This Day in Games: September 28
September 28, 2022, welcomed the release of Little Witch Nobeta on Windows via Steam. It arrived alongside a mix of other game launches and notable anniversaries, further adding to the excitement that often surrounds late September in the gaming world. On the same day, Konami dropped its free-to-play football simulator eFootball 2023. Meanwhile, fans of cult classics celebrated the anniversary of Rockstar’s stealth-horror title Manhunt (2003). In the midst of these bigger names and gritty throwbacks, the humble but tough 3D action-shooter Little Witch Nobeta quietly made a name for itself.
Story & Setting
In Little Witch Nobeta, you play as Nobeta, a young witch setting off alone into a vast and mysterious castle. Each floor is protected by crafted souls—ghostly guardians with great power. As Nobeta, eager to learn where she comes from, you team up with a strange black cat who offers vague hints and help from time to time. Along the way, as you progress through each chapter with full-cutscene storytelling, you’ll slowly uncover the castle’s secrets and Nobeta’s origins. Ultimately, the story not only answers pressing questions but also leaves room for future mysteries.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Combat Styles: To start, you can switch smoothly between melee attacks and four kinds of magic—Arcane, Ice, Fire, and Thunder. Each one can be used for fast shots or charged up for a strong “magic trick” move.
- Magic Gauge System: Furthermore, charging spells takes a moment, but hitting enemies with normal attacks fills your magic gauge. This setup rewards aggressive play, thereby letting you use powerful charged spells more often.
- Puzzle Elements: Additionally, simple environmental puzzles break up the action. You might open gates, find hidden paths, or unlock treasure rooms. While not as deep as full puzzle games, they still add a nice change of pace.
- Exploration & Secrets: Beyond combat and puzzles, the castle hides breakable walls and secret spots with treasure, currency boosts, and optional boss fights. If you love collecting everything, you’ll want to check every corner thoroughly.
- Difficulty Curve: Despite Nobeta’s cute, anime-style design, boss fights are surprisingly tough. Therefore, you’ll need to time dodges well and choose the right elements. One wrong move can quickly lead to a loss.
Visual & Audio Design
Visually, the game mixes a chibi-style Japanese art look with dark, Gothic castle settings. The visuals are sharp, and the characters move with charm. Meanwhile, magic spells shine brightly against the castle’s shadows. As for the music, it adds even more to the mood, with soft piano pieces for quiet moments and big, dramatic themes during battles. Moreover, the sound effects—like fireballs bursting or swords clashing—make the fights feel more real and exciting.
Achievements & Completionist Challenges in Little Witch Nobeta
- Master all four types of magic.
- Beat every crafted soul without using continues.
- Solve every puzzle to open all hidden rooms.
- Find every chest and secret item to reach 100%.
- Earn the “Perfect Dodger” by dodging at just the right moment.
Impact on the Indie Scene
Little Witch Nobeta shows how small game teams can mix Souls-like combat with third-person shooting and anime charm. Its strong reviews—especially the “Very Positive” rating on Steam—show that players support fresh ideas. The game’s clean design and deep gameplay now serve as a good example for indie developers wanting to mix visual style with solid mechanics.
Community Reception & Review Analysis
On Steam, the game holds a “Very Positive” score. The 20 most recent reviews all highlight its smooth controls and eye-catching style. Looking at all reviews, 84% of more than 9,000 players gave it a thumbs-up. Some common praises include:
- Combat Depth: Many players enjoy learning enemy patterns and timing their dodges. The charged-spell system is often described as “very satisfying.”
- Art & Atmosphere: The visual design and spooky castle setting earn repeated praise for their style and mood.
- Challenge Level: While a few newcomers find the bosses tough, most say the learning curve feels fair and rewarding.
However, there are some downsides:
- Camera Issues: A few reviews mention the camera doesn’t always behave well in tight spaces during fights.
- Short Story: Some players wish the story went deeper beyond the cutscenes.
- Minor Bugs: There are reports of the character clipping through walls and occasional crashes, though patches have helped.
Final Thoughts
Little Witch Nobeta brings together action-RPG gameplay and third-person shooting wrapped in a cute anime look. Its light puzzle design, layered combat, and secret-filled maps make it great for both casual players and completionists. While it’s not perfect—mainly due to the camera and short story—it still stands out as one of the best indie games of 2022 thanks to its strong gameplay and community love.
