Nine Witches: Family Disruption | PS4 Review

In my time as a gamer I've very rarely stumbled upon a point-and-click adventure that was as humorous, engaging, or as puzzling as that of Maniac Mansion or any of the LucasFilm games of the same genre. Thankfully Blowfish Studios, and their team of developers delivered something that hit on all noteworthy points in regards to those set standards of excellence. Through dual protagonists Alexei Krakovitz, and his assistant Akiro Kagasawa we find an unusual story involving an alternate WWII scenario in which a hostage witch, a Nazi general, and a mad scientist release a curse on a town in an attempt to turn the tides of the war in their favor. As the two protagonists whom each interact like a comical version of Sherlock Holmes, and Dr.Watson we slowly unravel the mystery at hand. Krakovitz, a paranormal sleuth and Kagasawa, the hands on investigator through controlled actions help piece together puzzles while interacting with people of interest who in turn help in forwarding the mission objectives at hand. Both from the side of Resistance, and the Nazi regime. With a notebook that acts as a checklist of things to do, the ability to investigate, the ability to use items, and the ability to enter the spirit realm to converse with wayward spirits things become clearer as the moon is slowly eclipsed over the town of Sundae by the curse brought forth by evil deeds.  

Different from your standard point-and-click adventure you'll find that instead of merely pointing and clicking your way through it all you will actually be moving Krakovitz, and Akiro in order to investigate scenes, objects, and persons of interest. All in an attempt to not only find out what it is you need to do, and where it is you need to go, but to also collect the items which will allow you to solve the game's many puzzles. By switching between the two protagonists you will gain access to their specific set of skills. Krakovitz can enter the spirit realm in a ghost state which allows him to interact with ghosts as well as enter inaccessible areas. Akiro on the other hand has access to his notepad which acts as a checklist of things to do. He can also collect items, and investigate objects for clues. The complimentary duo will be the only way in which you can complete the part by part objectives, and ultimately complete the game. 

Gameplay ...

The game itself is broken up into two different areas of discovery and travel. You will first infiltrate the town of Sundae in the disguise of an eccentric filmmaker, and his assistant. As those expected individuals you will talk to the Nazis in person, and the Resistance secretly in an attempt to uncover Okkulte-55's plans regarding a secret tower, and the witch they hold hostage. From that starting point you will travel via an overhead map to different locations within the vicinity including  the town of Sundae itself, a nearby marketplace, a church, a farm, and even a forest. Among other places. Each location containing NPCs to interact with, and puzzle elements to engage. The puzzle elements including the key items will be required in some previously searched locales due to the linked conversation and interaction pathways that open up by discovering new bits of information and key items. The key items in particular can be inspected for further clues, and will only become available to use when you are able to use them. Discerning what to do, and where to go is fairly simple if you pay attention to the shared dialogue, and clues that you encounter. Often times NPCs will go elsewhere to do something cuing you into the fact that you either need to pursue the lead or investigate elsewhere.

Investigation is done on the fly by swapping between Krakovitz, and Akiro using the back two shoulder buttons. Once you are in control of a character you will use each of the four face buttons to perform an action. Each set of four actions is different per character. Akrio, for example can, investigate, bring up his notepad checklist, and interact. At points he can even shoot. Interactions with Akiro include collecting items, using said items, and interacting with environmental objects or NPCs. Interacting with NPCs will open up conversations that can lead to multiple questions which will help you better understand what it is you need to be doing, and where it is you need to be going. In regards to Krakovitz he too can investigate, and interact. His only real difference is in his ability to enter the spirit realm. Here he can ping hidden objects using astral perception as well as converse with the recently deceased whom he finds using his astral sensitivity. Aiding in the finding of clues that Akiro wouldn't be able to uncover himself. He can also enter through previously inaccessible doors, and areas making him a crucial part into solving this otherworldly dilemma.

Extras ...

There are some extras in this game, and for what they're worth they do add a little replay value to the game. You'll find at the main menu an Extended Cut, and a screen filter named after the game's filmmaker which turns the visual display black & white. You can obviously experience something more with the "Extended Cut" of the game as well as play through the game in all it's entirety with a different screen filter. When it comes to places you can explore there are over 60, and collectively the contain over 50 items that can be used in the story progression.

The Verdict ...

I was greatly impressed with Nine Witches. It captured the essence of games I held dear from my childhood. It felt like something from the 80's, and if I were to be so bold as to suggest it I believe this would make for an Awesome live action 80's style film. Either that or a full length Tim Burton feature. The otherworldly nature of it, the humor, and the subject matter are all complimentary, and sell the story being told. The main characters are a likeable pair of individuals as are some of the NPCs you'll happen upon on your journey of discovery. The world itself is weird an wacky in it's alternate view of historical events. When it comes to puzzles nothing is overly complicated, and simply requires moderate sleuthing to move the plot forward. The pacing is well done, and the amount of game you get for the price worthwhile. I think anyone who enjoyed 80's entertainment, and games like Maniac Mansion will fall in love with this indie. Don't miss out on it!