While I appreciated the darker aura of the first game even more (as murders tend to be gloomy, but whatever), this particular art style was colorful, fluid, and thus easier to sell, probably. I also could have done without an entire narration of each dialogue as Id grown used to the funny mumblings every character would sound out in the first, though no offense to their wonderful voice talents. (Is Detective Grimoire supposed to have a British accent? No? Okay.)
(Overall my opinions are very biased, but to be fair, you spoiled me with a great beginning to what Im assuming will be a good series.)
One step up would be the sheer amount of variety in this one - the games within the game. Puzzles, however simplistic, provided fun visuals that extended its quality and kept players occupied between long conversations with their suspects. Plotting ideas, drawing figures, and (my favorite) piecing together audio footage really added depth to the whole experience.
Multiple references were entertaining as well: the glass shard from the fairgrounds as one of Grimoires thoughts, not to mention the little ghost from Haunt the House made a brief cameo. I couldnt help but "aww" at it upon noticing...
As far as story goes, the games majority was pretty easy to grasp, whereas the first case left me wondering a bit longer. This time there were fewer diversions: I knew Boggy wasnt the culprit and figured his real creature would show up eventually to make amends, and I absolutely despised Echo from the start. Other than a slight predictability (probably because this was aimed at a younger audience?), I still enjoyed all the little details and even missed a few things at first.
This is an above average adventure worth paying for, and I cant say that about every game Ive come across. I couldnt put it down for a second, which is usually a mistake at 2 AM, but I have no regrets.
It was good fun. See you at the next sequel.