The Sequel did some things better than the first game this one have a little bit different gameplay style than the first game, its more a jump and run with rail shooting elements and it did it fully solid:
Pros:
+ 4 playable characers
+ good little skill tree (upgrade weapon elements and character special)
+ very nice graphics
+ 9 stages (3 different worlds)
+ good animations
+ good soundtrack
+ alright story
+ 18 challenges (kill all enemies in different times for medals)
+ standard weapon with 3 different weapon upgrade elements to switch
+ overall the level design is improved
+ no 2D camera sections in this game like the first one had a few, full 3D
+ fun enemies to defeat
Cons:
- the final stage feels rushed and is kinda boring theres almost no enemies and repeat the same final boss 3 times with barely any new attacks
- you dont have a good HUD World anymore like in the first game but its not a really bad thing not very game needs it
- Tree-Top Turmoil challenge is bugged if you jump the first time thought the green portal after the second time it worked how it should be its still possible to do the platin medal
- level design feels better but some of the later stages like the Land of Fire World have a blocky looking design it feels like they used the same big block and copy and paste it in different sizes for the wall tarrain, looks a little odd but it isnt that bad if they had only a small money budget for the game
- a little bit more enemy verity next time, every world should have their completly own new enemies
If i'am honest i liked the first game a little more because of the more interesting character choices and the more collectiables focused gameplay than the sequel but its still a fun and good Sequel. The Second Forest Stage, Forest Waterfall stage, the first snowy mountain stage and the second Land of Fire stage was really good and fun to explore and to look at it, the rest was alright too. This series needs an 3rd game still atleast to make it a Trilogy, please make it happen, wouldnt mind for even a new slightly different gameplay and a new crew team again next time.