Amanda the Adventurer 2 Review

Amanda the Adventurer 2 is here, and it doesn’t feel like two minutes since I played and reviewed the first in the series. Whilst I enjoyed the first title, it was short-lived, and you can read my review for that one HERE. At the time of writing, the third instalment is pencilled in for a November release on Steam. So, if you’re planning to try out these games, it makes sense to do them in order, although they don’t have to be played this way.

Gameplay

The gameplay is simplistic, and even casual gamers can tackle this adventure. It’s played from a first-person perspective, which encourages exploration, and features consistent puzzle-solving throughout. Compared with the first instalment, I found the puzzles slightly more complex, which could be frustrating if you’re not into using a bit of brain power.

There is a good variance in puzzles, and they usually require scouring for visual clues in sync with watching the VHS tapes. Listening to the dialogue carefully may unravel the clues you’re looking for. After watching these, they may also alter the layout of the library or even unlock new areas you didn’t have access to before. I enjoyed figuring out how to solve each puzzle by examining objects, checking out symbols and more.

There are multiple endings on offer, and whilst I only did the one through the game, it encourages replayability if you want to discover everything on offer. Take your time and go at your own pace, but beware that there is no hand-holding throughout.

Visuals & Audio

The presentation here is very similar to the first game and ran smoothly throughout my time with the game on Xbox Series X. My favourite portions of the game by far are the creepy cartoons played from VHS tapes. They are really well animated, and the team behind the art design have done a great job.

The public library is well designed with some great lighting effects, making the most of the HDR technology on consoles. During the VHS tapes, it still retains that 90’s flicker and grain, which blends into the vibe the game is going for. Sound design creates a sense of unease with the sound effects bringing that eerie atmosphere to the experience. Voice acting during the VHS tapes is excellent and nails that innocent yet downright creepy tone.

Final Thoughts

Amanda the Adventurer 2 builds on the foundations of the first and again offers a short but strong experience. Puzzles seem smarter, with a slightly more polished presentation, along with a deeper dive into the lore. What I love about these games is that they encourage exploration with a bit of brain power. If you’re after a creepy indie horror title with great animations, puzzling and figuring things out, then it will be worth your while. I’ll likely be back in a year for the Xbox review of AtA3!