To be completely honest with you, i didn't find this sequel that amazing. Yes they did have those episodes that made you go HOLY CRAP but those are few and far in between. Saki hardly makes any appearances in this one and its quite weird considering that the anime is named 'Saki'.
The series is trying to hard to outshine its predecessor and added too many characters, even going as far as to explore their numerous back stories. For Saki fans who came back expecting the same delightful characters they fell in love with were met with unfamiliar characters, any bad part about this sequel. Saki zenkoku hen barely holds up against the first season, but it is enjoyable if you are a fan of the series. Newcomers would find everything confusing since many terminologies and awesome character KO attacks are just foreign to them. Throw in many more new characters and it is just chaos.
Fortunately, most of the mahjong matches are still interesting, and i have to admit that it is quite fun to see brand new finishing moves. The soundtrack for Saki Zenkoku hen is impeccable, it soothes your ears and makes your blood pump with excitement at the right moments. I especially love the ost which appears when Toyone debuts.
Watching this before the first season will set you up for failure because you will definitely give up at the second episode. Third episode tops. Oh and some of Miyanaga Saki's past is explored and leaves all of us with a cliffhanger. Those prats.
Plot: Could have been done better but fans will most likely love the fact that the story is continuing. 7/10
Characters: Old lovable characters barely make and appearance and there are far too many back stories which are explored which made it quite boring for me. 7/10
Music: I'm a big fan of anime series with great OSTs. This one definitely outshines the first season. 9/10
Recommended: For fans of the first season. Newcomers should stay away or watch the first season first.
