Definitely better than the first game, but I think I like them equally. The first game was something special, relatively simple (and clean), and had a lot of history behind it for me, but KHII improves SOOO much of the gameplay. Also had a fantastic ending they could've ended the series on if they liked. Only real gripes were some of the worlds not feeling a little small or not fleshed out, normal difficulty being too easy and button-mashy compared to KH1, and the post-game being for Certified Freaks Only (but I also undertand lol).

Even if I'm not as reverent about 2 as other people are, I totally understand the reputation it has.