It's more challenging than the first, but it's still quite easy. Not to say that it isn't great. *SPOILER
The game still has its co-op, and that is where the game really shines. The multiplayer is excellent. Two people can play side by side without that annoying split screen. The game is fun even without co-op, but I still recommend it. The only main problem with the co-op play is that you can't go too far from the other player without holding him/her back, and though this can be frusturating, I still think that this game has some of the best co-op that I've seen to date. The graphics are great too. The water looks like PS3, and there are some glitches, but everything mostly looks excellent. The characters have some goofy faces and attitudes, and really look just like the Lego sets.
The characters don't talk, but instead grumble. It's annoying at times, but mostly it fits the characters quite well. The gameplay is pretty fun, though simple. X to jump, square to attack, O to use the force or grapple with your gun, and that's basically it. There are some fun vehicles in the game as well, like ships. You don't have much freedom in the levels, but there are some hidden rooms to spice things up. The cantina is a cool place to hang out, it's like the Dexters Diner of this game. You can purchase characters, extras, ships, run around and play around with your characters, you can creat a character there, you can fight the other characters there, and you can blow stuff up for Studs there.
Studs are the currency in this game. they're little Lego pieces that can be found from breaking things. Sometimes you can get them from putting things together. In addition to Studs, you also find bricks. There are Power Bricks throughout the levels, and gold bricks. You can also preform bounty hunter challenges where you're timed, and you play as all of the bounty hunters. These are fun, but annoying to have to complete. And there's also Lego City. Lego City is a place that you unlock with enough bricks. You go through and collect Studs from putting things together. It's not very fun and is basically pointless.
There are three types of characters in the game: Droids, which can activate panels... Blasters, (As I call them) who can jump, shoot, and use grapples. Then of course, you've got the Jedi. They can jump, double jump, use the force, and hit with their Lightsabers. There are also Sith, which can activate certain doors, and move certain objects. Throughout the levels you must collect Minikits, which will build ships and things, then give you tons of Studs. You need both Jedi and Sith for this.
Just about everyone is in this game. If you can't play as them, then you see them in cutscenes. Pretty much all of the enemys you fight you can unlock. This is cool for those of you who like to be the enemys. As a droid, you can avoid being killed by other droids. That's basically the only useful thing that any enemy can do. Most of the enemys are weak, and therefore pointless. They're still fun to have though. One of my personal favorites is the Beach Trooper. He's just funny.
Beating the game will only take a few hours, but if you plan on going through and collecting every unlockable, then that can take days. With all of the unlockables, the game has mega replay value, which is very good for people who enjoy the game a lot.
Just for the record, you'll start the game with only two characters, but as you beat levels, you'll start to unlock more. After beating a boss, they'll become available for purchase at the store. You can also use cheat codes to unlock characters, but what fun is that? Then you've got nothing to look forward too! Some of the characters are ghosts. They're some of my favorites. You can get get Obi Wan Ghost, Yoda Ghost and Anikin Ghost. (Or however his name is spelled!) They're very expensive, but they can't be seen, and therefore, you've gotta buy them whenever possible.
Pros: Tons of replay value. Great graphics. Cute characters. Character customization is cool. Funny at times.
Cons: It's way too easy. You sometimes might not know what the extras do.
Despite being easy, Lego Star Wars II is still a great game. It was originally for younger kids, which explains why it's so easy, but still, it wouldn't hurt to be A LITTLE more challening. Regardless, chances are you'll enjoy this game, and you should get it if you can.