Midnight Witch – Not Your Typical Visual Novel

• DEVELOPER: Crimson Moon Studio
• PUBLISHER: Crimson Moon Studio
• PLATFORMS: PC
• GENRE: Visual Novel
• RELEASE DATE: 31st May 2023
• STARTING PRICE: Free-to-play
• REVIEWED VERSION: PC

Midnight Witch is not your typical visual novel, published and developed by Crimson Moon Studios, but entirely written and coded by one person named Bren. The game is full of magic, horror, dark comedy, insults and violence. It will surely give you mixed feelings when you decide to dive into the story and learn more about the main protagonist who you can name whatever you want. Midnight Witch is completely free to play on Steam, it’s not short, and it will give you something to think about when you finish it.

Seven key characters and protagonists

This is the story of an ordinary college student whose life is anything but normal after a new professor arrives. What begins as a typical day of hanging out with your girlfriend and joking with friends takes a dark turn when the stunningly beautiful professor reveals herself to be a witch. Now, you and your classmates are trapped in the classroom, facing death one by one. But is there a way out?

The game introduces you to seven key characters: Emma, Jessica, Evelyn, Chloe, Zoe, Dan, and Wes. The narrative immediately thrusts you into the action, so you’ll get to know them more as the story unfolds. With approximately four hours of gameplay, there’s plenty of time to delve into each character’s story, as everything is interconnected.

While the characters may seem simple on the surface, their backstories reveal surprising complexity. Emma may appear to be an angel, but is she really? Wes seems like a normal guy, but what secrets is he hiding? The narrative avoids clichés and keeps you guessing with shocking twists that lead to a surprising conclusion.

Multiple endings affected by your choices

While some characters are more prominent than others, key parts of the story are revealed only at the very end. The game offers multiple endings and forces you to make significant decisions throughout your playthrough. Some choices can lead to your death, while others unlock unexpected paths and outcomes. Ultimately, your choices determine your fate.

I had a few issues with the story. I’m still trying to understand the purpose of the magic questionnaire and why my personality is apparently connected to a unicorn. The excessive use of curse words and slurs also felt overdone. The protagonist repeatedly calls the witch, Evelyn, a “bitch,” and phrases like “GTFO” and “STFU” are constantly shown in social media conversations, which felt exaggerated.

Additionally, the pacing is sometimes disrupted by unnecessary conversations, which break the story’s tension just as things get interesting. Another confusing element is how easily the protagonist forgives others. This made me question whether their love is truly as unbreakable as it seems, as the constant shift between love and hate feels inconsistent and lacks a proper balance.

If you’re new to the visual novel genre, it’s a perfect introduction

The graphics in Midnight Witch are well-executed, with especially notable animations and sound design that add a unique flavor to the game. While these elements are generally effective, some sounds, like Dan’s constant screaming, become overused. The variety of background art is a definite strength, creating a visually appealing experience that feels polished and complete. The music, however, is easily forgettable and doesn’t significantly impact the gameplay.

The protagonist’s ability to logically connect the dots and understand the witch’s rules is a compelling aspect of the story, especially with the help of the other students. The game effectively teaches us about the importance of friendship and the fragility of life, how everything can be destroyed in an instant.

It’s a brutal and unflinching look at human misery, hatred, and anguish, highlighting the necessity of having goals, just as the characters in the classroom must fight to survive. The game doesn’t shy away from horror and violence, which are depicted through numerous striking images.

However, the pacing of the story could be faster. While the game slowly introduces you to key plot points, many players might be tempted to skip certain parts. The narrative also lacks a strong hook; some elements are interesting, but others cause you to lose focus. Despite these issues, the game’s brutal honesty about human nature, betrayal, cheating, and psychological horror, is what makes it compelling.

I was personally drawn in by the intense psychological events, from massive killings to interpersonal betrayals. If you’re looking for a visual novel that explores the darker aspects of the human condition, Midnight Witch is a perfect introduction to the genre.

Review copy provided by the publisher