pet obedient by large. The last enjoyable moment is the leash...you don't have 5 of them to deal with just one. Yea, thats right i said one. Only ONE leash to train your pet and thats what is so great.
Well, in conclusion the game is a good game and very enjoyable but the only reason i would recommend it, is if you're just curious and you have money to spare or if you've never played the first. Otherwise try to borrow from a friend or something because is most of the same.