Is A Machine For Pigs best suited to a 'mature' audience?

[Nyarlathotep]

I feel like it would have accomplished what it wanted more if it didn't try to play of as something like TDD. DIdn't Dear Ester do well for them?

I think it accomplished exactly what it wanted, though. Frictional always wanted The Dark Descent to be focused on experience and storytelling above challenging game mechanics. That's why the message at the start of the game asks you to treat it that way.

Frictional knew what kind of games The Chinese Room made, and that's why Frictional approached them for this sequel. They share very similar ideals in terms of game design.