Review: Mika and the Witch’s Mountain – Cozy Flights with a Few Rough Landings

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Under the Criminal Code Act of 1995 – Division 471 Postal Offences, it’s a crime to intentionally damage or tamper with mail receptacles, articles, or postal messages. Postal offences cover a wide range of activities, including:

  • Theft or tampering with mail receptacles or articles
  • Damaging or destroying postal messages
  • Dishonestly obtaining delivery of articles
  • Using a postal service to threaten, harass, or cause offence
  • Causing a dangerous item to be carried by post

So isn’t it CRAZY that this island trusts a 10-something-year-old girl with their precious mail? I mean… not really. They trusted Kiki, and she was only 13. And let’s be real — the Criminal Code Act of 1995 is governed by the Australian Federal Police, while this game is set at Mount Gaun, which probably has its own rules and regulations.

But you know what else is crazy? How solid Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is, despite a few rough edges. If the game had parents, they would embody pure coziness and innocence. Every interaction and conversation is wholesome, perfectly complementing the game’s charming art style. The visuals are soft and peaceful, and even the user interface fits the aesthetic like a glove.

A Short but Sweet Experience

This isn’t a massive game by any stretch, and honestly, that’s not a bad thing. We need more short and sweet experiences in the industry. For the last decade or so, it feels like every game has been competing to be bigger and more expansive. Don’t get me wrong — I love deep, immersive games as much as the next person. But Mika and the Witch’s Mountain strikes a near-perfect balance when it comes to length.

Yes, the gameplay can get a bit repetitive, and I wish it had more variety. There are some delightful side quests, like a churro delivery race that adds a nice touch. But even that can feel frustrating due to the flight mechanics (more on that in a bit). I just wish there were more content to justify the $30 price tag.

Broom for Improvement

The main selling point of this game is undoubtedly the experience of flying around a beautiful island on a broomstick — and that’s exactly what hooked me too. For the most part, the broom-flying experience is good, but something about it feels a little off. It’s like playing Mario Kart with steering assist accidentally left on.

Out in the open, it’s fine. But navigating the island, moving from point A to B, and trying to use wind tunnels for altitude or speed can be tedious — especially when carrying a package. The last thing I want is to slam into a wall, damage a delivery, and lose points.

The biggest issue? There’s no stop button. If I need to slow down, I have to pull off a tight 360-degree turn, which feels clunky. There’s also no way to descend directly. Instead, I have to spiral downward or, bizarrely, press “R” to dismount, free-fall, and then press “R” again before hitting the ground. It’s awkward. If I’m high up with no wind tunnels nearby, normal flight also just feels too slow.

Compare this to Hogwarts Legacy, where the flying mechanics are polished and give you complete control. Now, I get that Chibig and Nukefist aren’t on the same level as Avalanche Software and Warner Bros. Games. But when the game’s whole pitch is basically “It’s Kiki’s Delivery Service, but interactive,” the flying mechanics NEED to be the best part of the experience.

Cozy Vibes

That being said, there’s still a lot to like. The NPCs are charming, and the writing has a warm, cozy vibe. The island itself feels like a living character, bustling with personality. The calming music mostly hits the right notes, although it does have a slightly corporate induction vibe (but that might just be me).

One issue with the music is that it sometimes fails to reactivate after leaving a conversation with an NPC, leaving me flying in awkward silence. It’s a minor quirk, but it breaks the otherwise immersive experience.

Ultimately, the developers just need to fine-tune the flying mechanics and sprinkle in a few more quests or interactions to fatten up the game and make it fully worth the asking price. Despite its flaws, I had a good time flying around the island and delivering people their knick-knacks.

Conclusion

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is a charming and wholesome adventure that offers a cozy escape into a beautifully crafted island world. Its delightful characters, peaceful atmosphere, and heartfelt interactions make it a game worth exploring. While the flying mechanics could use more polish and the gameplay could benefit from added variety, it still manages to deliver a unique experience for those who appreciate lighter, shorter adventures. If you’re craving a gentle and magical getaway, Mika’s journey might just be worth taking—especially if you’re willing to look past its quirks.


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