Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree developed by Primal Game Studio and published by Knights peak is a 2D Dark Fantasy Action RPG (Role Playing Game) with some Souls-like mechanics. While the Souls-like mechanics are there, a major thing to take notice of is that the game relies on utilizing the very best of other genres the developers have experienced as a whole. By making it this way, the developers can genuinely say that they want players to experience the very best from their personal time gaming. This might make the game more of a mashup than anything; it is a project of passion showcasing that certain mechanics have influenced the developers for quite some time. Aside from that, the game relies on the use of dark fantasy as the basis for its narrative and art direction. This allows the developers to focus on fleshing out the game as a whole.
The gameplay is cohesive while utilizing a various number of inspirations for the game as a whole. While this might make the game feel off in some regards, it just adds in new elements into 2D Action games as a whole. Moreover, the gameplay itself stands out to an extent as it relies on combining various well-known game genres into itself. The game takes a lot of inspiration from the Souls’ series of games by FromSoftware, with it relying on a harsh difficulty curve, with stamina and health being tied directly to the series. However, that is where the major connection stands for Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree and the Souls’ series, as the rest of the game focuses on more narrative elements with a focus on combat and an intense skill tree. Aside from that, the game utilizes three in-game resources the player has to manage in order to get stronger over time, and the way to get these items is through quests, boss fights, etc. They are used to purchase weapons, equipment, and items for the player to use to get better gear or to be used in the field. Aside from that, some of them can be used as upgrade material for skills, leaving the last one for leveling up, tying itself to the skill tree the game uses. Each level up provides one point to be used in the skill tree to access certain abilities.
The skill tree is quite particular and quite thorough, as players will need to choose a starting class at the start. Once they reach level 25, they can choose another class to specialize in and obtain skills from there. Moreover, most of these skills are passive, with a focus on allowing the player to focus on combat utilizing a small, limited number of special moves so as to prevent the player from being confused due to the various options available. These special moves are at three at a time, with some of them being locked behind specialized classes, with some allowing the player to unleash a shield charge all the way up to resurrection. Yet, all these skills will allow the player to have some agency in how to play and what to use, allowing them to decide on how to play the game.
The dark fantasy elements in this game are quite the highlight, especially some of the architecture in the game, which is something to behold. By focusing the game around this core element, it allows for certain antistyles to flourish more naturally as opposed to others. This reliance of dark fantasy is quite nice as not too many modern games are utilizing it in this manner. The last major 2D dark fantasy action RPG with Castlevania elements that left a solid impression was Salt and Sanctuary, Salt and Sacrifice, and Dead Cells to some extent. The most recent of these games was released almost 8 years ago, so it’s about time for the gaming market to experience a little bit of 2D dark fantasy. To go back on track, the game allows for some cosmetic changes to occur in the form of modifying armor to have a certain look, so long as the player has the coins to do so.
Primal Games Studio has developed a wonderful game that will most likely see plenty of speedruns, as the game feels perfect for it. The gameplay overall is solid with a focus on player skill, so they will need to get better as the game progresses or power level. As for the dark fantasy elements, the game overall is quite special, as the theme is all spread out throughout the game; it is not so abrasive that it feels overbearing. This is most likely due to the art team putting their best foot forward with the environment and cutscenes. Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a solid 9/10 game, with the extensive yet simple gameplay carrying most of the score. Plus, players can pet cats in the game, so that is a solid bonus.
Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is available for PC via Steam.
Related: Reviews by Kyle Manila
I would describe myself when interacting with games as a strategist with a pension for stealth and loud explosions.
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