Another area where the game has improved somewhat is the comedy. In the first game, odd references and jokes that didn’t translate well from the original German meant that attempts at humour often fell flat. This time I often found myself letting a laugh slip, and I admit to finding Nina’s portrayal of the Monty Python ‘Parrot Sketch’ amusing. Secret Files 2 has a kind of self-awareness thing going on, usually conveyed by Nina speaking to herself, which can be amusing at times while pathos-killing at others. But overall this game made me chuckle a lot more than the original, as the comedy is both better placed and better written. Thankfully, there’s no jokey cutscene at the end up the game as there was in the last game. There is, however, a recap of what happened to all the characters (really, all the characters). For a few of the main characters this would have been fine, but for each and every one it becomes tedious and not that funny. It’s right at the end, though, so you can skip through it until you reach the achievements certificate, with fake stats replicating what it would have been like if Secret Files 2 was an action game.

One of the complaints of Tunguska was the uneven puzzle quality, and while this inconsistency is still present, overall the quality level is higher. There are some really great and interesting puzzles, some good but pointless puzzles, and some which could have been great, but due to the obscure nature of the required object, can quickly become an annoyance. In general, the challenges involving Nina are the great ones, which helps because you spend at least half the time controlling her. Her puzzles are frequently enjoyable and there’s logic in the way they’re executed, if not always the reason why they’re required. Max’s puzzles, on the other hand, can be a little taxing. Usually it is clear what needs to be done and how to do it, but about 10% will leave you scratching your head and thinking the puzzle isn’t working. What often happens is that you actually have the required object, but you’ll have no reason to think you can use it the way the game demands. This is also true during Sam’s part, and I would like to meet the girl who can keep a 6-foot bamboo pole in her jeans.

Most of the puzzles consist of the ‘use this item with that one’ variety and combining objects to create new ones, but there are also some interesting code-cracking puzzles, which are a welcome addition to the mix and follow a logical path to their conclusion. The strongest gameplay point from Tunguska is further refined here, as there are two major puzzles where characters have to work together. This cooperative element adds another dimension to the problem solving, like the need to swap items with Max in order to release Sam from imprisonment. Towards the end of the game, Nina and Max get the chance to work together once again, and while the puzzle itself is enjoyable, it ends with the most ridiculous outcome I have ever seen in a game. The solution is not too obscure or hard to figure out, but the result is so bizarre that it’s highly amusing. The game’s self-awareness makes light of the ridiculousness of certain situations, and though I’m not sure this necessarily excuses an excursion into pure absurdity, it does make it an easier pill to swallow.

A few grumbles aside, there are many more reasons to enjoy Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis. The game is well designed in most respects, looks and sounds great, and is far more polished than many adventures. The plot is intriguing and complicated enough to overcome its clichéd nature, playing well with the Secret Files trademark cinematic style. There’s fun to be had, jokes to be laughed at, and evil villains to vanquish, and the hint system will get you out of some jams with gentle clues when necessary. Most importantly, there is a rewarding feeling with most of the puzzles, when all the pieces click into place and you know you’ve done a good day's adventuring rather than simply trying every item with every hotspot. The game also delivers a respectable amount of gameplay, taking around 12-15 hours to complete. All together, it’s safe to say that Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis is a definite improvement on the original, addressing some of its faults and enhancing the best parts, and although there’s no teaser of a further sequel down the line, I know I won’t be alone in hoping there will be.