Mandragoras greatest strength is its presentation.
Enemies stick to slow, deliberate attacks that give you plenty of time to react.
Checkpoints are well placed and accentuate the games strong level design.
Its a novel idea for a genre that heavily encourages melee combat, but the balance isnt quite tuned.
Fodder enemies would disintegrate under the sheer power of my Chaos Beam and flurry of projectiles.
Mandragora has multiple combatant options and in-game resources to help adjust the combat difficulty.
It doesnt fully address the games poor late-game balance, but it can help.
New Game Plus is also an option once you complete your playthrough.
Paradoxically, I think this is one of Mandragoras greatest strengths.
Its rare to find a game in this genre that allows you to become this powerful.
Its a refreshing change of pace in a genre that tends to keep balance on a tight leash.
Yet when you look at the games more recent marketing, Metroidvania isnt mentioned anywhere.
During my whole playthrough, there wasnt a single time when I felt motivated to explore older zones.
A second episode, but a third act.
Fortunately, the individual dungeons you visit in Mandragora are well crafted.
Dungeon quality remains stellar throughout, further elevated through Mandragoras gorgeous dark fantasy art style.
Set pieces are also well constructed.
Detailed character portraits and superb voice talent hold your attention during key story moments.
A Kitchen Sink Of Potential
Mandragora is a prime example of kitchen sink design.
Excellent boss design is eroded by ARPG game balance.
Metroidvania design doesnt work when the world map is so linear.
There is an incredible game under all this bloat.
I eagerly await the day when Primal Game Studios announces a sequel or a spiritual successor.
But Im not reviewing potential.
Whats currently here is an ARPG that nails its setting and core gameplay; everything else is underbaked.
Create your Inquisitor from one of six unique Classes, and wield blades and magic to battle nightmarish creatures.
Craft hundreds of weapons and items, and learn powerful Talents to define your combat style.
A review code was provided by the publisher.
I suspected Eurojank, I received Euroexcellence.
