Little Witch Nobeta

75%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,725 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • humor
Little Witch Nobeta Game Cover
Little Witch Nobeta is a fun blend of shooting and Souls mechanics, but the Switch port has some framerate issues
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"Little Witch Nobeta" is a 3D action shooting game with a Japanese art style and challenging battles. Explore ancient castles, solve puzzles, and use different magic elements to fight against enemies. With various combat styles, including melee attacks and four types of magic, each with unique designs, players can customize their fighting style and strategize to defeat foes. Complete plot cutscenes and automatically charge magic gauges by going on the offensive.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

75%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,725 reviews
gameplay241 positive mentions
grinding27 negative mentions
  • gameplay600 mentions

    The gameplay of "Little Witch Nobeta" is generally praised for its polished mechanics, engaging combat, and unique blend of magic and souls-like elements, making it accessible for newcomers while still challenging for veterans. Players appreciate the fluidity of the controls and the rewarding nature of the parry and dodge mechanics, although some express frustration with certain mechanics being poorly explained and the occasional jankiness in controls. Overall, the game offers a fun and cute experience, with a solid combat system that encourages experimentation and skill development.

    • “The gameplay is fun and challenging, and its parry mechanics are rewarding.”
    • “The gameplay is relatively unique to most soulslikes, melee isn’t your main damage dealer; instead, your damage comes from four elemental magic attacks, each of which can be charged for a unique attack at the cost of more mana, which is regenerated in several ways.”
    • “The gameplay is very polished, the interface is slick and very clear, and the boss fights are very challenging and they incentivize you to get down all the mechanics like parrying for counter magic.”
    • “Some mechanics of the magic aren't explained well. You can cheese through the areas that are supposed to stop you until you use the mechanic correctly, so you'll never actually understand what you were supposed to learn.”
    • “The gameplay itself is not that great in my opinion. The gameplay is simple, with even less of it needed during the main story, where the best strategy is simply to spam basic attack over and over.”
    • “The gameplay can get repetitive, though despite that, I didn't get tired of it throughout my time in the game. The game could do a better job at explaining some of its mechanics, but other than that, it's okay.”
  • story402 mentions

    The story of "Little Witch Nobeta" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it simplistic and lacking depth, often relying on item descriptions and external manga for lore. While some appreciate the cute character designs and the dark undertones of the narrative, others criticize the execution, noting that the storytelling feels disjointed and underdeveloped. Overall, the game offers a basic plot that serves more as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling narrative experience.

    • “Through these collectibles, dialogues, and a bit of environmental storytelling, you can slowly build a clearer picture of the nature of this world, its inhabitants, and the truth behind your adventure.”
    • “The story is nice, you can collect over a hundred lore items that just exist to offer a bit of backstory about the world and how everything ended up the way it is, but the main story won't require you to read any of them to know what's going on.”
    • “The story, while being told in short cutscenes, does have some depth and makes you want to know what comes next.”
    • “The actual plot of Little Witch Nobeta makes you dread cutscenes, and only makes sense when you've reached the post-game.”
    • “The story is lackluster and characters are introduced hastily and underdeveloped.”
    • “The story is an absolute mess with the barebones world building being locked behind what I can barely call item descriptions.”
  • humor311 mentions

    The humor in "Little Witch Nobeta" is predominantly characterized by its cute and funny elements, with players frequently highlighting the adorable protagonist and whimsical moments throughout the game. Many reviews emphasize the blend of humor with engaging gameplay, noting that the game's charm lies in its lighthearted approach to the typically serious souls-like genre. Overall, the game is celebrated for its ability to evoke laughter and joy while providing a solid gaming experience.

    • “Overall, it's cute and funny, and the focus is on its good gameplay as compared to a novel's worth of text or hours of cutscenes.”
    • “Little Witch Nobeta is an enchanting and delightful game that showcases the adventures of a cute and funny young witch.”
    • “Be it for the 'cute and funny' memes or just because it's a genuinely good souls-style game with a protagonist you want to protect and guide, it's a nice experience to be had, and considering this is an indie dev that is all the more impressive.”
  • graphics237 mentions

    The graphics of "Little Witch Nobeta" are generally described as clean and charming, featuring a cute anime aesthetic that appeals to fans of the genre. While some reviewers note that the visuals may feel simplistic or reminiscent of older consoles, they still appreciate the overall design and attention to detail, particularly in character models and boss animations. Despite some minor graphical issues, the art style effectively complements the gameplay, making it a visually pleasant experience for players.

    • “Great graphics, especially for an indie game.”
    • “The graphics are cute and it has a nice style, and I really like the UI effects with the magic.”
    • “The visuals are pretty good when it comes to character models.”
    • “The graphics fit the game pretty well, but are overall rough and jagged.”
    • “The graphics aren't the best but for what I consider to be bootleg DS, it's actually not bad.”
    • “The textures and graphics look like something that came from the PS2 era, but it works well and achieves what it needs to do in terms of making the world.”
  • music184 mentions

    The music in the game has received a mixed reception, with many praising its atmospheric quality and orchestral style that enhances the overall experience. While some tracks are described as memorable and fitting for the game's themes, others find the soundtrack repetitive and lacking in variety, particularly during extended gameplay. Overall, the sound design, including voice acting and sound effects, is generally well-regarded, contributing positively to the game's ambiance.

    • “The music is great and atmospheric; it’s a crime that the ending/credits song isn’t in the OST though, just the songs from the rest of the gameplay, which are good if you like orchestral BGM type stuff.”
    • “Now the soundtrack... my god it's amazing! It was the reason I bought the complete edition; every single OST was a banger from the start to the end.”
    • “The soundtrack is absolutely gorgeous and almost angelic/divine sounding at some moments and then perfectly dark and dingy for a cave area.”
    • “The soundtrack is unremarkable; it fits the theme but you'll probably forget it very soon after you finish playing.”
    • “There was background ambient music, but I wouldn't be able to even hum any of it on request; it was so forgettable.”
    • “Hearing one background music only for each stage, regardless if you're just exploring, in the middle of combat, or almost getting killed, gets old very fast, considering you're supposed to spend hours on a single level.”
  • character development59 mentions

    Character development in the game is noted as a mixed aspect, with many praising the adorable and well-crafted character designs, particularly for the main character, Nobeta. While some players appreciate the subtle changes in Nobeta's abilities and the lore that adds depth to her character, others feel that overall character development is lacking and could benefit from more depth and maturity in storytelling. The game's charming aesthetics and engaging gameplay are highlighted, but there is a consensus that further character progression and narrative development would enhance the experience.

    • “With very satisfying character ability progression, outstanding level design, a challenging but fun combat system, and great character designs from Nobeta to the bosses, this game was an experience I had never had in a video game before.”
    • “The level design is excellent, the story is mysterious, the character designs are very cute, and the gameplay is challenging and unique for a soulslike; it's also more simplified in design from a typical soulslike, making it a good introduction to the genre without being intimidating.”
    • “That dialogue gives you insights on the bosses' personalities and also serves as character development for Nobeta.”
    • “The only thing I wish that was included was more character development, but hopefully more will be included in the updates.”
    • “Finally, my only real complaint so far would be the plot: it feels really, really lacking and the character development is nearly nonexistent.”
    • “Currently at my point in the game, I don't really know why I should be going to places and there is a lot of work needed to be done with character development.”
  • atmosphere33 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its combination of visually appealing environments, cute character designs, and an evocative soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers note that the music, while not groundbreaking, effectively complements the game's whimsical yet eerie tone, creating a sense of tension and emotional depth. Despite some critiques regarding lighting and gameplay mechanics, the atmosphere is described as engaging and memorable, contributing significantly to the game's charm and immersive quality.

    • “The atmosphere, the characters, the personal journey you go on with Nobeta all blend together to create an unforgettable experience.”
    • “Visually, Little Witch Nobeta looks great; every character is cute while the environment emanates a gritty, dark, and mysterious atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere in the castle gives off this eerie vibe and not just from the lighting, scenery, etc. It's so barren, empty (aside from the monsters), and gives off this small sense of dread.”
    • “The atmosphere is remarkably tense despite the cutesy aesthetic, owing to the game's music, aggressive enemy AI, and the player character's ordinary walking pace.”
    • “I got this game in early access and loved everything, the character design, music, and the emptiness of every hall, while the atmosphere makes it feel like something is missing. It's very fitting as we're in some kind of haunted castle.”
  • emotional30 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a blend of cuteness and heartfelt storytelling, with many players finding it both wholesome and touching. While some critiques highlight a boring overarching narrative, the charming characters and emotional music resonate deeply, creating a unique experience that balances lightheartedness with darker themes. Overall, it is praised for its ability to evoke strong feelings, making it a standout in the souls-like genre.

    • “The story, characters, and setting also did a lot with a little, succeeding in both being heartfelt and horrifying.”
    • “I haven't been a big fan of souls-like games up until now, but playing Nobeta has been an incredible emotional experience.”
    • “The music - at the first stage, the music made me so emotional.”
    • “Unfortunately, these systems don't outweigh the painfully boring story, extremely bland environment and enemy designs, tanky bosses with moveset issues mentioned above, and of course the questionability of the entire premise.”
  • grinding29 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While some enjoy the grind as a means to enhance their characters and tackle challenging bosses, others find it tedious and repetitive, often resorting to mindless grinding without engaging content. Overall, the game offers a blend of enjoyable grinding for upgrades and achievements, but it can become a chore, especially for those aiming for 100% completion.

    • “The runtime is enjoyable with cute little animations, and the combat isn't tedious thanks to the regenerating HP/MP.”
    • “The game is accessible, with little to no grinding expected.”
    • “By boss 3, I had to put on some anime and mindlessly waste about 4 hours just grinding to boost my stats.”
    • “If you're going to have grinding, have something interesting: randomized events, extra dungeons, etc. Just anything that's not 'run in a circle pressing one button'.”
    • “The leveling is extremely tedious and grindy, which makes the gameplay less enjoyable, and the boss of the third area is extremely annoying.”
  • replayability19 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the variety in combat and the inclusion of new game plus modes, others find it lacking due to limited content and a lack of multiple endings. Many reviews highlight that the game offers decent replay value through boss encounters and upgrade choices, but some feel it ultimately leans towards a one-time experience. The potential for future content may enhance replayability, but as it stands, opinions vary widely on its long-term engagement.

    • “The game isn't long, but it's worth the price and has a fair amount of replay value, particularly thanks to its bosses.”
    • “Despite this, it has really good replayability, especially because 7 hours isn't enough to 100% the game and collect every item.”
    • “Good replayability even after you've completed all the early access stages + secret stage.”
    • “Nonetheless, this game lacks replayability (multiple endings).”
    • “The combat is stale, there is no build variety (despite having a leveling system), no replayability.”
    • “It's mildly replayable, but it's mainly just a one-and-done experience.”
  • optimization19 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report solid performance with stable frame rates and responsive controls, others experience high GPU loads and unoptimized mechanics. Many users note that the game runs smoothly for the most part, but there are areas that still require improvement, particularly in terms of layout and polish. As it is still in early access, there is hope for further optimization and content enhancements in future updates.

    • “Dodge or melee during casting spells also greatly boosts charge speed, which comes in handy when your ability is not fully optimized and timing is crucial.”
    • “Performance is solid for a Unity game with stable 60 fps (Win7, GTX 1050 Ti, 8 GB RAM, 1080p on max settings) and responsive keyboard control.”
    • “Every update I see in this game makes drastic changes either to graphics or performance; absolutely love it.”
    • “The game isn't optimized, so my 1060 is at 100% load the entire time. The castle layout is very copy-pasted in some sections, the mechanics are a little raw at times, there is no voice acting, and the translation is spotty at times.”
    • “Hopefully the game gets more responsive and better optimized over time, and the game's still got a lot of content coming.”
    • “This game does seem rather early and lacks polish in terms of optimization, but the gameplay is incredibly promising already and the art style is quite pleasant as well.”
  • stability11 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while some players report frequent crashes and input issues, particularly with controllers, others have experienced minimal bugs and smooth performance at high resolutions. Despite being in early access, many users find it relatively stable compared to similar titles, though there are notable concerns about random freezes and certain gameplay mechanics being unreliable.

    • “Runs great at 1440p and 144 fps (tested with i7-8700k / RTX 2080).”
    • “Game freezes at random intervals anywhere from once every other day to 3 times in one session of a few hours.”
    • “I read hype on this being an 'anime Dark Souls' sort of game; guess what, it isn't. The game constantly crashes and the sprint mechanic is the most buggy thing I've ever seen. Simply put, this game is not well thought through.”
    • “There are quite a few bugs and glitches in the game and you can see that some things aren't working properly.”
  • monetization6 mentions

    The monetization practices of the game have been criticized as unacceptable, with users expressing frustration over a lack of updates and an overemphasis on Patreon advertising. While some players appreciate the game's quality, they feel it is being treated more like a promotional tool than a fully developed title, leading to concerns about its long-term viability and community engagement.

    • “Quite unacceptable monetization practices as if the community didn't throw enough money at you as is.”
    • “Closing in on two years of no updates, empty promises, and a lot of Patreon advertising.”
    • “Honestly, the game is nothing more than a small demo serving as advertisement.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

71% average critic score

Buy Little Witch Nobeta

Play time

7hMedian play time
9hAverage play time
5-9hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 11 analyzed playthroughs

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