Animation:
It might just be me but I felt this season was a bit more consistently drawn than the last season. Other than that, you can expect a very similar style to the previous season with crazy Ayakashis and lots of effects. Most of the important characters are easily recognizable though there are way too many supportive shinki in the show. There are a lot of additional new characters in the show as well, including a shinki with a striking resemblance to Jiraiya from Naruto. Expressions still aren't the best but, given the low bar set by the previous season, they're not bad.
The battles will definitely be one of the selling points of the season with lots of action and tension- this time spread out throughout the show rather than being concentrated in a particular arc. Expect heavy bleeding and some amputations (though shinki are already technically dead...). While Yato's annoyingly long final move prep sequence does get repetitive, he doesn't spam it as much as in the previous season. Luckily, you get some variety here as other gods also show more of their cards this season.
Sound:
The show starts off with a fittingly fast-paced rock OP; it isn't particularly melodic but fits the chaotic and action-heavy nature of the show. The ED is more of a cool down piece with a light melody. The BGM includes many familiar tunes from the previous season, maintaining the vocodized sound of battles and mystery moments.
Miyuki Sawashiro gets a much expanded role this season so expect to hear her deep presence more often. That said, Maaya Uchida still gives a great performance as Hiyori and earns my pick of VA of the show. The rest is a bit mixed but not bad.
Story:
This is probably the strongest improvement from the first season. There is now a clear and distinct purpose throughout the episodes, and the overall tonality has shifted for the better to a more somber and serious tonality. As mentioned above, there are two main arcs each with its own rising action and climax. To be honest, the first of the two arcs is stronger in my opinion; though a tad predictable it was a fun watch. The second arc has a more nefarious undertone, and you don't really get a good feel for what's happening until it's basically over. Expect a few cliff hangers and a fair amount of plot twists along the way.
Unlike the previous season, Bones manages to execute this season well. There's a good balance of action, tension, and character development- oh and a touch of humor occasionally. Overall, the story was entertaining and satisfying.
Character:
You learn quite a bit more about a lot of the characters this season. Unfortunately, Hiyori feels like more of a supporting character here but at least, thankfully, Yukine has calmed down. A good amount of character development takes place for Yato and many of the other gods and their Shiki (yes Yukine included). Bishamon's past for one is pretty interesting- straight-faced Ebisu, not so much. There still are way too many supporting characters but I guess Japan needs to churn out more figurines somehow. Yes, I'm still bitter that Hiyori hasn't gotten any real development after two seasons.
Value:
This was a surprise for me as I was expecting more of the same from last season. The second season is a strong step in the right direction for the franchise and an entertaining watch for followers of the series. Given the nature of the conclusion, I wouldn't say that a third season is out of the question. Regardless, this was a solid season with good plot progression and more grounded characters.
