We've seen conflict in series 1, mainly as a bit of a joke between Ko and whoever is pissed at her at the moment, usually Umiko. Series 2, on the other hand, not only involves Aoba in the conflicts (so the impact hits closer to home), these are serious ones people might face in real-life working situations. Granted, in real life conflicts aren't often solved as quickly or cleanly as in this show, but the suggestion to "Hey, let's talk it over. Let's at least try to solve the problem. It's probably better than stewing over it for months" is one that I really wish more people would take up. I get the impression that either the manga artist or scenario writer isn't a big fan of drawn-out conflict, because just about every conflict is resolved amicably in the show. Well, OK, every conflict that isn't a competitive rivalry.
Series 2 is also where we see the characters move forward and grow in their careers. Hifumi decides to get over her near-pathological shyness now that she's been promoted, Umiko takes Nene under her wing, etc. I really like how the ending animation/song in the first half reinforced this, ending the refrain with "Susume susume (Let's go, let's go)" and the entire cast marching.
We also get to see the game creation process at Eagle Jump from concept to release. What's cool about this is that in between her tasks as animator, Hajime ventures out as a fledgling designer herself, so we get to see the playtest cycle in action.
Series 2 is sort of 2 arcs in one. The first arc is Aoba's first steps as lead character designer, and the second is the introduction of 2 entirely new faces, Momiji and Tsubame. The pace picks up in the second half to accommodate the climactic moment not long before game release, but credit to the production staff, writers, etc: it did not feel rushed. Or maybe it did, and it matched the Death March (TM) pace at the end of the release schedule.
I don't know if they expanded the soundtrack over series 1, there wasn't any music that really stood out to me as new. I think I like the new OP over series 1 (I know it looks out of character, but OMG Hifumi is adorable in her mini solo!).
In conclusion, I would love to have a poster of Aoba's illustration piece.
