A simpler iteration, but not as fun as the original.
The Penumbra series is confusing to follow, but I had a much easier time following the storyline of this episode contrasted with the last one... which is odd, because now that I've figured out the overarching narrative the first game was definitely simpler in hindsight.
The puzzles were not always the most intuitive, but they were definitely easier to follow than the last iteration.
The horror elements were few and far between, but I definitely avoided playing this game when nobody else was home. The combat was worse in this game as there are no weapons to speak of. Instead of making combat difficult and obtuse but still possible, they just made it non-existant.
Overall, a good introduction into a fun series.