The sequel to one of the most fun and accessible rythm games ever made.
That does not mean the game is perfect though. The main problem I saw with this game was that it didn't really add anything new to the gameplay. You still only tap circles, roll balls or spin circle thingies. They didn't add anything new to the formula therefore you if you played part 1, you can expect to breeze through this game once you get used to the new songs. Speaking of the new songs, they are overall good, and only a LITTLE worse overall than the first game. The game makes up for its downfalls with a higher roster of 19 songs instead of the 15 from the original. That makes things last longer, but essentially this is just another iteration of the same game only with different songs.
The stories for some reason just weren't as appealing to me as the first game's were, but they are still amusing and now with the addition of new opposing cheer squads, things are spiced up a little. I doubt the scenarios will have you as interested as part 1, but they are passable and some of them are very good (like the werewolf and the boy who needs to pee). So the game plays well enough, and honestly the lack of new gameplay is made up for by the ability to skip through intros, having more expanded multiplayer and a new difficulty which is basically Insane mode except without the concentric circles (which means you will have to know when to tap the circles without the bigger circle there to guide you). That brings up a whole new level of challenge which involves you either knowing the beat REALLY well or memorizing the circle orders and timing.
As far as looks, well the game is slightly improved from the original, and also sports a better variety of animations, so it manages to improve just enough to still be good. The game's sound effects still cannot be turned off, which is dissapointing because sometimes it can be really annoying when trying ot listen to the song, so hopefully next time they will give a volume option (which would be much better than just mute or full volume options). On the bright side, the use of the rumble pak (if you have one) is definately a nice addition and the songs once again sound fantastic.
In the end this is a fun sequel to a great rythm game, but if they keep up this formula the series will begin to turn dry. For now though, this is definately worth a purchase...ESPECIALLY if you played the first game. Not interested in rythm games? Then keep away, but keep in mind this game is more accessible to normal people than games like DDR and Beatmania. Enjoy.
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 10/10
Value: 8/10
OVERALL: 8.5/10