As is the popular opinion, I always felt the character designs for the first To Heart TV series were a vast improvement on those of the original game. Yet, even though the inferior game designs have returned for the sequel, they don't bother me as much as I thought they would. Perhaps I'm just happy to see more To Heart - even if the show feels different. And that's not simply due to the different look.
For the most part, we pick up where we left off. Some characters, however, seem to have undergone some noticeable changes in personality - presumably the result of character development that took place in the first series. Kotone is perhaps the most dramatic example, as she doesn't really seem like her shy, quiet self anymore. It's not a bad change, but it took me by surprise. And, yes, Multi is back, but - well, I won't spoil what looks to be a major plot point early on.
And since I mention plot, I should say I'm left with the impression there'll be more of just that this time around. Whereas the first series was primarily occupied with introducing each character, the sequel appears more likely to use their combined presence to tell a larger story. The potential for drama seems much greater.
On the production side, the animation is fairly standard, but looks nice. The music sounds more game-influenced compared to the first series' pleasant orchestral score. The OP theme has a nice old school feel, although a true OP animation is lacking for now (is it just me, or is this happening more often lately?). The ED is standard fare.
Despite there being some changes I'm not all that happy with, there are a few changes that I think may allow the sequel to be an improvement on the first series in the long run. I'm anxious to see, of course.