If you've played the first and loved it for its wonderful custom levels, this is certainly a must have. The options for creating your own levels/mini-games/games, and subsequently playing others explorations of the new mechanics, are simply fantastic and lots of fun. In terms of an online experience, LBP 2 is certainly peerless.
However, apart from that, every other facet of the game is grossly underwhelming. Which is odd, because in the first installment Media Molecule did an unprecedented and mind- boggling thing: made an engaging story mode that honestly inspired the gamer to build their own levels. It was a sincere, charming, and fun experience. This time around, the story mode is a far cry from the first game. That's not to say it's not a good experience, it really is, but it pales in comparison to LBP.
The levels have lost their je ne sais quoi; they aren't as fun or as challenging as the first game's story levels. They present nifty new mechanics, but they aren't implemented well enough to inspire you to use them for your own creations (which is the real game here, creating!). The graphics aren't really improved, but in a game like this I could care less. The characters you meet throughout the story are severely faulted people, which is a nice change, but alternatively they are also all stereotypes. No good. The story itself is awful, and unfortunately I think the team either pushed the envelope too much while attempting an epic scope, or was forced to do so. Sure,the story mode is peppered with some great pop culture references, but outside of gameplay it wasn't entertaining, involving, or interesting. Another standout from the first installment, the musical compilation, while retaining diversity, isn't as driving this time.
Sorry to rant, but don't let it discourage you! Far more time was put into the creation "half" of the game, and it is awesome. Pick it up, play through the story, if you lose interest, try to do better yourself! And in the meanwhile, play any of the scores of ingenious player made content, some of which is outstanding.
