This is how an anime style mech game should be made, not to mention that improvements over part 1.
Graphics 10/10: Yes I do believe that on such an ambitious PS2 title the graphics were as perfect as they could possibly be. It is pointed out that there isn't an insane amount of detail on the regular enemies, but there is enough detail and yet you are able to have so many on screen at once. ****SPOILER ALERT*** remember when you had to infiltrate the Bahram stronghold with just a few Levs in a LOTR style suicide mission of like 20 of you vs 1000's of them? Yes, Jehuty looks vibrant, the environments are impressive and there is uniqueness to each are, from Calisto to Mars, and even that crazy space battle with Anubis. Leaning towards a more anime style was also perfect for this series, although I liked the original's approach, this works just as good if not better.
Sound 9.8/10: I mean there is really nothing bad to say about that sound. Each area's music seems to fit perfectly. I just love that gratifying crushing sound when I grab an enemy and smash him against the wall hehe. Only a couple of parts in the english voice acting seemed somewhat awkward, hence why I didn't throw in a 10/10 for this dept. However overall they were on point.
Gameplay 9.5/10: This game has a huge strength in terms of gameplay and it's the fact that there are several WOW moments that you just want to go back to and play again, example being the previous spoiler of that infiltration, it was really epic. The mech viola battles were fun to me, the highspeed combat on that train, facing off the Vic Viper, Anubis fights, etc. Noone can tell me though that they didn't enjoy the game even more the moment they got to use the sub-light speed on Jehuty! I think that also is a nice addition on the New Game + aspect of the game. So all in all I can say this game has some sort of gratifying replay value. I do wish that it was somewhat longer.
Story 9.5/10: The whole storyline, Dingo's past, Leo returning,etc. It was very good. I could tell it's a Kojima game because of it. My single gripe was Nohman's motivation for project Aumaan, I just felt it was a little on the half-assed side...dunno, it's good but I guess I was expecting a little more behind it who knows. It was nostalgic to see Viola though (I liked her in 1).
Anyways this game is a gem and if you haven't gotten it by now, look for it used or something, ebay, etc. It is worth it!