The sequel doubles down on everything. More character themes, more variety, and a noticeably bigger sound palette for the DS. "A Night of Dancing Cherry Blossoms" sets a completely different opening tone from the first game, trading peppy pop for something more atmospheric and seasonal.
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"Glass Heart ~Rekka Nagisa's Theme~" has this fragile, crystalline quality that actually matches its title perfectly. "Heavy Striker" and "Mighty Blow" bring genuine intensity to the battle sequences, while "Aquarium Atrium ~Nami & Nagi Futaba's Theme~" does this cool watery, bubbly thing that sounds like the composers were having a blast with the concept.
The "-Duo Style-" remixes of GRADATION and PILGRIMAGE from the first game are a nice touch, rearranged rather than just recycled. "Basking in the setting sun." and "Under the blue sky." are these quiet scene-setting pieces that give the album room to breathe between the character showcases.
Twenty-two tracks deep, and the sequel soundtrack genuinely surpasses the original.