Platform reviewed: Steam (PC and Steam Deck)
Price: $24.99
If I had to sum up Mirthwood in one word, it would be ambitious.
Having first experienced the game at PAX West last year—where it earned one of our prestigious Best of PAX West 2023 awards—I knew it promised a grand experience. The game lives up to that promise, offering one of the most open-world experiences I’ve ever played. While there are some hiccups, like occasional stuttering and issues with the battle mechanics, the immersive world and overall enjoyment make it easy to forgive these minor flaws.
If Stardew Valley met Lord of the Rings, the outcome would be Mirthwood. I’ve been exploring the world on my own terms, taking the slow burn approach—building my homestead, crafting brews, and gathering resources to grow my business. Exploration is one of my favorite parts of the game. Every time I discover a new area, its name appears on the map in a script that looks like it was pulled straight from Lord of the Rings. The hand-drawn artwork is stunning, with a style that reminds me of 15th and 16th-century illustrations. It all adds to the feeling that I’m part of something epic.
There’s plenty of story here, too. My journey begins with my character fleeing from my hometown overrun by raiders. Hurt and homeless, my family sends me across the sea to a new land to start fresh. As soon as I arrive, I’m greeted by a mysterious man in a plague mask (nothing suspicious about that!) who informs me that a home has been deeded to me—though it’s in desperate need of upkeep. As I settle in and start talking to the locals, I quickly realize this new land hides more than it seems. There are whispers of ancient magic, relics from a forgotten past, and dungeons waiting to be explored. All of that sounds intriguing, sure, but I have other priorities. I’m here to build a new life, and throwing myself into danger isn’t exactly on my to-do list.
Exploring isn’t without its perils—thieves and other creatures lurk in the wilderness, ready to jump any unaware traveler. My first encounter with a thief ended with me sprinting back to the village, where the locals wasted no time drawing their swords and sending the thief running. My second encounter was a bit more unexpected: a wandering villager stumbled across the thief’s camp and dealt with them for me. Who am I to turn down free loot, right? These moments are what make Mirthwood so special. The random events, like this, breathe life into the game’s world, making it feel dynamic and alive.
Skills and leveling up are managed through a unique card-based system. As I focus on specific tasks, I earn experience and level up those skills, unlocking cards to add to my hand. Each card grants bonuses for particular abilities—like increased crafting efficiency or stronger attacks—and it’s up to me to decide which cards to assign to my character. This system adds a layer of strategy, letting me tailor my abilities to fit my playstyle while keeping progression fresh and engaging.
Combat mechanics are one of Mirthwood’s weaker points. Melee combat offers the standard options—blocking, dodging, rolling, and performing light and heavy attacks—but the input lag makes it frustrating. Too often, by the time I’ve turned my character to face an enemy, it’s already too late, and I’ve taken a hit. I usually prefer ranged weapons in games, but in Mirthwood, they’re tricky to use. Lining up a shot is particularly challenging in the heat of battle, where precision feels nearly impossible. These issues don’t ruin the experience, but they make combat feel less fluid than it could be.
Another challenge I encountered was frame rate drops and stuttering. For example, when chasing a deer or fleeing from an enemy, the screen would stutter, and my character would suddenly jump several frames ahead. While this never led to any major issues, like an untimely death, it was a frequent enough occurrence to break my immersion. It’s a noticeable hiccup that stands out in an otherwise polished experience.
Final Grade: A
Despite its flaws, I’m willing to forgive Mirthwood because it offers so much. One of my favorite aspects is how the game lets me experience it at my own pace. Social interactions are a major focus—meeting locals, building (or sabotaging) relationships, and even pursuing romance. I can marry, have children, and shape my personal story through these connections. The morality system adds another layer of depth. Certain deeds can raise or lower my morality, and being "all good" isn’t always the best path. For instance, I met a merchant who refused to sell me goods because I hadn’t "gotten my hands dirty" enough. These nuanced mechanics make the world feel dynamic and responsive to my choices. Mirthwood was one of my most anticipated games this year, and its ability to blend depth, freedom, and storytelling exceeded my expectations.
Review code provided by Vicarious PR
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