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Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
Item: Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresIndie, Platformer, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableApr 17, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperPrimal Game Studio

Overview

Mankind has surrendered the world to the monsters. People hide away behind walls of brick and palisades of ignorance, constructed by their leaders. Joy and delight are coveted jewels, out of reach of the masses. This is not the world you were promised. Travel by night and take it back. Journey through a world in decline, slowly falling prey to the damaging effects of Entropy. Fight against vicious enemies, challenge unique, deadly bosses, meet new allies, enemies, and every shade in-between, and make harsh moral choices. There are many paths worth taking. Choose yours.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree impresses with its rich world-building and moral complexity, captivating players with its dark fantasy setting. However, critics argue that the narrative quickly falls into predictable tropes, diluting its potential. While the hand-painted visuals enhance the experience, the story is criticized for being forgettable and lacking depth, failing to fully engage players. Ultimately, it’s a compelling tale hampered by execution that doesn’t quite rise above genre clichés.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree has garnered a mix of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its engaging premise and rich world-building. Reviewers like Gameliner and CGMagazine highlighted the narrative's moral complexities and the protagonist's journey, which involves navigating a dark fantasy landscape filled with witches and supernatural elements. Critics such as Hobby Consolas appreciated the story's ability to keep players engaged through surprising revelations and well-constructed characters, while LevelUp noted the themes of loyalty and moral choices that add depth to the narrative. The hand-painted style of the opening cutscene, as mentioned by PlayStation Universe, also sets a visually captivating tone that enhances the storytelling experience. However, the narrative has faced significant criticism for its predictability and lack of depth. Many reviewers, including IGN and Vandal, pointed out that while the story starts with an intriguing premise, it quickly devolves into familiar tropes and archetypes. Critics like Noisy Pixel and COGconnected expressed disappointment in the overall engagement of the story, with some feeling that it took a backseat to the action, rendering it forgettable. Additionally, ElDesmarque and Meristation noted that while the story is well-written, it suffers from predictability and feels incomplete, especially towards the end. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree presents a compelling yet flawed narrative. While many found the story engaging and rich in moral dilemmas, the execution often fell short of expectations, leading to a sense of familiarity and predictability. Critics like GamingBolt and Worth Playing acknowledged the narrative's potential but emphasized that it struggles to maintain player investment throughout. Ultimately, the game appears to balance a captivating world and intriguing themes with storytelling that lacks the depth and innovation needed to elevate it beyond genre conventions.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree impresses with its blend of Soulslike and Metroidvania gameplay, featuring responsive combat and rewarding exploration. Critics praise its character progression and strategic difficulty, but many highlight issues like repetitive combat, limited enemy variety, and frustrating platforming. While the game starts strong, its later stages suffer from recycled bosses and unpolished design. Overall, it offers a compelling experience but needs refinement in key areas for greater impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting its engaging mechanics that blend Soulslike and Metroidvania elements. Reviewers such as COGconnected and GameBlast commend the responsive combat system that emphasizes stamina management and precise timing, while others like Noisy Pixel and Voxel praise the ambitious world design and rewarding exploration. The game allows for character progression through various classes and talent trees, as noted by Gameliner and MondoXbox, which adds depth and customization to the gameplay experience. Additionally, many critics appreciate the balance of difficulty, with some like Meristation noting that the gameplay encourages strategic planning and methodical engagement with enemies. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers, including IGN and IGN Spain, point out that while the combat mechanics are solid, they can feel shallow and repetitive, particularly due to a lack of enemy variety and complexity. Critics like GamingBolt and Vandal highlight issues with backtracking and frustrating platforming elements, which detract from the overall experience. Furthermore, Worth Playing mentions that the latter half of the game suffers from recycled bosses and unpolished design, indicating that despite its promising start, the gameplay may falter as players progress. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mandragora offers a compelling blend of familiar gameplay mechanics from the Soulslike and Metroidvania genres, with a strong emphasis on combat and exploration. While many reviewers appreciate the depth of character customization and the engaging combat system, they also note significant shortcomings in enemy variety, level design, and some technical aspects. Critics like Gaming Nexus and Hobby Consolas encapsulate this sentiment, acknowledging the game's potential while pointing out areas that require refinement for a more polished experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a visual masterpiece, celebrated for its stunning art direction, vibrant colors, and immersive 2.5D environments. Critics rave about its intricate designs and atmospheric details, though some point out a lack of originality in character and enemy designs. Overall, the game's captivating visuals overshadow these minor flaws, delivering a striking experience that impresses players and critics alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

95%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, who consistently praise the game's artistic direction and attention to detail. Reviewers from COGconnected and Critical Hits highlight the game's attractive art design and captivating environments, noting the vibrant color palette and intricate character designs. GameBlast and GamingBolt echo these sentiments, emphasizing the beautifully painted 2.5D environments and the hand-drawn quality that enhances the overall atmosphere. The use of rich details, smooth animations, and effective lighting is frequently mentioned, with Hobby Consolas and PlayStation Universe pointing out how these elements contribute to an immersive experience that draws players into the dark fantasy world. However, some criticisms do arise regarding certain aspects of the visual design. Vandal and Voxel note that while the environments are stunning, there is a lack of enemy variety and originality in character designs, which can detract from the overall visual experience. Generación Xbox also points out that while the boss designs are intricate, the character designs can feel generic and repetitive. This contrast between the detailed environments and less imaginative character designs creates a disparity that some critics feel could have been addressed to further enhance the visual appeal. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree excels in its graphics and visual design. The game’s ability to create a rich, atmospheric world through its art style and attention to detail is a common theme in reviews, as noted by Slant Magazine and CGMagazine. While there are minor criticisms regarding character designs and enemy variety, the stunning environments and captivating art direction significantly outweigh these concerns, making the game a visually striking experience that resonates well with players and critics alike.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree boasts a praised orchestral soundtrack by Christos Antoniou that enhances the game's emotional depth and atmosphere. Critics laud its epic tone and subtlety, effectively complementing the visuals. However, voice acting receives mixed reviews, with criticisms of inconsistency and clichéd dialogue, limiting immersion for some players, particularly due to a lack of localization options. Overall, the sound design is strong, but improvements in voice performance and accessibility could elevate the experience further.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the contributions of composer Christos Antoniou. Critics such as COGconnected and LevelUp praise the orchestral soundtrack for its ability to elevate the game's emotional impact and enhance the overall atmosphere. Vandal notes that the music complements the game's aesthetic with an epic and sinister tone, while Gaming Nexus emphasizes the subtlety of the soundtrack, which enhances the gaming experience without being overpowering. Additionally, the ambient soundtrack has been recognized for its ability to complement the visuals effectively, as noted by GamingTrend and Hobby Consolas, contributing positively to the immersive experience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design, particularly concerning voice acting. IGN points out inconsistencies in voice performances and clichéd dialogue that detract from the overall experience. While some critics, like Noisy Pixel, highlight the mesmerizing quality of the voice work, others, such as GamingBolt, provide mixed reviews, indicating that the protagonist's voice acting may not resonate well with all players. Furthermore, the lack of localization options, such as Spanish voice dubbing mentioned by Generación Xbox, could limit immersion for non-English speaking players, highlighting a missed opportunity for broader accessibility. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the music and sound design of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree significantly contribute to its atmospheric and emotional depth, there are areas for improvement, particularly in voice acting consistency and localization. Critics like CGMagazine and TheXboxHub commend the well-executed sound design and effective sound effects, indicating that the game has a solid foundation. However, the mixed feedback on voice acting and the absence of certain language options suggest that while the auditory experience is commendable, it could benefit from further refinement to enhance player immersion and engagement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree receives praise for enhancing character depth and narrative engagement, with critics noting strong performances that bring the dark fantasy to life. However, inconsistencies and clichéd dialogue are highlighted as drawbacks, detracting from the overall immersion. While many commend the performances, others caution that it’s a mixed bag, with notable actors adding appeal but lacking language options for accessibility.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree has garnered a variety of positive remarks from critics, highlighting its capacity to enhance character portrayal and narrative depth. For instance, Gameliner praised the convincing performances that add layers to the characters, while Noisy Pixel emphasized how the voice acting breathes life into the game's dark fantasy setting. Additionally, PlayStation Universe lauded the voice acting as "great," noting the well-written characters and lively dialogue that engage players effectively. Critics like Worth Playing and GamingTrend also echoed this sentiment, describing the voice performances as solid and commendable, which contribute significantly to the game's overall appeal. However, not all reviews are as favorable, with several critics pointing out inconsistencies in the voice acting quality. COGconnected noted that the writing and performances were inconsistent, which detracted from the overall experience. IGN echoed this concern, stating that some characters delivered clichéd lines that disrupted immersion. GamingBolt highlighted that while some characters had solid voice acting, the protagonist's dialogue felt forced and unengaging. This mixed feedback suggests that while certain aspects of the voice acting shine, others fall short, leading to a less cohesive experience. Overall, the consensus among critics presents a nuanced view of the voice acting in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree. While many reviewers, such as Noisy Pixel and GamingTrend, celebrate the performances as a strong point of the game, others like IGN and COGconnected caution that inconsistencies and clichéd dialogue can detract from immersion. The presence of notable actors, as mentioned by Vandal, adds a layer of appeal, but the lack of language options, as pointed out by Generación Xbox and MondoXbox, could limit accessibility for some players. Ultimately, the voice acting is a mixed bag that showcases both commendable strengths and notable weaknesses, reflecting the game's overall complexity.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree on PS5 receives mixed reviews; while some praise its stable performance and quick loading times, critics highlight frustrating control issues and framerate drops that detract from gameplay. In contrast, the Xbox Series X version runs smoothly at 60fps, though concerns about the save system persist. Overall, PS5 players may face a bumpy ride while Xbox users enjoy a better experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree on the PlayStation 5 has garnered a mix of opinions from various critics. On the positive side, several reviewers noted that the game performs well overall, with Noisy Pixel and Meristation highlighting a stable experience without significant technical issues. Vandal also praised the game for its minimal loading times and smooth gameplay, suggesting that the game can deliver a satisfying experience when it runs well. Additionally, PlayStation Universe pointed out the developers' responsiveness to feedback, indicating ongoing support in the form of patches and quality-of-life improvements, which is a positive sign for players concerned about long-term performance. However, there are notable concerns regarding the technical performance on the PS5. Critics like GamingBolt and Slant Magazine reported frustrations with control issues and imprecise controls, particularly during platforming sections. Gaming Nexus and IGN echoed these sentiments, mentioning slowdowns during scene transitions and framerate drops during extended play sessions, which can disrupt gameplay. Worth Playing even suggested that the game feels rushed and unpolished in the latter half, indicating that these technical issues could detract from the overall experience for some players. When considering the Xbox Series X performance, the consensus appears more favorable, with MondoXbox reporting that the game runs smoothly at 60fps on both Series S and X, showcasing good technical performance. However, CGMagazine raised concerns about the save system, which could lead to players losing progress without adequate warnings. Generación Xbox acknowledged that while the technical aspects are generally well-executed, character control could be improved for better gameplay fluidity. Overall, while the PS5 version has received mixed reviews regarding technical performance, with several critics pointing out issues that affect gameplay, the Xbox Series X version seems to be performing better, albeit with some caveats regarding save functionality.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree offers mixed replay value. Critics praise its character customization and talent trees, encouraging diverse playstyles and bolstered by a New Game Plus mode. However, issues like tedious combat, lack of compelling revisits, and a restrictive endgame hinder replay appeal. The consensus leans positive for those who enjoy deep character progression, with potential for over 40 hours of gameplay through side quests, despite some valid concerns.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is mixed, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Many reviewers, including Gameliner and PlayStation Universe, emphasize the game's character customization options and talent trees, which encourage players to experiment with different classes and builds. This sentiment is echoed by Meristation and Generación Xbox, who note that the extensive skill trees and character progression systems contribute to a satisfying replay experience. Additionally, the presence of a New Game Plus mode, mentioned by Noisy Pixel and Voxel, adds further incentive for players to revisit the game, allowing them to explore varied playstyles and tackle challenges anew. Conversely, some critics express concerns that may hinder the game's replay value. IGN points out that monotonous backtracking and tedious combat can make revisiting the game less appealing, while Worth Playing mentions the lack of compelling reasons to return to previously explored areas, diminishing the overall replayability. Additionally, Gaming Nexus highlights that the loss of a key character in the endgame limits the ability to fully explore character builds, which could frustrate players looking for a more expansive replay experience. GamingBolt also notes that a grindy crafting system may detract from the enjoyment of replaying the game. Despite the mixed opinions, the overall consensus among critics suggests that Mandragora has a decent level of replay value, primarily driven by its character customization and exploration elements. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Multiplayer.it acknowledge the game's potential for extended playtime through side quests and secrets, while others like LevelUp appreciate the engagement factor over 40 hours of gameplay. While there are valid criticisms regarding certain gameplay mechanics that may deter some players, the general outlook remains optimistic, particularly for those who enjoy deep character progression and varied playstyles.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is largely positive, with many critics praising its visual appeal and engaging gameplay. Reviewers like GameBlast and Gameliner highlight the beautiful visuals and solid world design, while others, such as PlayStation Universe, commend the thoughtful design and engaging gameplay that make it a strong entry in the souls-like genre. The game is noted for effectively blending elements of Metroidvania and soulslike genres, as mentioned by Meristation and CGMagazine, which adds to its appeal for genre fans. Critics also appreciate the rich story and captivating atmosphere, with Gameliner and Noisy Pixel emphasizing the engaging narrative that keeps players invested. However, several critiques point out significant shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Many reviewers, including IGN and Worth Playing, mention that while the game shows potential, it ultimately feels underwhelming due to various flaws, such as a lack of depth in gameplay and narrative. Critics like Critical Hits and Voxel echo this sentiment, noting that the game lacks originality and innovation, which may disappoint players seeking a groundbreaking experience. Additionally, issues with combat and crafting systems are highlighted by GameBlast and Slant Magazine, indicating that while the game is enjoyable, it is not without its frustrations. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a solid and visually impressive title that successfully appeals to fans of the Metroidvania and soulslike genres, as noted by critics like Hobby Consolas and GamingTrend. However, it is also clear that the game does not fully capitalize on its potential, with many reviewers pointing out its lack of innovation and depth. Overall, while it is recommended for genre enthusiasts, it may not resonate as strongly with those looking for a more polished or original experience, as reflected in the mixed sentiments from critics like IGN and Worth Playing.

TL;DR

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree impresses with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay, making it a solid pick for fans of Metroidvania and soulslike genres. However, critics highlight its lack of depth, originality, and frustrating combat systems, suggesting it falls short of its potential. Recommended for genre enthusiasts, but may disappoint those seeking a more polished experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

67 reviews found

100

Gameliner

PlayStation 5

Apr 27, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree successfully combines elements of Metroidvania and soulslike genres, offering an engaging story, challenging gameplay, and a captivating atmosphere.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Apr 17, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a must-play for fans of fantasy and souls-like games, despite its narrative shortcomings.

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GAMES.CH

PlayStation 5

Apr 17, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review suggests that Mandragora is a noteworthy indie title that offers enjoyable gameplay, especially for fans of sidescroller action.

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ElDesmarque

PlayStation 5

Apr 28, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A pesar de sus fallos, Mandragora ofrece una experiencia gratificante y se recomienda su compra.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

May 29, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is praised for its thoughtful design and engaging gameplay, making it a strong entry in the souls-like genre.

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LevelUp

PlayStation 5

Jun 2, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree provides a solid experience with a unique identity, despite not reaching the heights of genre giants. It successfully combines familiar elements with its own dark fantasy narrative.

Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

May 1, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is an engaging experience that, while not groundbreaking, offers a captivating journey for fans of the genre. It has its flaws but remains enjoyable.

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Slant Magazine

PlayStation 5

Apr 22, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a compelling RPG with a rich story and stunning visuals, though it has some gameplay frustrations and technical issues.

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Meristation

PlayStation 5

May 5, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a well-crafted game that successfully blends elements of metroidvania and soulslike genres, making it highly recommended for fans.

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MondoXbox

Xbox Series X

May 14, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a well-crafted action-RPG that successfully blends genres, offering a rich story, engaging gameplay, and solid technical performance.