Get ready to step into the mysterious universe of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, landing on Xbox Series X|S this April 17. The creative mind behind this compelling story, Brian Mitsoda, dives into the intricate development process of this much-anticipated title. Navigate through branching storylines where every choice you make shapes not just your destiny, but also the fate of the realm of Faelduum.
Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree boldly steps into the action RPG genre, set within a sinister fantasy world. Brought to life by Primal Game Studio, the game boasts challenging combat inspired by the Soulslike genre and offers an extensive narrative that spans more than 40 hours of gameplay.
With options to explore six diverse character classes, players can advance through an elaborate Talent Tree system and uncover a large interconnected world that’s easy to get lost in. Discover how the game envelops you in its shadowy fantasy, with a deep dive from the writer, Brian Mitsoda.
Defy Your Fate, Inquisitor
Set against the enthralling backdrop of Faelduum, where myths and legends are tangible and magic remains forbidden, you assume the role of an Inquisitor. This role places you in a land ruled by tyrannical archmages and where justice is harshly meted out to magical ‘heretics’ by Inquisitors. Your journey kicks off with a pivotal choice that leads you toward defying the darkness lurking beneath Faelduum’s surface.
“I was drawn to the project due to its strong Castlevania lineage, one of my all-time favorite gaming series,” shares Brian Mitsoda, who alongside Primal Game Studio, crafted the intricate lore and world of Mandragora.
“The game’s dark fantasy vibe reminds me of Berserk, coupled with a sprinkle of classic folk and fairy tale elements,” he adds. This influence is particularly evident in the game’s menagerie of adversaries, from savage wolves to bloodthirsty vampires and other fearsome night creatures. Prepare your weapons or spells as these foes are out for your blood.
Entropy Is Coming
As your Inquisitor embarks on their quest, they uncover that monsters are slipping into Faelduum through reality tears created by Entropy, a mysterious parallel plane. The mission is clear: halt Entropy to save Faelduum. This entails taking on hordes of monstrous creatures and boss battles that escalate in difficulty.
Despite these high stakes, Brian emphasizes the core of the experience is about having fun. "The main priority is always gameplay. I strive to enhance it without hindering flow," says Brian.
“For instance, if you’re facing a bandit, I give context through environmental clues and dialog. Paying attention to background conversations can reveal more about your surroundings,” he explains.
Combining deeply immersive voice acting from talents like Aysha Selim, the game beautifully captures the diverse cultures and regions of Faelduum through distinctive regional accents.
Ripples Through Reality
“I’ve been gaming since I could hold a controller, but creating games caught my interest because it allowed players to actively shape the storyline, unlike traditional media,” shares Brian, highlighting the engaging narrative’s importance in making choices that alter the course of the story.
“The player shapes the Inquisitor’s character through choices, leaving their destiny open-ended,” adds Brian. Despite the game’s dark undertone, he believes redemption is within reach, urging players to explore character quests for deeper insights.
What path will you carve at the end of your journey? Discover your destiny in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree when it releases on April 17 for Xbox Series X|S. Be sure to add it to your wishlist and immerse yourself in the world of Faelduum!
