On April 26th, developer lightUP released Witch Rise, retro pixel art first-person-shooter. The game has been released on Steam and Itch.io, where lightUP’s Juliano Lima has released 14 other indie games so far. Key characteristics of his most recent project, Witch Rise, are it’s “action RPG elements, like leveling system, a metroidvania style exploration and 2D sprites in a 3D environment.”
In Witch Rise, players step into the shoes of a young girl who has been cursed to transform into a pig by powerful sorcerer who has fallen into corruption. Players will embark on a quest to find the four magic staffs needed order to defeat the sorcerer, who is known as the Fallen Witch. Players must “fight many magical creatures and ancient guardians,” and “search for very powerful items which will be really helpful along the way, in this magical-themed FPS inspired by the classics featuring a leveling system, Metroidvania style exploration map and 2D sprites in a 3D environment.” Metroidvania games are focused on free exploration, where players advance by gaining knowledge and skills and retracing their steps to overcome previously insurmountable barriers. The term comes from the Metroid series and Castlevania series.
Though it is in its early days, the game has received entirely positive reception from those lucky enough to come across this unique indie gem, though there has been some criticism of the lack of feedback generated when striking enemies. In its review of the game, Leaderboard Reviews mentioned these concerns, writing: “Witch Rise prefers to excel in its lane rather than reinvent the wheel, which should make it very accessible. Although there was some trouble at launch, the developer swiftly updated the game in response, adding hit markers and better range. It’s clear they’re dedicated and are certain to continue supporting the game after launch.” Still, they conceded that such a charming game is just too hard not to like. Overall, Witch Rise isn’t revolutionary,” Leaderboard Reviews wrote, “but it isn’t solely reliant on nostalgia either. It looks like a highly thematic and breezy good time, and the art design should make everything a delight to discover.
Witch Rise is currently on sale on Steam and on Itch.io for $3.99.