Little Witch Nobeta

Last month, I wrote a preview for Little Witch Nobeta and stated that I was looking forward to carrying on with the game. Now, after finishing the game and seeing everything it has to offer, have my thoughts on developer Pupuya Game’s debut title changed?

- Mike Crewe

Don’t let the cutesy aesthetic fool you, as Little Witch Nobeta is a shooter combined with a soulslike that gives gamers a challenging— and surprisingly unique— take on the genre.

You play as Nobeta, a witch with no recollection of who she is, apart from her name. Not knowing much about herself or her past, Nobeta is drawn to a strange castle where she feels the answers to her forgotten identity lie. Shortly after venturing into the castle, Nobeta comes across a black cat who appears to know more than it’s letting on. This cat tells our little witch that seeking out “the throne”, that is hidden deep within the castle ruins, will lead her to discovering her true identity.

The story as a whole never gets too involved, with cutscenes placed few and far between, although the constant mystery surrounding Nobeta and her past is always intriguing enough that I rather enjoyed the threadbare plot. Those of you that want to fill in as many blanks as possible will find collectibles scattered throughout each level that add some extra lore and world-building to the game.

Little Witch Nobeta is a decent-looking game, with a particular nod towards some great character and enemy designs that range from uniquely charming to downright unsettlingly creepy (I’m looking at you, marionette enemies!). Even though the environments themselves aren’t anything incredible, the lighting— especially light coming from player attacks — definitely made them pop, becoming more than just the drab areas that they first appear to be.