Quantum Witch
Release Date: Jun 24, 2025
Developer: NikkiJay
Publisher: NikkiJay
Platform: Steam
Special thanks to the PR team and PressEngine for the review key
Intro/Story:
Quantum Witch blends retro pixel art with a narrative-first design, coined a “plot-former,” where story and choices eclipse traditional platforming. You take on the role of Ren, a sheep-herding young woman from a utopian village, Hus, whose peaceful routine is shattered by a mysterious portal. What begins as a simple quest to retrieve her flock spirals into a surreal, multiverse-spanning odyssey. The world feels lived-in, steeped in lore and complete with quirky NPCs, from dancing skeletons to cultists who awkwardly insist, “It’s not a cult!”
What makes Quantum Witch stand out from other platformers, or games of its type, isn’t just its visual charm, but its core narrative. Inspired by creator NikkiJay’s experiences growing up in a high-control religious cult, being raised in constant fear, gender oppression, and the trauma of forced obedience, she channels that reality into the game, which infuses it with themes of self-discovery, autonomy, queer empowerment, and emotional liberation. Aiding this personal journey is BAFTA-nominated Paul Rose, who helped shape the branching script into a coherent and layered narrative. This is the strong point of the game as it is a wonderful narrative, full of emotion that will keep anyone invested.
Quantum Witch dances a delicate line between delightful absurdity and outright emotional intensity. It’s peppered with clever, punchy one-liners and nods to English surreal humor. This, in conjunction with emotional depth in quieter moments, reflects trauma and resilience. The tonal shifts between whimsy and weight are bold and, at times, jarring, but purposeful, heightening the impact of each narrative beat. The narrative and story deliver on their purpose. However, with such a carefully crafted story, does the gameplay hold up to match it? Let’s take a look.
Gameplay:
The term “plotformer” is accurate in terms of describing Quantum Witch. Platforming exists, but it’s more functional than flashy. Think of hopping and clicking to progress. While this is great for storytelling, it leaves much more to be desired for someone seeking gameplay substance. The game encourages multiple playthroughs, with tiny decisions like what Ren wears or who lives or dies affecting future narrative threads, creating a tapestry of interwoven choices that leave a lingering impact.
A typical full playthrough runs around four hours. It is a tight narrative experience. However, don’t let the short runtime fool you. Each run exposes new secrets, reveals unforeseen consequences, and unveils additional endings. It’s a layered experience that encourages replay and reflection. This is as the developer intends, and it is rewarding each time around.
Visual and Audio:
Visually and audio-wise, Quantum Witch looks and feels like a throwback to games of yesteryear. Below is the trailer so you can see for yourself how it looks and feels.
Wrap-up/conclusion:
Quantum Witch is a bold, emotionally charged indie adventure that weaves personal trauma, lesbian identity, surreal humor, and multiverse intrigue into a pixelated tapestry. Its strengths lie in its writing, its emotional authenticity, and the way every choice ripples across its narrative web. If you’re drawn to interactive fiction, queer-centered storytelling, and indie experiences that linger in your thoughts, this is a must-play.
But if you need tight platform mechanics or hours of dexterity-based gameplay, you might want something more geared toward action. Here, the platforming is simply a vessel for depth and meaning.
Score 8/10 – Quantum Witch is a narrative-first gamer, and it shows in the work. There is a great deal to discover in the game, which leads to multiple replays. Also, this game is a great game for LGBTQ representation, which is lacking in games these days. However, controls need some fine-tuning to be more responsive. Additionally, the game runs a short gameplay time, which some may find more desirable. However, the game’s multiple paths should alleviate that if they choose to replay the game.