A new title that more precisely reflects the project’s distinct identity, setting the stage for a rich and expansive universe.

Mandragora

Mandragora, the highly anticipated 2.5D dark fantasy side-scroller action RPG featuring deep Metroidvania and Souls-like elements, has received significant updates. In an official statement released yesterday, the Hungarian indie studio Primal Game Studio, in partnership with the Dutch publisher Knights Peak, announced a major rebranding, revealing that the game will now be titled Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree.

According to the statement, this rebranding is more than just a stylistic update aimed at crafting a sharper, more visually compelling title. Instead, the new name encapsulates the very essence of the journey ahead, reflecting the studio’s long and evolving development process. It also evokes the deep lore, formidable challenges, and immersive adventures that will define the player’s experience in the enigmatic world of Faelduum.

What changes can we expect in Mandragora? Will the original vision that brought the game to life remain unchanged, or will it be reshaped?

As the Hungarian studio and publisher reveal in their statement, this update has been in the works for some time, primarily to determine the optimal moment for its announcement. The statement continues: “Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree has grown so much since its humble beginnings, and we’re thrilled to have a name that more accurately reflects our game, as well as our hopes and plans for the future.”

However, as Primal Game Studio emphasizes, fans who have been following the project from the very beginning need not be concerned. Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree will remain the same game that players have eagerly anticipated, preserving all the core mechanics and defining features that set it apart. The only change is the new title, one that truly encapsulates its arcane essence.

The release of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is near: Release date, and pre-order details

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree launches on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on April 17. As previously revealed in November on the game’s Steam page, those who pre-order will receive exclusive digital rewards, along with access to two preview builds ahead of the official release.

Pre-ordering grants immediate access to the first preview build, which will remain available until Preview 2 is launched. This initial preview offers approximately four times the content found in the demo, including new enemies, levels, loot, and a brand-new class to try. Preview 2, scheduled for release in early 2025, will provide a more comprehensive preview, offering a deeper dive into the game’s evolving world.

Pre-order bonus contents include:

  • Pre-order Pet Follower
  • Pre-order Armor Transmog Set
  • Pre-order Exclusive In-Game Quest (limited-time exclusivity)
  • Access to Preview Builds

Additionally, a Digital Deluxe edition is available for pre-order, which features all the above rewards, along with additional exclusive content. The Deluxe edition includes:

  • All Pre-order Rewards
  • Deluxe Pet Follower
  • Deluxe Armor Transmog Set
  • Original Soundtrack
  • Digital Artbook

Currently, pre-orders are available exclusively for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Updates regarding console pre-orders will be shared as soon as they are announced by the developers and publisher.

Mandragora

The Realm of Faelduum calls you to venture into its forbidden lands

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is undoubtedly one of April’s most highly anticipated titles—a must-play for those drawn to its evocative and immersive dark fantasy world. With its deep, intricate lore and hauntingly atmospheric setting, this experience promises to draw players into a realm steeped in mystery and allure.

However, with two highly anticipated releases like South of Midnight and Clair Obscur – Expedition 33 also scheduled for April, will Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree manage to carve out its own space, rise above the competition, and secure its place in 2025? While the answer remains uncertain, we wish Primal Game Studio and their promising IP the very best.

Before we conclude, here’s a brief overview of the key features that await in this captivating action RPG:

  • Unique Sidescrolling Soulslike: Enjoy a rare combination of 2.5D side-scrolling levels and skill-driven combat that deals punishment and reward in equal brutal measure. From the leering Caretaker to the Vampires of Braer Island, face ruthless foes and uniquely horrifying bosses that will make or break you.
  • Fall Into a Dark Fantasy World: Get lost in a rich and atmospheric world brought to life by timeless painterly art direction and the epic twisted music of Christos Antoniou. Discover every detail with Metroidvania exploration, tearing down crumbling walls, utilizing new skills such as ground strike, and scaling buildings with your grappling hook.
  • A Branching Tale of Lost Humanity: Acquire the legendary Witch Lantern and enter the otherworldly plane of Entropy through tears in the fabric of reality. Make devastating choices in a sinister and immersive story by Brian Mitsoda, writer of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines.
  • Slay Your Way: From Vanguard to Spellbinder, master one of multiple unique classes and customize your skills and powers through a deep and satisfying character development system. Find Artisans to join your Caravan and unlock new upgrades, and craft powerful weapons, armor and trinkets to help you die less and deal death faster. And when all is said and done, restart stronger and wiser with new difficulty levels in New Game Plus.

For further updates, stay tuned and visit the game’s official X account for the latest news and developments.

That’s all for now. Until next time!

Grown up with MediEvil and DOOM and fascinated by the video game world since 1998. This passion stems from a desire to discover and research the videogame at 360 degrees, with particular attention to the Indie scene.