Witch-hunting fantasy action-RPG Mandragora is out now and feels like a gem
1 min read
Summary
When covering Mandragora: Whispers Of The Witch Tree earlier this year, the writer confesses to some initial scepticism, as it appeared to be just another dark fantasy side-scroller, however, the game launches today and having spent some time with it, the writer has changed their mind, and here’s why.
The game is story-led, taking place in an apocalyptic world where a sepulchral King Priest governs the Crimson City, you play an inquisitor who intervenes to mercy-kill a tortured witch and becomes imbued with mysterious power, the game’s 40+ hours long.
What stands out is its centralisation of story and writing, characterising everyinteraction, imbuingNPC chats and behavioural nuances into the animated portraits to create a thick and viscous tone.
It strikes a balance between unlocks in Path of Exile and the lean feel of classic Castlevania, it has animations and controls but is engrossing, and the gently labyrinthine levels woven around Dark Soulsy altars are nicely abundant in secret places.
