Step into a world of dark fantasy and twisted humor in The Witch and the Hundred Knight, an action RPG from Nippon Ichi Software that defies traditional hero tropes. In this title, you don't play as a chosen savior, but as a summoned tool for the Swamp Witch, Metallia. Tasked with expanding her swamp realm by destroying the hidden Pillars of Temperance, you must traverse lush and gorgeous lands to do her bidding—regardless of who stands in your way.

A Darker Side of Fantasy: Story and Setting

Unlike many high-fantasy adventures that focus on light and righteousness, The Witch and the Hundred Knight embraces a much more perverse and unsettling atmosphere. The story centers on Metallia, a character far from being a traditional protagonist; she is a cunning witch with her own ambitious, often vile, agenda. As the Hundred Knight, you serve as her primary agent of destruction, venturing into diverse environments to dismantle the world's defenses and allow her swamp to spread across the continent.

The game features fully 3D character models and vibrant worlds that stand in stark contrast to its dark, often twisted narrative. While the setting offers beautiful vistas, the underlying story is driven by Metallia’s quest for dominance, making for a unique experience for those who enjoy protagonists with questionable morals.

Deep RPG Mechanics and Combat Gameplay

At its core, the gameplay is an action-oriented RPG that demands more than just simple button mashing. While early encounters might be won through brute force, players will quickly find that mastering the game's deep learning curve is essential for survival. The combat revolves around a sophisticated weapon and character management system:

  • Weapon Mastery: You can equip up to five weapons at once, each with unique properties. Success depends on recognizing enemy strengths and weaknesses—switching from heavy hammers to magical staves can be the difference between victory and instant defeat.
  • Tochkas and Facets: Players can utilize Tochkas (magical skills) and change "Facets" to alter their appearance, stats, and unique abilities, allowing for significant customization of your playstyle.
  • Resource Management: Survival is not just about HP. You must manage the Hundred Knight's hunger and monitor your GCals, as every action and step taken drains this vital resource.
  • Risk vs. Reward: The game incorporates elements reminiscent of roguelikes. While you can return to the swamp via Pillars to end a run safely, staying in the field longer offers higher rewards, including better loot, experience, and stat boosts.

Who is This Game For?

The Witch and the Hundred Knight is a polarizing title that will likely divide players. It is an excellent choice for fans of deep, complex RPG mechanics who enjoy managing intricate systems like weapon positioning and resource depletion. If you appreciate dark, humorous storytelling and don't mind a challenging, sometimes punishing difficulty spike, this journey through Metallia's world will be highly rewarding.

However, those looking for a traditional, easy-to-digest heroic epic may find the game's "bloated" content or sudden difficulty spikes—such as elite enemies that can one-shot even well-geared players—to be frustrating. It is a game best enjoyed by those who embrace the "warts" of the genre and seek out something unconventional.

Platform Availability

You can experience this dark fantasy epic on the following platforms:

  • PlayStation 4
  • PlayStation 3