This game is simply amazing, although the original is always better, this game improves upon the first.
Difficulty: Easy
This game isn't that big of a challenge for most people. Most of the time you will find yourself just waltzing through an area not even thinking about your health or dying. Even on Proud Mode (highest difficulty), if you can rapidly press a button, and pause only to tap another one once or twice, then go back to the original button, you will do ok. However, there are a few moments in KH2 that give you a bit of a challenge.
Learning Curve: 30 to 60 minutes
Most people would put this game at a 0 to 30 minute curve. The reason I disagree with them completely is because it take you at LEAST an hour to even be able to fully use all of the commands in the game.
Gameplay: 9
The gameplay in KH2 is not quite as in depth as the original KH. In the first Kingdom Hearts, you actually had to wonder around and find out how to get somewhere on your own, if it wasn't already obvious. In KH2, even if you wish to go wander around town or go off and do something else, too bad. This game is EXTREMELY linear in that aspect. However, one improvement from the first game is the amount of minigames and such. KH2 is full of minigames and can always be replayed to achieve a better score and possibly get a better reward. This game improves upon much of the first game's problems, things like the camera, the gummi ship, a slight decrease of the amount of button mashing, and a much better interface (command window, main menu, shops, etc.) to deal with. I'm not going to go any further into detail about this as it would give too much away.
Graphics: 10
Just as the first game did, this game also became known for the stunning graphics and the unique styles and layouts of characters and landscapes.
Sound: 10
KH2 has a nice soundtrack with more music and themes than the first one. Also, the new theme song for KH2 is by Utadu Hikaru, just as the theme song for the original KH. Voice acting is also incredible. Most characters sound exactly like they do in the movies or the other games they are pulled from. There are a few minor problems but nothing too bit to make any difference.
Replay Value: 10
This game has at least 60 hours worth of stuff to do. And even longer if you are a person the goes back to try to beat your meaningless high score, or if you just HAVE to have that one gummi piece that has no use anyways.
Final Decision: 9.7
Would this game be worthy for your collection: Yes, it would make a great addition to any gamers collection.
Buy or Rent:
-Casual gamers: Buy
-Hardcore/daily gamers: Buy if you are looking for a great game for your collection. Rent it if you want something to do for the next few days but don't really want a new game for your collection.