Never played the first one before, but i don't care, this game is awesome!!!
The story is great so far, i haven't completed it yet, as are the characters and battle system. My favourite characters are probably Jr and Uzuki, though i also have developed a likeness for MOMO (her bow is so powerful). Because i hven't played the orignal, i can't compare graphics
( though i'm sure they are better second time round) and the battle systems of the two games. However i think that the battle system is great, and i became instantely hooked. The cinematics are amazing, and filled with action, which is something that most RPG's lack these days., my favourite so far being Uzuki's sword duel at the and of the prologue.
Unforunately as i have mentioned i have yet to complete this game, so my review is based on what i have played so far, but it already ranks in my top five RPG's for PS2. Once i have completed XS 2, i am going to play through the first installment, and buy the third games when it's released, which could be a very long time in England.