Demon Hunter 2: New Chapter

The game works, it has a working map, and the puzzles are largely okay, so as per my own policy I'll recommend it, because it is surprisingly rare to find a hidden object game with a decent plot, good characters, or good animation. This game has none of those, mind, I'm just providing some perspective as to why I'm rating it up when I could just as easily rate it poorly.
You want characters with all the depth of a soapdish? Moon-logic puzzles with solutions no sane human would ever think of? An antagonist whose motivations only barely make any sense? Explosions?? A MYSTERY THE GAME FORGETS IT EVEN SET UP??? You get all this and more when you download and play this unneeded sequel!

Just two years after the release of the first game that birthed this series, Demon Hunter 2: New Chapter is released as a sequel. Lore-wise, it takes place 20 years after the first game. At this point, the main character is in her late 40s, presumably, and already very experienced with her demon hunter work.
Let's focus on the good things I found about this game first. The game offers an option for voiceover, which is very nice of a deal considering Artifex Mundi releases horrendous voiceovers for characters sometimes. It's not that they did not deliver, but rather their characteristic did not match the character they play as. This encourages the player to simply imagine than be disappointed with a voice not delivered properly. The characters look quite realistic than usual, too. This makes it differ slightly from its predecessor.
Another trait is not one I mostly bring up, but the diary-like, or the journal entry that usually summarizes the story or indicates the main objectives is quite creative to have pictures structured from a detective's POV. I could attest that some games of Artifex Mundi only presents text instead of the way this game portrayed it. Personally, I found the text-only to be discouraging. Demon Hunter 2 encouraged me to use this said journal more than usual, not only to view notes for answering the puzzles, but to also follow the little summary of the story accordingly. The collectibles are also easier to get as they are halved into these "phases" in the story. The achievements are also very easy to finish in one-sitting, doable for a total of 100% run if you simply pay enough attention with the tasks at hand.
However, the game did not just sit with the positives. I did notice some of the items are hard to see, both for items on use and collectibles. There are also no indicators for said collectibles. This approach may be troublesome to casual players. Nothing too strikingly noticeable for this game to achieve a rate high for me, in deep consideration of the hidden object scenes, puzzles, and story itself. The storyline feels rushed and it didn't feel as compelling, similar to the first game's situation. There is no extra story as well considering we are 20 years in the future of this lore, all that time gap just feels lost and empty.
I believe this review can stress the score of 7.5/10. It can be deemed better than the first game, going so far for me to recommend it. It still lacks a lot but at the same time, covered some of the holes the first game in this installment had. Even so, my almost two and a half hours of gameplay for this game still makes it relevant enough for me to continue playing the series. Though, of course, that time of gameplay is cut short due to its lost opportunity of an extra story.

Demon Hunter 2: New Chapter, developed by Brave Giant LTD and published by Artifex Mundi, continues the studio’s tradition of crafting narrative-driven hidden object adventures steeped in supernatural intrigue. As a sequel in the Demon Hunter series, the game expands both the lore and emotional scope established in its predecessor, blending paranormal investigation with personal discovery. It follows Dawn Harlock, one of the last surviving members of an ancient demon-hunting order, as she confronts not only external threats but also unresolved mysteries surrounding her own origins.
The story unfolds when Dawn receives an unexpected message connected to her foster father’s past, pulling her into a chain of events that hint at deeper truths about her childhood and lineage. What begins as a routine investigation gradually evolves into a layered mystery involving occult forces, scientific experimentation, and hidden legacies. The narrative structure balances present-day investigation with revelations about Dawn’s background, giving the story emotional weight beyond its supernatural premise. The stakes feel personal, grounding the paranormal elements in character-driven motivation.
Gameplay adheres closely to the hidden object adventure formula while maintaining a steady narrative rhythm. Players explore richly illustrated locations, searching for key items that unlock progression. Hidden object scenes are integrated naturally into the story rather than feeling detached from it. Objects found in these sequences often serve practical purposes in puzzles or environmental interactions, reinforcing a cohesive gameplay loop. The difficulty level remains accessible while offering enough complexity to engage genre veterans.
Beyond object searches, the game features a range of logic puzzles and mini-games. These vary from pattern recognition challenges to mechanical contraptions requiring careful sequencing. The puzzles are designed to provide variety without disrupting pacing. They rarely feel overly obscure, instead emphasizing thoughtful observation and methodical problem-solving. The steady alternation between exploration, hidden object scenes, and puzzles maintains momentum throughout the campaign.
Visually, Demon Hunter 2 stands out through its hand-painted environments and atmospheric composition. Locations include dimly lit interiors, laboratories filled with arcane equipment, and outdoor spaces enveloped in mist. Each scene is crafted with attention to detail, layering environmental storytelling into the backgrounds. Subtle lighting effects and muted color palettes contribute to the game’s supernatural tone. The art direction compensates for the absence of cutting-edge graphical fidelity, relying instead on artistic cohesion and mood.
Sound design complements the visual presentation. Ambient audio enhances immersion, while the musical score underscores moments of tension and revelation. Voice acting, though understated, supports character development and clarifies narrative progression. Dialogue sequences are delivered with restraint, allowing the story to unfold naturally rather than overwhelming the player with exposition.
The pacing remains measured and deliberate, consistent with the hidden object genre. The game does not rely on action-heavy sequences but instead builds engagement through steady narrative advancement. While experienced players may recognize familiar structural patterns common to Artifex Mundi titles, Demon Hunter 2 distinguishes itself through its emotional undertones and protagonist focus.
Ultimately, Demon Hunter 2: New Chapter succeeds as a polished and atmospheric hidden object adventure. Its combination of supernatural mystery, character-driven storytelling, and visually detailed environments creates a cohesive experience that appeals to fans of paranormal narratives. While it does not dramatically innovate within its genre, it refines and expands upon established mechanics, delivering a satisfying continuation of Dawn Harlock’s journey. For players who enjoy immersive investigation, carefully crafted puzzles, and story-centric gameplay, it offers a compelling exploration of secrets both ancient and deeply personal.
Rating: 7/10

Another great hidden objects game. The first part was also good!

This was a really good game

excellent