First Time
When you first play the game, you probably were excited. I know I was. Not only did I want to play endlessly but I noticed that the game was based on IN-GAME TIME. This isn't too bad but things definitely move along faster than before! When you first start off, as in the first game, many options are locked in your apartment, *cellphone, map and Mira Luna. The overall look of the interface has changed considerably. Its got to be taken into account that the game is no longer played with the 3DS upright but rather as most DS game are played. This new way to play allows various people (2 plus your character) to talk to you at once, opposed to just one (plus yourself) at a time. When I first played I also noticed that the game-makers had included a lot more design, detail and depth (maybe this was because I was playing in 3D) into the clothing. I didn't play too long the first time, I simply didn't want to rush through the plot line.
Things That Popped Out at Me
After getting over the initial awe of the game I noticed that the cell phone added and combined many features from the first that weren't as easily accessible before. Your cell phone contains various apps or "applications". As I mentioned, most are locked when you first start the game but that's OK, their are quickly unlocked as you FILL your HAPPINESS METER*. Filling your happiness meter is essential for the game to progress, it is a measure of how well you spent your time that day and reflects how well you please your customers.
The map has far more locations that you can visit daily than the original, including the Photo Studio, Contest Hall, Makeup Studio, Hair Salon, Your Apartment, Your Store (once you take over Mira Luna), Buyers Center, Downtown, Cafe, Park and Furniture Store. Other locations that you can be invited to include: The Amusement Park, the Concert Venue, Hotel, Restaurant, the Cake Shop, the Rose Garden and City Square. By visiting these locations with your patrons (customers) or friends... you will gain points for your happiness meter. (btw filling your happiness meter and getting a full moon are both essential in unlocking content and progressing throughout the game.)
There also is a lot of new stores for you to shop at! While many of them simply replaced old ones (same style - new name)
The map has far more locations that you can visit daily than the original, including the Photo Studio, Contest Hall, Makeup Studio, Hair Salon, Your Apartment, Your Store (once you take over Mira Luna), Buyers Center, Downtown, Cafe, Park and Furniture Store. Other locations that you can be invited to include: The Amusement Park, the Concert Venue, Hotel, Restaurant, the Cake Shop, the Rose Garden and City Square. By visiting these locations with your patrons (customers) or friends... you will gain points for your happiness meter. (btw filling your happiness meter and getting a full moon are both essential in unlocking content and progressing throughout the game.)
There also is a lot of new stores for you to shop at! While many of them simply replaced old ones (same style - new name)