I found this sequel very disappointing. The platforming and searching for hidden things was practically gone, and in its place was just combat. While the combat was fun, the overall package had been decimated as far as I was concerned. I did like the improvement to the story presentation. Humor scenes actually sometimes made me laugh, and the presentation was way better.
This review contains spoilers
technically i played 2.5 final mix but i didn't mark it. my favorite KH game by a long shot. i didn't have the opportunity to play it as a kid but when i finally got to play it i remember why it had me to interested. the story is great and the characters are phenomenal. seeing a more grown sora and co. is super cool and his black outfit is just perfection. the combat is amazing, it feels super put together and is the best combat in the series. the bossfights are great (especially xemnas and roxas) and it really screams JRPG at you (not a bad thing). Yoko Shimomura cooked once again with the soundtrack and keeps proving why she's one of my goats.
One of the best video game sequels ever made. Everything from the combat to the setpieces are big improvements over the original. There's less emphasis on puzzle-solving world design but that's okay, I got enough of that from Atlantica from the first game. Now I've got a banal music/rhythm I've got to keep coming back to.