Mandragora: Deep Story and Dark Fantasy Action-RPG Looks Very Promising
Remember when I first mentioned Mandragora: Whispers Of The Witch Tree? I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. It looked the part of a dark fantasy side-scroller, reminiscent of Castlevania and Trine, complete with RPG classes, intricate skill trees, and a crafting system brimming with hundreds of items. What truly piqued my interest was Brian Mitsoda, the writer behind Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines, being involved.
Fast forward to today, after spending a couple of hours exploring the full build of Mandragora. I can confidently say, this game has something special. It feels like the good stuff.
A Story-Driven Adventure
Despite the emphasis on systems and craftables in some trailers, Mandragora truly shines with its focus on story. The game is set in an apocalyptic world ruled by a foreboding King Priest within the Crimson City. The King Priest, reminiscent of Judge Claude Frollo, is obsessed with persecuting witches.
You step into the role of a Crimson City inquisitor who, driven by compassion, ends the suffering of a tortured witch. This act imbues you with a mysterious power. In an attempt to maintain appearances, the King Priest declares you a chosen one and tasks you with hunting down another witch. As you embark on this mission, a mysterious voice begins to whisper in your mind.
The opening tutorial is rich with engaging NPC dialogues that flesh out the world. The character portraits, with their twitching and glaring expressions, add a unique visual touch that I personally find appealing. As you navigate the Crimson City, you interact with fellow inquisitors and learn the basics of combat, including dodge-rolling. Soon, you venture into the woods to rescue a blacksmith and confront massive wolves.
Action-RPG Gameplay
As an action-RPG, Mandragora offers a compelling balance between the classic feel of Castlevania and the loot-driven progression of games like Path of Exile 2. You have a primary weapon, an auxiliary item like a spell or shield, a jump ability, ledge-grab, and various equipment slots. Combat emphasizes stamina management and skillful evasion, with the potential to create unique monster-slaying builds by combining abilities and passives.
While the animations and controls may feel slightly clunky at times, the overall experience is captivating. I'm particularly drawn to the intricate level design, featuring Dark Souls-inspired altars for fast travel and leveling up, along with hidden platforms and concealed entrances.
Ultimately, it's the emphasis on story and writing that truly sets Mandragora apart. Even in its gameplay mechanics, the game strives for consistency. For example, early in the game, you might smash some crates, leading to a humorous encounter with the merchant who owns them. It's details like this that demonstrate Mandragora's ability to transform everyday gaming tropes into meaningful characterization.
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun