of the Devil Episode 2 Review – Going All In

Back in February, I reviewed episodes 0 and 1 of nth Circle Studios’ crime thriller of the Devil, and since then, the experience of playing it has stuck with me throughout the entire year. Despite playing many other fantastic games in 2025, of The Devil just hit in all the right places, from its frighteningly topical approach to a cyberpunk future to the absolutely stellar character writing and, of course, the distinctive presentation and art style, giving it a look unlike almost anything else out there.  It firmly wedged its way into my favorite games of 2025 and hasn’t budged since, with only one other game rivalling it.

I thought I had likely seen the last of it this year as well, but no, days before Christmas saw the release of Episode 2. I’m certainly not complaining; more of the Devil in my life is always going to be a welcome thing. Seems like a perfect way to close out another year of my time at Noisy Pixel, too; it’s certainly a nice little bookend. So without further ado, let’s peek back in to see what our favorite gambling lawyer, Morgan Esquire, is up to in of the Devil Episode 2.

The Devil’s Advocate: Introducing of the Devil’s Cast & Story

Picking up from where of the Devil Episode 1 left off, Morgan finds herself delving into the lower wards of the city to solve a grisly mass murder, which has set tensions blazing between rival criminal organisations and the police. of the Devil Episode 2 broadens the scope of the already terrific worldbuilding by delving into the criminal underworld, how it can change and shape the lives of those that are swallowed up by it, for better and for worse. It’s genuinely engaging stuff, especially with the occasional in-universe lore documents you come across. of the Devil’s world continues to feel shockingly realistic if you consider the current state of the world, and it doesn’t hold back on being cuttingly, refreshingly blunt in its approach to social issues.

Aside from worldbuilding, character writing was also one of the strongest suits in of the Devil Ep 0 & 1, and they continue that excellent work here. Chiefly, recurring characters each get new dimensions to them in Episode 2, expertly showing that they refused to be anything but one-note. Detectives Qasim London and Farah Reyes really get their time to shine this chapter, while Rival Attorney Emma Rockford has some excellent moments as well, showing excellent depth of character while also being a satisfying foil for Morgan. Some seeds are planted here, too, of her deeper backstory and familial relationships, so I’m looking forward to seeing where those paths lead.

Speaking of, Morgan has some of her finest moments yet in this episode; she continues to be one of the most compelling mystery protagonists I’ve ever seen, with such a knack for messing with people in just the right way. Her morally questionable tendencies are in full force here, while a few introspective moments offer players a peek into her true nature. Much like in the first two episodes, despite her flaws, she’s immensely relatable and fun to watch. There is one scene in particular, in the first few hours of the game, that makes a real show of what kind of person Morgan is, and it is spectacular.

The new characters in Episode 2 are also excellently characterised. My favorite of which is definitely Makoto Ikariya; his haughty, petulant attitude is just equally endearing and hilarious to me, and I love seeing him butt heads with the likes of Morgan, who seems utterly clueless on how to even deal with him, and even Serra, who seems to surprisingly be his equal. Continued strong, expressive character design means that you’re kind of spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your new favorite, though. Mirei in particular caught me completely unawares, with her design alone capturing my heart. Returning character Serra has a slightly more limited role in this episode, but she still makes a strong showing and provides much of the heart and humor. I definitely wish her and Morgan had gotten a few more meaningful moments together, but I understand you need some sort of balance.

The mystery itself is also just as compelling; without spoiling things too much, the circumstances surrounding the murder create some great tension, keeping not only Morgan on her toes but the player as well. While this new case isn’t perhaps as personal as the one found in Episode 1, you feel equally as submerged into it once you realise the stakes for Morgan. Events steadily crescendo until the halfway point, before the layers of mystery finally start to peel away for good in the second half. of the Devil Episode 2 definitely offers just as much for the mystery lover as the first two episodes and then some.

What continues to sit at the core of the Devil, though, and what makes it really compelling, are the very real moments of humanity you see. As frank and as frighteningly real as many political statements are, as gritty, shocking, and cruel as things can get, there’s still hope, still optimism about our nature as humans to do good things. We can easily get weighed down by whatever is happening in the world, and we have to put on our best mask and try our best to not let it break us. But there are things that make it easier, day to day. The world and the characters in the Devil continue to feel real and more than just paper-thin, and I think that helps the Devil stand above almost any other mystery visual novel out there.

The Devil’s Own Luck: of the Devil’s Heartpounding Courtroom

Gameplay largely remains the same, but the returning ones are just as strong as before. The addition of gambling elements continues to make each new objection an exciting one. You can easily play it safe if you want, with minimal betting, but if you’re completely confident in your logic, you can go all in to reap the best rewards. The game’s Highroller Mode continues not be as challenging as I’d perhaps hope, but it still serves as a fantastic way to ramp up the thrills you feel during a risky wager.

While Episodes 0 & 1 weren’t exactly slouches in the visual department, nth Circle Studios has added a bunch of new aesthetic flourishes to this new chapter. Something as simple as adding new cut-ins can really boost the overall experience. Morgan can finally slam her hands down onto her desk like a certain other video game lawyer and god, whenever it happens, the hype skyrockets. Certain art assets seem to have been redrawn and reanimated too, which is an excellent touch! of the Devil has always been a visual treat, just so immaculately stylish, all of these additional bits of polish go a long way to make that core part of its identity shine even brighter.

The environments are also even stronger this time, with some truly excellent design work on the shimmering cyberpunk locales. You’re often not looking at them; you’re typically reading, watching the characters as they emote and change their portraits. But the way each room looks, especially the new rooms at the Ikariya estate, is breathtaking. These background elements play such a huge role in making of the Devil such a hugely stylish and memorable experience, so I think it is worth giving them their due as well.

While perhaps not the best part of the original two episodes, music also played a huge part in making of the Devil so memorable. The tracks from those two chapters return, of course, offering moody synthetics, whether you’re out in the field investigating or in the courtroom. Two new tracks, debuting in Episode 2, inject incredible energy into the courtroom. Coming from composer Lena Raine (you might know her for her work on Minecraft or Celeste), both Morgan and Emma have new character themes that are, hands down, some of the best songs in the game. While it may, once again, be taking a leaf out of another series’ book, the inclusion of these punctuating themes really adds a lot to the sometimes electric atmosphere in of the Devil’s courtroom.

Verdict: Does of the Devil Play Its Cards Right?

I’m not exactly surprised, but of the Devil Episode 2 builds expertly on the already rock-solid foundations set by Episode 0 & 1 and then some. nth Circle Studios have once again crafted a truly cinematic and gripping courtroom thriller here and have left me chomping at the bit for another chapter already. Piece by piece, they’re creating something that is equal parts thought-provoking, exciting, and immensely gripping. I’m even more confident now that when of the Devil concludes, it’ll be one of the finest games in its genre, so long as they keep up with this high bar of quality. Until then, if you’re a fan of gripping mysteries, you owe it to yourself to give of the Devil a shot.