Mandragora: the dark RPG that captivates with its gothic aesthetics and narrative

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree proposes an intense experience in the RPG genre with soulslike elements, developed by Primal Game Studio. Set in the dark realm of Faelduum, this game invites players to explore a desolate and fantastical universe, where visual beauty contrasts with the moral ruin of its inhabitants.

With an estimated duration of over 40 hours,  the title bets on an immersive narrative, a challenging combat system, and an artistic design that reinforces the melancholy of the environment.

Faelduum: a decay portrayed in 2.5D

Thanks to the Unreal Engine 5, the graphics of Mandragora are one of its strongest pillars. The muted color palette, Victorian-inspired architecture, and extreme landscapes—from shadowy forests to scorching deserts—create a pictorial world that enhances the narrative. This is complemented by a soundtrack composed by Christos Antoniou, which accompanies each scene with epic and twisted tones, enhancing the sense of immersion.

Additionally, the game world is designed in a 2.5D format, allowing for side-scrolling but with visual depth. Although it is promoted with metroidvania elements, some players note a certain linearity in exploration and few rewards for backtracking. Despite this, well-designed shortcuts and the atmosphere are appreciated as elements that maintain interest.

Demanding combat and deep customization

Players embody an Inquisitor who can adopt one of six classes,  each with unique abilities. The combat system takes elements from the soulslike genre, though with more accessible difficulty. The strategic use of talents, equipment crafting, and skill customization offers a rewarding path for those seeking to master their playstyle.

Progress also allows for the improvement of weapons, potions, and trinkets through the contribution of artisans who join the player's caravan, creating a sense of constant progress. However,  imbalances have been reported in advanced stages that make the game excessively easy, reducing the original challenge.

An independent work that bets on narrative

Beyond its technical limitations, Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree manages to establish itself as a solid experience in the independent scene. Its aesthetic proposal, interconnected world, and thematic richness—which explores skepticism, redemption, and decay—highlight it as a game designed for those who value both combat and narrative.

From encounters with grotesque creatures to the quest for the mythical Witch Lantern through the Realm of Entropy, the title offers memorable moments in an environment where every detail seems carefully crafted.