Cut the Rope 2 has the same familiar gameplay with new game elements (pictures)

Cut the Rope 2 looks a lot like the original, but adds new levels, characters, and tools to help you accomplish your mission of getting Om Nom his beloved candy.

At the beginning of each new world you'll find a brief tutorial showing you how to use the new tools. This screen comes from the first level, which teaches you the most basic action of the game: how to cut the rope.

After completing each level you'll be able to see how many points you've earned, along with the number of stars obtained. Those stars are important as they unlock future levels and worlds.

It's easy to track your progress through the various worlds and see where you need to pick up those last few stars to move on.

This particular level kept me guessing for some time. I ended up finishing it, but it's just one example of how much can be going on at the same time throughout the game.

In this level, the red character, Lick, uses his tongue to create bridges and barriers, while the balloons and logs work together to hold up (or weigh down) the ropes holding the candy. Popping balloons, creating bridges, and using logs all in the right sequence to feed Om Nom in one shot is the only way to earn all three stars.

At the top of the screenshot you can see there's a small firefly. This firefly walks you through a level and gives you the solution, complete with how to earn all three stars. Don't use your firefly up on the early levels, however, because you're only allotted a set amount and after that you have to pay to use them.

Before you get too far into the game and forget, be sure to head to the settings section and enable iCloud sync. This will ensure that your game progress is saved across all of your iDevices.

Through in-app purchases you're able to personalize the look and feel of the game. You can change the outfit Om Nom wears, or the way the swipe looks when you cut a rope.

As previously mentioned, when you run out of the allotted free tools, you can purchase more. The more you pay, the more you get.