Although the graphics haven't improved that much, this game has improved immensely from it's predecessor.
First, the ability to practice in minigames have improved a lot for the most part. If you're ever stuck in a minigame that you can't grasp, you can practice over and over again until you get the hang of it.
Second, there are several new minigame modes that has been added in Mario Party 2. For example, I mentioned earlier that you can play a tournament like mode where you can try to win more minigames than your friends. There's also a huge cauldron and you alternately press the A and B buttons to see who pressed the buttons faster. Some of these duel modes are included in the actual boards.
Third, the theme of the boards has bumped up a bit as well. For example, there's an archeological board that reminds us of the dinosaur days. Also, the characters don't wear their traditional trademark clothes. Instead they dress up as archeologists. The music fits the boards perfectly because it sounds like archeological theme music, but the character voices are still redundant. Personally, the repetitiveness doesn't bother me that much, but it may tick off several gamers.
Here are several disappointments that this game doesn't offer. There's still no story mode, which makes single player modes still lack. Luckily, story mode is introduced in Mario Party 3. Also, there are still no team modes, so you still have to compete against your friends. I think team modes were introduced in either Mario Party 3 or 4. The character selections are the same from its predecessor.
The good - can finally practice minigames, themes and variety of modes and minigames have improved, great music and sounds
The bad - no story and team modes still, voices are still repetitive, graphics haven't improved that much, could of had more variety with character selections
Presentation - 8 The characters now wear costumes, and the themes of the boards have a strong connection with the characters. The extra minigame modes extend this party. It's too bad that there aren't a lot of characters to choose from. The ability to practice in minigames really makes this game easier to play and enjoy.
Graphics - 5 Although the characters still look blocky and large, the boards have been decorated, and they look smooth and pixilated.
Sound - 7 The theme music fits perfectly with their boards, but the character voices are still repetitive.
Game play - 8 Some minigames require luck, but most of them rely on skill.
Lasting approval - 7 There may not be any official single player and team modes, but the multiplayer (up to four player) modes are what this game is really known for.
Overall 7 out of 10