Definitely better than the original.
The Good:
+ Many new pinatas
+ Significantly improved co-op
+ Beautiful visuals
The Bad:
- Surprising difficulty spikes
- Largely unchanged formula
The extremely addictive qualities of the first game are completely intact in this sequel, in fact they are added upon. Gameplay improvements such as the ability to cycle through pinatas are extremely welcome additions to the game. The new pinatas that vary greatly from the returning cast are great, a significantly improved cooperative mode makes the coop actually playable, and the same beautiful visuals brings you joy when you simply gaze at your garden and pinatas.
However, the game suffers from very surprising difficulty spikes for a game that is so family-friendly. Professor Pester has no problem with literally destroying your pinatas, which he can and will do unless you bribe him with chocolate coins, the game's currency. If you don't have enough coins or weren't able to bribe him within the first few moments of him entering the garden (your only chance to bribe him), and aren't high enough level to purchase decoy pinatas, you will probably permanently lose one of your pinatas.
The only other problem with the game that comes to mind is it plays it a bit too safe. The game is very similar to the original and comes off as a bit been-there-done-that, but thankfully that doesn't detract too much from the addictive fun this game has to offer veteran gardeners and newcomers alike.
8.0/10
Great