Video Game Review: Wytchwood

Crafting role-playing and adventure games are quite common on the Switch, so it takes a bit for one to stand out. Whether it be through exceptional gameplay or beautiful visuals, modern crafting games need something to stand out. Fortuantely, Wytchwood  has both of those things.

Wytchwood  is a gorgeous little crafting game in which players assume the role of an old witch in the woods. Players will explore the countryside as they gather materials and ingredients for various enchantments and brews. Along the way players will watch some tall tales play out, run into various people (Who might deserve to be cursed), and best a few monsters. It’s an absolutely cozy time that is sure to appeal fans of games like Animal Crossing or even Don’t Starve (Though it’s not nearly as difficult).

The gameplay is rather simple, with the story essentially giving players tasks that they need to accomplish. Gathering materials is a mix of exploration and puzzles, and completing one task smoothly transitions to the next. It boils down to a bunch of fetch quests, but Wytchwood  has so much charm that I never minded doing never ending fetch quests. Sure there are enemies that can slow down the journey, but there is never really anything that makes the player groan at collecting the next item. The environments are so interactable that new discoveries are always around the corner. Those discoveries are always a pleasure to uncover too. It’s a bunch of busywork, which is why fans of Animal Crossing will feel right at home. There isn’t any combat, players will typically just avoid the dangerous enemies or cast small spells to get them out of their hair for a little bit. It’s not at all a stressful experience, and is a game that can be enjoyed at any pace.

When it comes to presentation, Wytchwood has it all. The visuals are absultely gorgeous. Everything looks like it came from one of the best storybooks you can find on a shelf. The colors are all stunning, with lush environements that all bring a different type of beauty to the game. It doens’t matter if it’s a dark and moody night or a sunny day in the woods, Wytchwood  is beautiful. The environments are full of visual stimuli to catch the player’s eye, but never gets too overwhelming. The music that accompanies players on their journey is nice and thematic. It adds a good background earworm that in no way clashes with the beauty and gameplay of Wytchwood.

There isn’t much to Wytchwood but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t enjoyable. The charming style combined with the relaxing gameplay makes it the perfect casual game. It’s cute, enjoyable, and most importantly, memorable. Wytchwood  is a fantastic game to end this year and is a nice one to cozy up to over the holidays.