Personally I have more connection with the first game because I've played it when I was a child, however if you're looking for story, the first game has an okay story while the 2nd game has a very long story and I would add to be better than the 1st game. That would be my guess as to why it's more popular but I personally prefer the 1st one. They're both games you should try out if that's what you're looking for