I’m a big fan of mascot horror games, like Poppy Playtime, FNAF, and The Bunny Graveyard. It’s even better when the game isn’t all about being chased and focuses on the puzzle-solving. The Amanda the Adventurer series has been something I’ve been keeping my eye on for a long time. With Amanda The Adventurer 3 coming to Steam later this year, they just dropped a full demo for it – a prequel to the entire franchise.

Amanda the Adventurer 3 is coming later this year, but the demo will whet your appetite.

If you’re unaware of this series, Amanda the Adventurer places you in the role of Riley Park, a voiceless protagonist who seems to acquire their Aunt Kate’s home (or at least move into it in her absence). Riley, who has an ambiguously-gendered name and is referred to as “they” in marketing materials, finds an old stack of VHS tapes in the attic for an old public access children’s show, aptly named Amanda the Adventurer. The tapes are weirdly interactive and, through various puzzles and supernatural experiences, Riley starts to uncover the reality of the mystery surrounding the town, Amanda, and their aunt’s disappearance.

While the first game is set in Aunt Kate’s attic, the second game brought them to the Kensdale Public Library where Kate worked. The demon that seems to be attached to Amanda follows, leading to other problems that arise during the course of the game. The company that produced Amanda the Adventurer, Hameln Entertainment, is dealing with demonic and supernatural forces, and they’re also coming for Riley.

While I won’t spoil the rest of the story you’re meant to uncover, the second game ends on a cliffhanger, leading to the third and final installment announced earlier this year, Amanda the Adventurer 3. But, MANGLEDmaw Games and DreadXP just released a demo for it. I’m always excited when additional content offers additional lore, like with Giggleland’s recent ARG.

Instead of just giving us a chunk of Amanda the Adventurer 3, the demo will be set as a prequel to all three games. During the story, it’s been hinted that someone may have infiltrated the Hameln Entertainment underground laboratories. This demo appears to tell that story. Basically, while you could go through the three games and get a full experience, this demo will enhance the lore for what is really going on.

As for Amanda the Adventurer 3, here’s a breakdown of what to expect later this year, as provided by DreadXP:

  • Challenging, escape room-style puzzles using clues hidden within the tapes.
  • Interact with Amanda and friends in an all-new series of 90s-style CGI adventures!
  • New Area: You’re not at the Kensdale Public Library anymore! Explore an abandoned Hameln facility with decades of secrets to uncover.
  • Bring closure to the story of Amanda, Riley, Aunt Kate, and everyone affected by the sinister production of Amanda the Adventurer and Hameln Entertainment’s mysterious motivations.

Grab the demo for Amanda the Adventurer 3 now on Steam and wishlist the final game as it helps the developers out.

If you’re a fan of horror games that may be a tad bit cozier, check out our reviews on A Game About Digging a Hole, Exit 8, and Grunn. They’re all amazing and worth checking out, if you like the idea of horror but might have a weak heart like me.