Mika and the Witch's Mountain – A Whimsical Adventure with a Short Flight Time

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is a charming indie game that immediately draws comparisons to Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. With its warm anime-inspired visuals, reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, and gameplay mechanics akin to A Short Hike, it promises a cozy and lighthearted experience. Developed by Spanish studio Chibig, the game gained attention through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2023, where it raised an impressive 1.3 million Euros—far exceeding its initial goal of 40,000 Euros. This funding enabled the game to launch on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and of course, the Nintendo Switch, which is where this review is focused.

A Young Witch’s Journey

The game follows Mika, a young witch apprentice sent to Mont Gaun by her mother to train under the experienced witch Miss Olagari. However, instead of a warm welcome, Mika is immediately put to the test—literally thrown off a cliff. Her broom snaps in the process, leaving her to figure out how to climb back up.

She soon meets Allegra, an artisan from the nearby town of Orilla, who helps repair the broken broom. However, the patched-up broom isn't strong enough to withstand the powerful wind currents needed to reach the mountain’s peak. To afford a proper upgrade, Mika takes a job as a delivery girl, leading to the core gameplay loop: flying across the island, navigating air currents, and ensuring safe deliveries while interacting with the town’s quirky inhabitants.

The Delivery Experience

Mika’s new boss, Gref, introduces the stamp system: green for successful deliveries, yellow for mediocre and red for failed ones—though players will want to focus on the green stamps to earn money for upgrades. Deliveries require careful navigation, as packages can be damaged by water or impacts.

One of the game’s key mechanics is its flight system. Mika’s broom does not ascend freely, so players must rely on air currents to gain height. Mastering these wind patterns is essential for efficient deliveries and adds a subtle challenge to the otherwise relaxing gameplay.

Short but Sweet

The game’s main storyline is surprisingly brief. Players can complete the core campaign in around three hours, though engaging in side quests and collectibles can extend playtime to approximately ten hours. However, the game does suffer from repetitiveness after a few hours, especially upon replaying when familiar with the optimal air routes.

While the island is visually charming, its deeper narrative elements feel underdeveloped. The antagonist, businessman W. Soot, plays a minor role in an environmental subplot that never fully resolves, leaving the island’s conflict feeling unfinished. On the other hand, the side stories of the islanders—such as a struggling artist, a sailor and his grandson, and an ostrich farm owner—are entertaining and add personality to the world.

Hidden Secrets and Collectibles

Beyond the main story, the game includes hidden missions and messages, many of which were designed as Kickstarter rewards. Players can also discover secret delivery tasks, such as feeding stray kittens, though these optional objectives offer no tangible in-game rewards.

Collectibles include alternative outfits, tarot cards, pendants, and broom traces. Mika’s first uniform is given by Gref, while additional clothing options can be unlocked through hidden clay figurines. Broom traces, activated at small altars, create colorful flight trails for a visual flourish.

Aesthetic and Sound

The user interface is straightforward, though the lack of an on-screen minimap can be inconvenient. Players must pull up a full-screen map each time they need guidance, and since NPCs move around, finding specific characters can sometimes be a bit challenging.

The game’s soundtrack is pleasant and relaxing, but there are occasional moments where the music stops playing altogether, leaving players with only the sound of the wind. While not necessarily a flaw, this silence can feel unintentional rather than atmospheric.

Final Thoughts

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is a delightful game that offers a relaxing break from high-stakes, competitive gameplay. Its stress-free mechanics, charming world, and enjoyable flying system make it an engaging experience—at least for a few hours. However, its short playtime and repetitive nature limit its long-term appeal.

For players seeking a cozy, low-pressure adventure with charming visuals and light puzzle elements, Mika’s journey is worth the ride. But for those looking for deep storytelling or extensive replayability, this adventure might not soar as high as expected.

Final Score: 65%