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witches x warlocks (F/M, F/F, F/NB, M/M, M/F, M/NB, NB/F, NB/M, NB/NB, free*)

• overall: A--. enjoyment: A.
• witches x warlocks is a free dating sim (it markets itself as a raising sim, but it isn't really) starring a witch studying for their high school exams with the help of a cast of supernatural creatures. the art and characters are very cute, and the writing is surprisingly charming for such a short game. it is fairly limited, however, and the gameplay is so easy you'd have to be trying to fail. it's still worth a play! while three character routes are free, the fourth (a wolf boy) is dlc exclusive. i'd suggest playing through the free game before deciding if he's worth the $5.99
• plot: B. fay nightshade (default name) is the (only) best damn matchmaker in dwimmermere high. their skills as a witch, however, don't live up to the standard. having put all their efforts into their matchmaking hobby all year, they're -- to put it lightly -- unprepared for their upcoming exams. for fear of being the first witch ever to be expelled for not knowing a single spell, they ask their (extremely cute) friends for help and buckle down to study last minute. were this a visual novel, id think this plot was "okay". but the world building and gameplay integration takes it a step higher, i think. it works for the romance, but it really works with the game overall. nice.
• characters: A. to put it simply, they're very good. all the love interests are 3 dimensional and very charming, and their designs are really good. the protagonist is one of the characters with the most personality, which while not quite industry standard is always something i appreciate. unfortunately i find them to be the least interesting character overall, but they're not bad. you can choose between two designs for them; i think their more feminine design is by far the better of the two, but i love being able to pick.
• writing: A. it's cute, simple, and very sweet. the romantic storylines are extremely short, being told in only a few small events. even so, the relationships have very clear chemistry and charming interactions, even going into some fairly deep topics at times. i expected the short length of the game to prevent it from going into any real depth, but it was very well written.
• routes: zero > carmilla > damion > lawrence* (but theyre all pretty close)
• *only available if the dlc is purchased
• gameplay: B. the gameplay consists of choosing how to spend your time, whether by making or buying potions, working to earn money, and learning spells with your love interests. random events may reward you, if you have certain spells or potions. at the end of the game youll be tested with a point and click dungeon to magic your way through. overall, the game is pretty fun. the problem, however -- it's way too easy. the game is too rewarding and the challenges too simple. as a test, i went through without ever learning a spell the game didn't give me for free. i still got through the dungeon without breaking a sweat. i do like the gameplay, but the point of a raising sim is having to think about your decisions. i cant rate it as highly as it deserves.
• art: A. its very cute. well drawn art and very clear aesthetically pleasing UI design. the main (free) game has only a few scattered chibi-style CGs and 3 fully drawn ending CGs, but the dlc adds in a lot more of both. i think the additional art definitely adds a lot to the game, but its fine without it too.
• sound: B. the game is partially voice acted, having scattered lines and sounds throughout the dialogue. the quality is fine, though partial VA always winds up distracting me. it seems like i spend a lot more time hearing the protagonist talk than the dates, though. not what i'd prefer. you get to choose your characters voice, though, so at least there's no risk of having to put up with one you don't like.