Little Witch in the Woods Preview

Do you love games with a retro look that are wholesome and full of magic? Little Witch in the Woods ticks all those boxes and more. In this preview that came onto Xbox Game Pass on the 17th of May, you play as a young apprentice witch named Ellie. You have finished your time at witch school and now you have to complete your three-year apprenticeship to become a fully-fledged witch. On your way to the Witch’s House called Highlion, the train has to stop because mysterious thick vines have appeared over the tracks; Ellie being incredibly bored from the train ride, decides to go and explore the forest before the train continues its journey. Ellie is not alone, accompanying her is Virgil the talking witch’s hat. She spots a glowing cat that she decides to follow through the forest, this kitty leads them to an abandoned house. It is late at night and Ellie is tired so she decides to take a quick nap before she heads back to the train. We learn from Virgil that Ellie is quite smart, but also a huge troublemaker, so he is not surprised when they hear the whistle of the train leaving without them.  

As an apprentice witch, you will make a lot of mistakes, but that is okay, that is how you learn and Virgil will help you out and give you advice on how to handle any obstacles that are in your way. The conversations the two have are always entertaining, I love the humour between them! When you first explore the forest, Ellie comes across an abandoned house that another witch previously lived in. Once you follow Virgil’s advice and pull out all the weeds that have taken over the yard and clean out all the dust and cobwebs inside, you find an elevator. This elevator takes you down to the Dispensary, this is where you will find everything that you need to create potions like a cauldron, tons of books with recipes, and ingredients to use in your creations. Virgil reminds you of all the different steps required to successfully make useful potions: first, you need to find all the ingredients you need that are listed in the recipe, next you need to set the required fire setting for the right temperature — if it’s too hot or too cold you will ruin that batch, and you have to follow the ladle directions — some potions do not require stirring and others will be a certain amount of times. Some potions can be used for weed removal, others will replenish health, and some candies that you make can remove curses.

While you venture through the forest you will come across a huge variety of creatures that you can identify by using your quill pen and drawing them into your encyclopaedia. These entries will tell you useful information about each specimen like the time of day they come out, what you need to catch them, or other information like if you pick up an adorable Squishychub it will drop fur that you can use to craft potions. If Ellie gets tired she can have a nap on a bench during the day, or if it is dark and later at night she will sleep in the bed in the house, if it’s too early or she isn’t tired she will refuse to sleep. But if you are in the house anyways, be sure to save your game before heading out.

You will meet tons of really cute characters in the forest, some human and some animal-like in appearance. Ellie will go out of her way to help anyone she meets, like a poor fox that is stuck in a huge spider web, the poor little guy is feeling weak so she carries him back to the house to help him heal up so she can take him home. This game is so sweet and charming, all you want to do is be helpful! It’s nice playing a title that has you being so helpful and friendly.

The music fits the game very well and is cute and charming without being irritating. When you are on the train at the beginning the sounds of the whistle and the wheels on the metal track are great. Little Witch in the Woods takes inspiration from titles you would see on the Super Nintendo and has great-looking pixel graphics and environments to explore. I love the little touches like the expression on Virgil the hat’s face giving him his own personality and bringing him to life.

I can not wait to guide Ellie on the rest of her journey through her apprenticeship and learn all the things a witch should know and meet all the characters she gets to help along the way. This RPG, full of exploration, and simulation is unlike anything I have played before. Who knew following potion recipes could be so challenging and rewarding! Little Witch in the Woods is one of those titles that makes you feel good and I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you need to experience a little magic in your life!