Fans of immersive, narrative-driven RPGs have reason to rejoice. The creative mind behind Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, a cult classic revered for its branching storytelling and atmospheric world-building, has unveiled a bold new project: Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree. Blending the deep role-playing foundations of ’90s CRPGs with the punishing, precision-based combat of modern Soulslike titles, this dark fantasy adventure aims to bridge generations of RPG fans. Even better? A free demo is available now on Steam, offering a taste of its haunting world.
A Return to Roots with a Modern Edge
Helmed by veteran designer Alexei Voronkov, whose work on Bloodlines cemented his reputation for crafting morally gray narratives, Mandragora promises a return to the intricate dialogue trees, faction politics, and character customization that defined classic RPGs. Set in the cursed realm of Vethera, players assume the role of a “Witch-Touched” outcast, gifted—or cursed—with the ability to commune with the ancient Mandragora, sentient tree-like entities holding the secrets of a decaying world.
“We wanted to channel the spirit of games like Planescape: Torment and Baldur’s Gate, where every choice carves a unique path through the story,” Voronkov explained in a press statement. “But we also craved a combat system that demands mastery. The Soulslike influence isn’t just about difficulty—it’s about weight, timing, and the thrill of overcoming seemingly impossible odds.”
Soulslike Meets Storytelling
While Mandragora’s DNA is rooted in Voronkov’s signature narrative depth, its combat system is a stark departure from Bloodlines’ real-time brawls. Battles are methodical, requiring players to study enemy patterns, manage stamina, and exploit weaknesses. Weapon upgrades, parries, and dodges feel distinctly Souls-inspired, but with a twist: the Witch-Touched’s symbiotic bond with the Mandragora allows for supernatural abilities, such as summoning thorny vines to immobilize foes or draining life force to heal mid-fight.
The demo, available here on Steam, showcases an early segment where players navigate a blighted forest teeming with grotesque, fungal-infected creatures. The area’s labyrinthine design echoes FromSoftware’s interconnected worlds, with hidden shortcuts and environmental storytelling hinting at Vethera’s tragic history.
Visuals That Whisper of Decay
Artistically, Mandragora leans into a painterly, gothic aesthetic. The Witch Tree’s pulsating roots glow with eerie bioluminescence, while crumbling ruins and twisted flora evoke a world both beautiful and rotting. Character designs, from the plague-masked inquisitors hunting the Witch-Touched to the ethereal Mandragora themselves, are steeped in macabre fantasy.
Demo Reactions and What’s Next
Early players praise the demo’s balance of challenge and intrigue, though some note the steep learning curve. “It’s like Disco Elysium met Dark Souls in a Tim Burton nightmare,” one Steam reviewer quipped. With the full release slated for late 2024, Voronkov’s team plans to expand on player feedback, including tweaks to difficulty settings and additional branching quests.
For RPG enthusiasts craving a marriage of rich storytelling and visceral combat, Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree could be a hauntingly perfect blend. Download the demo now—and see if you’re ready to embrace the whispers.