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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 delivers an intriguing dark fantasy narrative praised for its world-building, moral complexities, and engaging characters. However, critics largely agree that its execution falters, relying on predictable tropes and lacking emotional depth. While the story starts strong with beautifully illustrated cutscenes, it ultimately feels archetypical and loses momentum, leading to a mixed reception that highlights its potential but underscores its shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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 praise from critics, particularly regarding its intriguing premise and the depth of its world-building. Several reviewers, such as Gaming Nexus and CGMagazine, highlighted the moral complexities and themes of judgment and betrayal that run through the narrative. Critics like Gameliner and Worth Playing appreciated the engaging storytelling and well-constructed characters, noting that the narrative unfolds through beautifully illustrated cutscenes and captivating interactions. Additionally, Hobby Consolas pointed out that despite some clichés, the story manages to engage players with surprising revelations, showcasing a richly developed dark fantasy world. However, the narrative has faced significant criticism for its execution and predictability. Many reviewers, including IGN and Noisy Pixel, expressed disappointment in the story's reliance on familiar tropes and lack of emotional impact, with IGN stating it devolves into anti-twists. Critics like COGconnected and Vandal echoed these sentiments, suggesting that while the premise is intriguing, the execution feels archetypical and lacks depth, with limited impactful choices. ElDesmarque also noted that the story, while initially attractive, loses strength towards the end, indicating a sense of incompleteness that several critics felt. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree presents a compelling dark fantasy narrative with engaging themes and characters, it ultimately falls short in execution. The story's predictability and reliance on clichés detract from its potential, leading to a mixed reception. Critics like Slant Magazine and Generación Xbox recognized the narrative's richness and engagement but acknowledged the absence of innovation and depth that could have elevated the experience. Thus, while the game offers a captivating world and premise, it struggles to maintain player investment throughout its storyline.

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 elements, featuring responsive combat and rewarding exploration, but struggles with combat depth and enemy variety. Critics praise its challenging gameplay and customization options, yet highlight issues like repetitive mechanics and clunky controls. While it shows potential, the game needs refinement to elevate the overall experience.

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 range of positive remarks from critics, highlighting its effective blend of Soulslike and Metroidvania mechanics. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and Gaming Nexus, praised the responsive combat system, which emphasizes stamina management and strategic planning. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Voxel noted the rewarding exploration and character customization options, allowing players to engage with the game in diverse ways. The level design has also received commendation for its construction, facilitating exploration without becoming tedious, as mentioned by GameBlast. Additionally, the game’s challenging difficulty, akin to that of Dark Souls, has been highlighted as a significant draw, with GAMES.CH and Meristation noting the engaging balance of challenge and customization. On the flip side, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the gameplay that detract from the overall experience. IGN and IGN Spain specifically criticized the combat for feeling shallow and repetitive, citing a lack of enemy variety and complexity. Others, such as Worth Playing and Vandal, echoed these sentiments, mentioning issues like recycled bosses and a linear combat system that can lead to a sense of monotony. Additionally, some reviewers, including Generación Xbox and GamingBolt, noted that while the game features a rich skill tree and class system, character control can feel clunky, impacting the fluidity of gameplay. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Multiplayer.it also pointed out that while the combat is satisfying, it lacks the depth and complexity that could elevate it further. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree offers a solid gameplay experience that successfully merges familiar mechanics from the Soulslike and Metroidvania genres. While the game excels in providing challenging encounters and rewarding exploration, it suffers from issues related to combat depth and enemy variety. The opinions of critics such as ElDesmarque and Gameliner reflect a recognition of the game's potential, yet they also underscore the need for refinement in certain areas to enhance the overall gameplay experience. As it stands, the game presents a promising foundation, but it may require further development to fully realize its ambitions.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree wows critics with its stunning graphics and immersive 2.5D art, receiving high praise for its hand-drawn style and vibrant environments. While some feel enemy designs are generic and certain areas lack depth, these minor critiques don't overshadow the game’s overall visual excellence. It's a standout title in its genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

94%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is overwhelmingly positive, with a significant majority of critics praising its aesthetic appeal. Reviewers like COGconnected and GameBlast highlight the game's attractive art design, colorful and detailed style, and beautifully painted 2.5D environments. Critics such as GamingBolt and Hobby Consolas commend the hand-drawn quality and attention to detail in the visuals, noting how the lighting and rich details contribute to an immersive atmosphere. The unique and creative boss designs, as mentioned by Critical Hits, further enhance the visual experience, making the game stand out within its genre. However, there are some criticisms regarding certain aspects of the visual design. Voxel points out that while the medieval fantasy aesthetic is appealing, the designs of enemies and bosses can feel generic and lack originality. This sentiment is echoed by Generación Xbox, who notes that character designs can be repetitive when contrasted with the more intricate designs of the bosses. Additionally, IGN Spain mentions that some areas appear visually flat, which detracts from the overall impact of the graphics. Despite these critiques, they do not overshadow the overall quality of the visual presentation. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree excels in its graphics and visual design, creating a captivating and immersive experience. The game's hand-painted aesthetic and attention to detail have been widely praised, as seen in reviews from Gaming Nexus and Slant Magazine, which emphasize the atmospheric world and textured landscapes. While there are minor criticisms regarding enemy design and visual flatness in certain areas, the overwhelming sentiment remains that the game is visually impressive, making it a noteworthy entry in the genre.

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, enhancing the game's atmosphere with epic and dramatic tones. Critics, including COGconnected and Gameliner, commend the music as a standout feature. However, the sound design suffers from inconsistent voice acting and clichéd dialogue, leading to mixed reviews. While the music is a definite high point, the flaws in sound execution diminish the overall audio experience, marking a clear divide in critical reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

23%

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 range of opinions from critics, with several praising the orchestral soundtrack composed by Christos Antoniou. COGconnected highlights the dramatic orchestral cues that significantly elevate the gaming experience, a sentiment echoed by Vandal, who notes the music's epic and sinister tone that complements the game's aesthetic. Gameliner and Worth Playing also commend the soundtrack, describing it as wonderful and fantastic, respectively, and emphasizing its contribution to the overall atmosphere. Gaming Nexus adds to this positive sentiment by praising the subtlety of the orchestral soundtrack, which enhances the game's ambiance without overwhelming it. Overall, the music is seen as a strong point that enriches the gaming experience. However, not all reviews are uniformly positive, particularly regarding the sound design. IGN criticizes the sound design for inconsistent voice acting and clichéd dialogue, suggesting that these elements detract from the overall experience. Similarly, while GamingBolt does not delve deeply into sound design, it reflects a mixed reception for the protagonist's voice acting. This inconsistency is somewhat countered by Noisy Pixel, who finds the voice work mesmerizing and fitting for the dark fantasy atmosphere, but the overall mixed reviews on voice acting indicate a lack of cohesion in this area. Additionally, Generación Xbox points out the absence of Spanish voice dubbing, which could enhance immersion for Spanish-speaking players, indicating a missed opportunity for broader accessibility. In summary, the overall consensus among critics regarding the sound design and music of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree reveals a dichotomy. While many reviewers, such as COGconnected and Gameliner, celebrate the orchestral soundtrack for its atmospheric contributions, others, like IGN and GamingBolt, highlight significant shortcomings in the sound design, particularly in voice acting. This duality suggests that while the musical elements are a strong asset to the game, the execution of sound design—especially in terms of voice work—leaves room for improvement. Ultimately, the critics agree that while the music enhances the experience, the sound design's inconsistencies may hinder the overall impact of the game's audio landscape.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

"Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree" features a mixed bag of voice acting—critics praise its ability to enhance character depth and the dark fantasy atmosphere, but also highlight inconsistencies and clichéd lines that disrupt immersion. While standout performances exist, uneven quality and forced dialogue undermine the narrative experience, signaling a need for improved consistency in future updates.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

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 mix of positive feedback from several critics. Notably, GameBlast praises the English voice acting and animated character portraits for effectively expressing the characters' personalities, while Gameliner highlights the convincing performances that enhance character portrayal and add depth to the narrative. Similarly, Noisy Pixel emphasizes the voice acting as a strong point, bringing life to the game's dark fantasy setting. Critics like Worth Playing and Vandal also acknowledge standout performances and the involvement of notable actors, contributing positively to the overall experience, which suggests that there are significant strengths in the voice acting that resonate well with players. However, the reviews also reveal several criticisms regarding the voice acting quality. COGconnected points out inconsistencies in writing and performances that detract from the overall quality of the game. IGN echoes this sentiment, noting that some characters deliver clichéd lines that disrupt immersion. GamingBolt and Gaming Nexus mention that while some voice acting is solid, the protagonist's dialogue feels forced and less engaging, which can diminish the player's connection to the narrative. Additionally, GAMES.CH's vague comments about the voice acting quality imply a lack of standout moments, further highlighting the unevenness in the performances across the cast. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a dichotomy in the voice acting quality of "Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree." While many reviewers, such as Slant Magazine and TheXboxHub, recognize the effective contributions of voice acting to the narrative experience, they also caution that inconsistencies exist, particularly in certain character portrayals. The presence of both commendable performances and notable shortcomings indicates that while the voice acting has the potential to enhance the game's immersive qualities, it ultimately falls short of delivering a uniformly high standard. This mixed reception underscores the need for improved consistency in future installments or updates to fully realize the game's narrative ambitions.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree on PS5 receives mixed reviews: some praise its stability and smooth gameplay, while others highlight frustrating control issues and frame drops that mar the experience. Xbox Series X shows better performance overall, though save system concerns loom large. Despite some enjoyment potential, technical flaws are a recurring theme that may deter players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

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 mixed reception among critics, with some positive aspects noted. Reviewers like Noisy Pixel and Vandal highlighted the game's overall stability, with Vandal noting minimal loading times and smooth gameplay. Meristation also reported no specific issues with technical performance or stability, indicating that some players may have experienced a seamless experience. Multiplayer.it added that while there are minor issues with the input and combat system, the game performs well overall, suggesting that many players could enjoy a solid gaming experience on this platform. However, the negatives surrounding the PS5 version cannot be overlooked. Critics such as GamingBolt and Gaming Nexus pointed out significant technical issues, including control frustrations and slowdowns during scene transitions, which disrupt gameplay. IGN mentioned mild framerate drops during long play sessions, while Slant Magazine noted imprecise controls and readability problems in platforming sections. Worth Playing expressed concerns about a rushed and unpolished feel in the latter half of the game, which could detract from the overall experience for some players. On the Xbox Series X front, the technical performance appears to be more consistently positive, with Generación Xbox praising the overall execution of technical aspects, although they mentioned that character control could be improved for better gameplay fluidity. In contrast, CGMagazine raised concerns about the save system, warning that players risk losing progress without clear notifications, which could severely impact the gaming experience. Overall, while there are notable positives regarding technical performance on both platforms, the consensus indicates that Mandragora suffers from a range of technical issues that detract from the experience, particularly on the PS5. Critics generally agree that while some players may find enjoyment in the game, the technical shortcomings could hinder the experience for others, leading to a mixed reception overall.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree offers some replayability through diverse classes, a talent tree, and a New Game Plus mode, enticing players to experiment with builds. However, criticisms loom large, including tedious combat and lack of compelling reasons to revisit old areas, which could dampen the experience. While some players may find engaging content and customization appealing, others might be deterred by the game's design flaws. Overall, it's a mixed bag that may not satisfy everyone.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree reveal several positive aspects that suggest a degree of replayability. Critics like Gameliner and Generación Xbox highlight the game's ability to experiment with different classes and skills, particularly after reaching level 25, which can entice players to revisit the game. The presence of a talent tree and character customization options, noted by Critical Hits and Meristation, further enhances this aspect, allowing players to explore varied playstyles. Additionally, the inclusion of a New Game Plus mode, mentioned by Noisy Pixel and Voxel, adds to the incentive for players to return and experience the game anew with different builds and challenges. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value that cannot be overlooked. IGN points out that monotonous backtracking and tedious combat significantly detract from the appeal of revisiting the game, while Worth Playing mentions a lack of compelling reasons to return to previously explored areas. Furthermore, Gaming Nexus raises concerns about the endgame character loss limiting the ability to fully experiment with builds, which could hinder the overall replay experience. These negative aspects suggest that while there are opportunities for replayability, they may not be sufficient to engage all players. Overall, the consensus among critics presents a mixed view on the replay value of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree. While several reviewers, including Multiplayer.it and Hobby Consolas, acknowledge the substantial content and exploration opportunities that could extend playtime, others, like IGN and Worth Playing, express reservations about the game's mechanics and design choices that could hinder replayability. Ultimately, the game appears to offer a blend of engaging features that may appeal to some players, particularly those who enjoy character customization and exploration, but it also faces significant criticisms that could limit its appeal for others.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding "Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree" is generally positive, particularly regarding its visual presentation and engaging gameplay. Many reviewers, such as GameBlast and Gameliner, praised the game's beautiful visuals and solid world design, highlighting its captivating atmosphere and the successful blend of Metroidvania and soulslike elements. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Meristation noted the game's strong combat mechanics and narrative, suggesting that it stands out as a notable entry in the genre. The game's ability to provide a rewarding experience, as mentioned by ElDesmarque, further reinforces the notion that it has commendable aspects that appeal to fans of action RPGs. However, the game is not without its criticisms. A recurring theme among reviewers is the lack of originality and innovation, with critics like COGconnected and Critical Hits stating that while the game is competent, it doesn't bring anything groundbreaking to the table. IGN and Worth Playing pointed out various flaws that detract from the overall experience, such as technical issues and unpolished elements that can make the gameplay feel half-baked. Additionally, some critics, including Vandal and Voxel, noted a lack of depth in both gameplay and narrative, which may leave players wanting more from the experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that "Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree" is a solid, visually appealing title that successfully combines familiar elements from the Metroidvania and soulslike genres. While it offers engaging gameplay and a captivating atmosphere, many reviewers agree that it falls short in terms of innovation and depth. Critics like GamingBolt and Generación Xbox encapsulate this sentiment by acknowledging the game's enjoyable aspects while also recognizing its limitations. Overall, it appears to be a worthwhile experience for genre enthusiasts, despite its imperfections.

TL;DR

"Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree" impresses with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay, blending Metroidvania and soulslike elements effectively. Critics praise its combat and atmosphere but highlight a lack of originality, technical flaws, and shallow depth. It's a solid experience for genre fans, yet it doesn’t break new ground.

MONSTER

Reviews

60 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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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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Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 5

May 1, 2025

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

Despite some frustrations, Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a captivating blend of genres with a compelling story and engaging gameplay that keeps players returning to the world of Faelduum.

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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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TheXboxHub

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 a solid dark fantasy RPG with engaging gameplay and a decent story, making it worth playing.

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Voxel

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2025

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

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a solid soulsvania that respects genre conventions, with engaging combat and exploration, though it suffers from a lack of originality in design and a forgettable story.

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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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