Play Dementium: The Ward first, then Dementium II. The Ward is the original, and Dementium II is its sequel, so that order follows the series’ release and story sequence. It’s a chronology recommendation—not a claim that one game is better, or that every story detail carries directly from one to the next.
How do the games differ?
| What to compare | Dementium: The Ward | Dementium II |
|---|---|---|
| Place in the series | The original, released in 2007, according to contemporary coverage. [Nintendo Life] | The sequel to The Ward. Nintendo UK lists its DS release date as 25 June 2010. [Nintendo UK] |
| Story setup | You wake in an abandoned hospital with no memory and search for clues and a way out while confronting creatures. [Steam] | William Redmoor is held at Bright Dawn Treatment Center and experiences transportation to a parallel dimension. Escaping and uncovering the Doctor’s plans frame the story. [Nintendo UK] |
| Play style and advertised features | First-person horror with shooting, puzzles, weapons, ammunition, flashlight use, and exploration. [Steam] | First-person horror with puzzles and combat. Nintendo highlights three difficulty levels, large 3D areas, an on-screen map, a revised save system and inventory, and the ability to fight while keeping the flashlight equipped. [Nintendo UK] |
| Platform evidence in the cited listings | Listings cover PC on Steam, Nintendo Switch via the Australian eShop, and a physical Switch and PS5 edition from Clear River Games. [Steam] [Nintendo Australia] [Clear River Games] | The Nintendo UK listing documents a Nintendo DS version. The sources cited here do not establish a current remaster or store listing for Dementium II. [Nintendo UK] |
Why start with The Ward?
It is the original, and Dementium II is explicitly identified as its sequel. Beginning with The Ward lets you encounter the series in release order before moving to the new protagonist and treatment-center setting in II. The available information supports that as the clearest order for a newcomer; it does not establish that the sequel depends on knowing every plot point in the first game.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dementium II - Nintendo DS (Renewed) | $229.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Dementium 2 [Nintendo DS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514YfsTVe4L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Dementium 2 [Nintendo DS] | $199.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dementium II - Nintendo DS | $699.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
NUMSKULL GAMES Gearshifters Collector's Edition (Nintendo Switch) | $50.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 - Nintendo DS | $8.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Does Dementium II improve on the original?
Nintendo’s description says Dementium II adds a revamped save system and an inventory interface that gives immediate access to weapons and equipment. It also advertises a map, three difficulty levels, and fighting while keeping the flashlight equipped. These are stated features, not proof of a universal improvement in how the games feel to play.
The critical evidence is not a matched comparison. Andrew Wight’s review for Nintendo Life, published 6 June 2010, covers the North American Nintendo DS version of Dementium II. Wight praised its atmosphere and controls, but criticized repetitive presentation, a thin narrative, and possible friction from the DS touchscreen interface. The review also called the campaign short but challenging and estimated it at about four hours. Those are one reviewer’s impressions of that DS release, not a current comparison with newer versions of The Ward. [Nintendo Life]
#1 Best Overall
- High-intensity sounds, realistic corridors and blood-strewn walls provide the ultimate horror gaming experience
- Encounter more than 16 types of disturbing enemies
- Arm yourself with a variety of multipurpose weapons to destroy enemies and obstacles
- Revamped inventory allows for quick and easy access to weapons and items
- Solve challenging riddles to test your wits and nerves
Which version can you play now?
Platform availability depends on region, edition, and current store or retailer stock. The listings below document specific versions; check your local store before buying.
- The Ward on PC: Steam lists a PC release dated 27 October 2025, developed and published by Atooi. The listing advertises 4K options and marks the game Steam Deck Verified. [Steam]
- The Ward on Switch: Nintendo Australia lists a single-player Switch version published by Atooi, with English support and 694 MB required space. Its page says the game was built from the ground up for Switch; don’t assume it has the same features as the PC edition. [Nintendo Australia]
- The Ward physical edition: Clear River Games lists physical Nintendo Switch and PS5 editions with a 23 July 2026 release date. The page lists English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish text and a PEGI 16 rating. Release and stock details can vary by region. [Clear River Games]
- Dementium II on DS: Nintendo UK’s listing identifies a Nintendo DS Game Card version and gives 25 June 2010 as the UK release date. It does not establish current availability or stock. [Nintendo UK]
Is one game the better choice?
For a new player interested in both, chronology makes the decision straightforward: start with The Ward. Beyond that, the available evidence does not support a universal quality ranking. The review of II is specific to its Nintendo DS release, while The Ward is also listed in newer editions; there is no like-for-like assessment here of their scariness, controls, story, or overall quality.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Explore iconic settings from Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forrest, Hogsmead and, of course, Hogwarts castle. Hogwarts castle is a grand, immersive 3D environment and the largest, most detailed LEGO game location every built.
- Play as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger as well as other favorite characters; over 100 playable characters.
- Attend lessons, cast spells, mix potions, fly on the broomsticks and complete tasks to earn house points.
- Conjure up fun with a friend and play through Harry's first four years at Hogwarts as a team with Drop-In, Drop-out co-op play.
Rank #4
- Drive and destroy. Employ precision control and expert driving skills to race Rings around foes, dodge incoming projectiles, and unleash intense attacks. High-octane action at every turn, slide, and spin.
- mega-vehicle boss battles. Defeat the lawless factions that dominate dystopian future Europe, and take down their insane, heavily armoured boss machines.
- get paid and upgrade! Tackle dangerous delivery missions to ensure the safe arrival of precious Cargo. Get paid, and Modify your car with offensive, defensive, cosmetic, and performance-based customisations.
- explosive delivery. Expand your territory across the post-apocalyptic continent. Only the most skilled gearshift can take on the most perilous routes and reach the mysterious citadel.
Rank #3
- High-intensity sounds, realistic corridors and blood-strewn walls provide the ultimate horror gaming experience
- Encounter more than 16 types of disturbing enemies
- Arm yourself with a variety of multipurpose weapons to destroy enemies and obstacles
- Revamped inventory allows for quick and easy access to weapons and items
- Solve challenging riddles to test your wits and nerves
Rank #2
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