Very impressed with this game. Itoi's writing is in a league of its own and it's both more mature and better translated here than in the prequel; witty, funny, quirky and sometimes quite touching. While the prequel also had good writing (and overall worldbuilding), here the gameplay is also good with a fun rhythm gimmick to battles and while it's mostly linear, it works better for the story and pacing I think.
Furthermore, the 2D pixel art and eclectic lo-fi pop/funk/rock/orchestral mix that makes up the OST create a charming and distinct aesthetic polished to near perfection since last time.