Mandragora Whispers of the Witch Tree

I will admit, I am not the biggest fan of side-scrolling games that aim to be the next DARK SOULS. However, let it never be said that I won't try new things.

- By Joshua Render

Publisher: Knights Peak

Developer: Primal Game Studio

Genre: Action Release Date: Out Now Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox X|S

With that in mind, I decided to jump at the chance to give Primal Game Studios' latest title, Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, a try to see if it can change my mind.

From the very start, Mandragora aims to impress with a remarkably strong opening that offers a glimpse into the world of Faeldumm. You take on the role of an Inquisitor, a warrior tasked with enforcing the Priest King's will, mainly by killing witches and burning the odd peasant. During the trial of one of these witches, despite being a puppet of the king, you seemingly choose to show mercy and, as such, are forced into a journey that will reveal the very fate of your world.

The whole game is split into around 60 quests with over 75 locations to explore. Now, while there is plenty to do, the actual plot isn't exactly outstanding. It's not that it's bad exactly, and it does a good job of letting you know why you're doing what you're doing and where you are. The problem is that your Inquisitor is an idiot, and it becomes quite annoying at times. There are events where you run into someone who is clearly hiding something, but you're not allowed to ever call them out.