This sequel alters the gameplay of its predecessor by allowing you to control the witch and the hero simultaneously with the circle pad and face buttons. This dramatically increases the skill ceiling, which was extremely low in the first game. Thanks to this heightened skill ceiling, as well as the absence of the colossal difficulty spikes from the first game, grinding isn’t really required anymore. On paper these are good changes, but I found myself not enjoying this game as much as the first because the controls felt a little awkward and the increased complexity downplays the simplicity of the gameplay, which is what I found to be the strongest aspect of the first game. Playing this definitely wasn’t a bad time, and the game is very short so it doesn’t overstay its welcome. It might be worth checking out if you like the original.

While I can recognize I have some nostalgia for this game, I do think it is genuinely charming. The gameplay and graphics are hyper-simple, but I think that has its own charm. There are some mandatory grinding sessions you will need to make, but the levels are so short that replaying or reattempting a small handful of levels didn't feel like a waste of time. The fact that you will end up underpowered at multiple points does also have the upside that you are guaranteed to be feeling the pressure from being surrounded by a swarm of enemies during your time in this game, which made for very exciting clutch moments when I was just barely able to get through a level with a sliver of health left on the witch. Cute, fun, and simple game overall, maybe check it out if you're in the mood for something simple.