I had the unique opportunity to try out several games while serving as a juror for The Game Awards this year, but one of my most anticipated experiences wasn't even on the ballot yet. I'm talking about Mandragora, a game I pre-ordered that grants instant access to its first playtest. This isn't my first encounter with Mandragora; I previously dove into the demo, but the playtest expanded my journey with many more areas to explore. The addition of the new Spellbinder class allowed me to embrace my inner mage, a role I gravitate towards in any game.

What is Mandragora?

It’s being hailed as a ‘Soulsvania’, cleverly merging elements from the challenging Souls-like genre with the intricate exploration mechanics typical of Metroidvanias. Games like Salt and Sanctuary and The Last Faith fall into this exciting hybrid category, and Mandragora promises to deliver a captivating experience. Expect classic RPG elements like save points reminiscent of Dark Souls’ bonfires—resetting enemies (excluding bosses) across areas. Plus, the game has various classes, leveling systems, enchanting and crafting hubs, and those punishing bosses that test your skills and patience.

Gameplay and Exploration

Gameplay embraces a Metroidvania-style layout with puzzles and a map that grows more intricate as you earn new movement abilities. In the playtest, I only had access to a ground pound ability, unlocking specific highlighted areas in the floor, but I also spotted potential double jump and grapple points. This design encourages backtracking, reminiscent of classics like Hollow Knight and Ori and the Blind Forest. Additionally, some areas hinted at a mysterious plane known as 'Entropy', not yet accessible in the playtest but promising further adventures.

Class Mechanics and Boss Battles

As a fan of both Souls-like and Metroidvania genres—having adored Bloodborne and more recently Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown—Mandragora strikes a perfect balance between these styles. While the playtest limited me to the Vanguard class with sword and shield, and the Spellbinder class utilizing ‘Chaos’ magic, the excitement of discovering new, formidable bosses kept the adrenaline pumping. I can't wait to try the 'Astral' class in future play sessions, boasting star-themed spells that damage foes while providing shielding benefits.

Visuals and Immersion

The artistry of Mandragora's 2.5D world is genuinely stunning, evoking a rich sense of depth uncommon in side-scrolling games. Enemies are chillingly designed, while my chaos spells—a striking purple—added an exhilarating visual flair. New areas are enchanting, and clever touches, like a goat that playfully interacts with the foreground, enhance the game's immersion. The moment you step into a boss arena and that haunting choir begins to sing is nothing short of exhilarating.

Combat and Mechanics

The combat mechanics are robust, with a tangible weight to each swing. I discovered a mace that increased my character's heft, resulting in more impactful attacks but making dodge rolling more taxing. The learning curve proved challenging at first; I lost precious 'souls' due to not realizing how the weight class impacted my stamina.

Final Thoughts

Though I thoroughly enjoyed the Mandragora playtest, it wasn’t without its issues. For instance, repetitive boss encounters featuring minions added unnecessary complexity. Fighting the same glowing rat with its minions multiple times became tiresome. Additionally, the expected "death from high falls" mechanic—an integral part of Souls-likes—felt frustrating in a Metroidvania context, leading to some irritating environmental deaths.

Overall, this playtest of Mandragora left me eagerly anticipating its official release on April 17th—perfect timing for a personal birthday gift! There’s another playtest on the horizon before launch, and I can't wait to dive back in to experience more of what the game has to offer.

Mandragora is slated for launch across consoles and PC, and eager fans can pre-order through Steam or Epic to get immediate access to the ongoing playtest. Are you ready to explore this captivating new world?