WitchSpring3 Re:Fine - The Story of Eirudy

 Switch
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14
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  1. RPGamer
    Aug 23, 2021
    40
    What’s hard about WitchSpring3 is that there is so little in it that is enjoyable. There is no personality in the game, and everything that is happening in the story or the gameplay feels so unremarkable. I appreciate how short an experience it was and that it was very direct in its approach, but there was so little in it to explore and engage with. This is a hard game to recommend as it can be welcoming for some gamers, but this port feels as though very little effort was put forth. WitchSpring3: Re:Fine is a boring and hollow experience that cannot be recommended at a $39.99 price point.
  2. Digitally Downloaded
    Aug 20, 2021
    40
    I actually feel terrible that I haven’t enjoyed WitchSpring3 more. In isolation it has a lot going for it – I love pastel aesthetics, I love cute witches. I love the CG art. I really love alchemy JRPGs. Unfortunately, WitchSpring3 is a little too obviously a “mobile JRPG best practices” game, so a lot of its potential is let down by less-than-enthusiastic storytelling and a mechanical approach to gameplay systems that left me feeling very cold.
  3. Screen Rant
    Aug 17, 2021
    30
    Despite being widely empty of content outside the main storyline, WitchSpring3 [Re:Fine] costs 39.99 USD on the Nintendo Store at time of writing. With gameplay more in line with mobile-app game expectations, those who enjoy in-depth JRPG titles may be frustrated with the lack of exploration, storyline, and graphic quality. However, for those wanting a simple experience that is easy to set down, WitchSpring3 [Re:Fine] might be a good fit. With a drop in price and a patch to improve translations and add content that takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch's capabilities, WitchSpring3 [Re:Fine] would be a more enjoyable experience for those interested in trying it out.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. ItsTamo
    Jul 3, 2023
    4
    Waste of my money. Boring, tedious and directionless gameplay loop. I bought this game because I knew that this came from a Korean developer.Waste of my money. Boring, tedious and directionless gameplay loop. I bought this game because I knew that this came from a Korean developer. I have a Korean background and wanted to see more Korean devs tackling the console market. But wow no. Other user reviews said don't listen to the critics, but please do listen to the critics. This game is not worth your money. This game released on mobile for less than $5 USD and is now selling for $40 with minor to no changes. I think $5 is lot closer to what this game is worth.

    This game was a mobile game and it shows that the devs did not put much thought into porting the game over. The character movement uses delayed inputs like any mobile rpgs based on touch mechanics, which the character reacts seconds after stick input is made, unlike the traditional button/stick control which is a lot more responsive. I prominently play console only and seeing the mobile, touch based inputs carry over to a console port was extremely annoying.

    UI is the stupidest I've seen in a video game. It just provides icons in the menu with no text explanations. Really? It took me some fumbling just to figure out which icon means which command. This is basic stuff that UIs must have.

    You are allowed to farm for permanent stat boost items as soon as the game begins, and this breaks the game. There's no level based systems, and you just have to roam around the world for collectables (mind you the UI popping up everytime you collect an item is insanely annoying) to become unbeatably strong without fighting a single monster. Wow this is a well thought out game.

    Also the combat is too slow and repetitive. Story progression does not unlock anything meaningful in the combat. The combat system becomes stale after 30 minutes.

    Characters have no personality and are quite bland. Same goes for the world. I really find no reason to continue playing in the midst of boring combat, finicky controls, non-existence level design, and boring world. Only thing that stands out is beautiful illustration. Everything else is meh to the level of slight frustration.

    Don't play this game. Go play any JRPGs by Atlus or Falcom during their sales. You can buy at least 2 of their much better games with the price of this.    … Full Review »
  2. ket
    Dec 14, 2022
    8
    I just lost my entire in-depth review because the damn Metacritic site ballsed up. In short, Witchspring3 has a lot for RPG fans to love andI just lost my entire in-depth review because the damn Metacritic site ballsed up. In short, Witchspring3 has a lot for RPG fans to love and is enjoyable from start to finish with plenty to do but it has several flaws that stop it from being truly great. 5.8 overall critic score is extremely harsh the game is a solid 7.5 but as the closest I can rate here is an 8, an 8 it shall have as it mostly makes up for the shortcomings with heart and endeavor.… Full Review »
  3. KingofBeasts
    Jan 13, 2022
    10
    First of all, this is the improved version, which comes with changes. Which I will be breaking down the points of it. This is one game ofFirst of all, this is the improved version, which comes with changes. Which I will be breaking down the points of it. This is one game of four. Yes, so it is a long storyline. This game is on the second continent if my memory isn’t too bad. Anyway, this is the story of Eirudy, the Marionette Witch. There is quite a bit to take from this in itself.

    Story:

    The story is meant to be tragic with some happier moments blended in, to make a bittersweet moment. It requires a bit of deeper thinking. Following the line of a war, that is meant to kill off deities. There is a whole reason for this. That is because, it was more or less believed, without the deities, that the springs can be taken over. Play part 2 for more details. This specific one has Eirudy, who is initially nameless. More of an antisocial, and has innocence to her. She is direct, and wishes for friends. Hence why she tries to perfect her dolls. As it goes along, she is hurt time and time and again, but has one true friend. The main storyline isn’t long, but it shows her trying to find her way. Making friends, and something more. Four visions she will see, each containing a reasoning for her sadness. All in direction towards everyone living off of her despair. It is a depressing storyline, and unlike the rest. This one stays consistent, and really knows how to pull at the strings. She helps Adrian, since he has done a lot for her. As a result, she gets out into the world, and learn of both good and bad. I don’t want to spoil it, but pay close attention, this game might take some thinking, but it will make sense. It gets into line of more or less being political, a lord abusing his power, and a plan in not only impeaching him, but to also stop the pope and revive the springs.

    Side Quests:

    Sides Quests expands on the entire story itself. There are I believe two side quests that needs to be completed to expand the post game. Then there is an additional doll that can only be gotten on a Side Quest. More about Eirudy is found out through this line, as well as a bit of an expansion from the second game. So, doing these has its benefits. Which gives an overall idea of the conflict at hand.

    Graphics,

    It is visually appealing, and improved might I say. No issues here whatsoever.

    Mechanics:

    This is pretty much a port from the app version, nothing new. To explain it really quickly. There is an alchemy system, where you can gather ingredients and craft. This is used mostly for making spells and stat boosting items. Which I should mention, there are no levels for Eirudy.

    Battle System:

    This is a port of the original, you have options. In which you can combine magic swordsmanship with your physical attacks. Even spells with your physical. Numerous strategies to use, such as knowing when to guard can be critical. You engage enemies on the map, and can choose to dodge from most.

    Illustrations:

    New art has been put into the game, as well as a bit more as far as I can tell. I must say, these illustrations really hits home, grabbing at the depressing moments even more, as well as improving the happier moments. Phenomenally done.

    Music:

    A good variety, and well used tracks to really improve the quality of the story. Some are soothing, yet agonizing. Others can be exciting but grim. It is just fantastic to say. The game really makes use of the tracks, which really rises the emotional level. Which might I add, is where the game excels at.

    Voice Acting:

    This is new to the game, which really conveys those emotional moments. This was not present in the original.

    Exploration:

    As the story goes along, you get more room to explore. Before continuing with the storyline, go and do whatever you need to do. The game allows you to go to places earlier if you grind. This is also how you get side quests done. It has a fair number of areas to explore. Though, the main charm of the game is the story. Also, don’t forget the post game content as well, which gives incentive to revisit areas.

    Three Paths:

    Light, Dark, and True Path.

    Light basically does not give the full story. However, you can visit two extra places. Dark Path shows a really depressing scene. True Path gives the full story, as well as a ride to never forget.

    Reply Value:

    Very much so, with the charming characters, as well as heart clenching storyline. It gives reason to play it again, since the main story isn’t that long. There are three paths as well, and certain things you cannot do depending on which direction you go. For instance, a quest is only available on the Light Path vs True Path. I won’t spoil Dark Path, but know, just create a separate save. Anyway, I found myself replaying the game, and getting stronger faster. I even discovered new ways to gain even more stats from certain events. Hours of fun and replay to go, only bad thing is the translations, but that is easily overlooked. I highly recommend playing the game.    … Full Review »
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