I am a bit late to the party on the VN, had just downloaded it about one week ago, and fell madly in love with it. Now, it's important to mention that I first became familiar with it on the NWN1 format, and had played that long ago. I must say I was majorly disappointed to see the module series dropped in favor of a visual novel format at the time, mainly because I was not really all that familiar with what VN's were, and I guess I just didn't really want to explore a new format, being as I had long ago been spoiled by the NWN1 game engine itself. However....that was then. This is now. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the visual novel! In some ways, it's even better than the module series, it being a more cohesive, tight, well-crafted, not to mention FINISHED story, as opposed to the modules which are incomplete. And the art and graphics are fab. My hesitation or reluctance to try something new in the gaming department is what kept me from playing the VN when it first came out 2ish years ago. Or whenever the final release date for Chapter 5 was, I forgets. But I am so glad I decided to "forge a new path ahead" and get out of that comfort zone. And I was not disappointed, quite the opposite actually. I DL'd the game on JastUSA dot com, not steam or itch dot io. I would like the Dev's Coffee main menu add-on, but not sure I can get it, since I didn't purchase the game from Steam. Ah, well. No big loss. The main thing is the game itself. Granted the stories are different, despite taking place in the same universe/setting, depending on whether one is talking about the NWN1 module series, or the VN format. Both have their good points/merits to them. Though I do have to say the VN is probably the better format for the story being told here. Even if I didn't think so at first, given my initial hesitation.
While I wouldn't mind seeing some adult/mature content in the sequel, and the VN itself, I also have to say the overall story doesn't really need it - though it does add more grit to the general dark and twisted atmosphere of it all. I think it all boils down to what kind of tone or mood you are looking for. Though a patch is always great if you want to go for a lighter tone for the "main game" like the VN did. And I'd definitely buy the patch too, but would first play the game without it, just to compare/contrast the differences.
As for the sequel, while I understand you can take the successive story anyway you like, I do have a couple critiques. I hope you will consider them, but ultimately, its your call what you choose to do in the end. Your game, your decision. Mainly the whole Ari sub-plot.... I would think that if one were given the choice to have other instances happen with that character, whether she backstabs Bright in the Infernal Lair, or whether she is killed by Imposter Raze being thrown into the flames, it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense for her to still be around considered "canon-compliant", if there are other ways it could have gone. Which there were. This goes for any major decision made by the MC, and how each person decided to play Bright as their character. If Ari is meant to be in the sequel, then there should not have been those other 2 paths, as it limits the different types of Brights one could play, and can successfully carry over to the sequel without one having to draw 'The Fates' card from the Deck of Many Things (metaphorically speaking of course). If you know what I mean by that D&D reference. That, and any other paths where something may have occurred differently should be honored, which it seems like you did to some extent already, based on what I've read elsewhere. But if something is meant to be particular to the plot, it would be helpful to know what that is, or allow us the option to say this happened instead. I mean this with the greatest respect possible, as I know you've put a ton of work into this series, the dedication of it all being evident to anyone who cares to take note of such. I am sure I am not the only one who feels blessed to be gifted with this excellent and compellingly well-written story, as it is a real gem amongst rocks, and I can't emphasize that enough. Besides those little critiques in regards to Ari and other details of that nature, everything else I would have to say is pure praise. Though I do hope you decide to continue the module series in some future year. But I can understand if that ship has long since sailed. It would also be nice to see how both completed stories compare to one another, but perhaps I am asking too much. But I will give my thoughts/opinions on this all the same.
I do have one question though. While it may be an obvious answer, I am going to ask all the same. In the mod series, is the "Raze" we are talking to also an imposter or was that a different plot point intended for this VN only? I would think there would be no difference, as that would be a pretty major thing to change, but I'd still like to know. Since we were never officially given an answer to this in the NWN modules.
Kudos to you for taking the time to make this game and its overall setting/universe. I am most definitely a fan, being completely hooked on what will happen next and everything that has happened thus far. I also would LOVE to see a wiki for this series as well. ADWR has one, so why not Demonheart too? Just a thought. Good luck on all that you do, and may your muse provide you with ever-flowing ideas and inspiration for your games (both Demonheart and any other games you decide to create).