PlayStation LifeStyle

This game gave me the same feeling as the first time I saw the original Star Wars trilogy.

A review for PlayStation LifeStyle on 2013-01-28

Gamer.no

With an engaging and touching story, beautiful graphics and a cast of charming characters, this is one of the best game experiences this year. You'll be whisked away to a wonderful world that's hard to tear yourself away from.

A review for Gamer.no on 2013-01-28

D+PAD Magazine

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is as much a triumph of curation as it is a technical showcase; Ghibli and Level 5 have cherry-picked the very best elements from their own past and combined them with the best that the genre has to offer.

A review for D+PAD Magazine on 2013-01-29

Console Monster

To put it lightly, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is one of the best games I have played in years. From the moving story and characters to the amazing visual style and game design, there is little to complain about here.

A review for Console Monster on 2013-03-11

Cheat Code Central

Ni No Kuni easily stands with the best Japanese RPGs of this generation, and I believe it will stand the test of time to become one of the beloved adventures that people remember for years to come. This is the game for everyone who wishes they made RPGs like they did "back then," but who also loves the advancements we've seen in graphics, sound, and gameplay systems over the years.

A review for Cheat Code Central on 2013-01-24

Gamers' Temple

Ni no Kuni gets so much right, and is an amazing and timeless game.

A review for Gamers' Temple on 2013-02-05

SpazioGames

Ni No Kuni is a serenade, a love poem dedicated to all JRPGs. Level 5's latest epic is a brilliantly-crafted game that has the ability to totally capture the player and mesmerize him with its splendid visuals.

A review for SpazioGames on 2013-01-17

Vandal Online

It's hard to find weaknesses in this game. If you don't like it probably it's just because you'd rather play something else. But Ni No Kuni is way more than just pretty graphics or a nice story: it's one of the best RPGs on PlayStation 3.

A review for Vandal Online on 2013-01-17

Gamer Limit

Ni No Kuni knows what it is and it never betrays that fact. It’s a JRPG, and in my book, it’s an instant classic.

A review for Gamer Limit on 2013-02-11

ZTGD

I cannot stress how much enjoyment Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch has delivered. From the compelling narrative to the incredible visual design to the incredibly deep, and well-paced mechanics, this is a game with which every JRPG fan will likely fall in love. Even if you are a casual fan of the genre, this would be one I would recommend checking out if you have a PS3.

A review for ZTGD on 2013-01-22

LaPS4

A magical, unforgettable voyage awaits us in Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. This title brings back the essence of the JPRG genre, featuring great audiovisual beauty and a complex classic-flavored battle-system.

A review for LaPS4 on 2013-01-18

IGN

One of the best RPGs I've played in years...a beautiful mixture of the traditional makings of a JRPG combined with gorgeous graphics, a wonderful story, a great cast of characters and thoughtful gameplay.

A review for IGN on 2013-01-15

LevelUp

Ni no Kuni is almost a perfect video game adaptation of a Studio Ghibli's movie with only minor problems. Level-5 excels in crafting experiences and Wrath of the White Witch is no exception, from beginning to end exudes geniality. The story is an emotional travel through a fantastic world filled with charismatic characters. The gameplay offers a wide arrange of personalization thanks to an almost endless collection of creatures to capture. In an era in which JRPGs are dying, Ni no Kuni might be the savior that could take things to the next level.

A review for LevelUp on 2013-03-21

Computer and Video Games

Ni No Kuni is a miracle. Doused in character and constructed with depth, its first half hour is awe-inspiring yet the challenge can carry beyond the hundred hour mark.

A review for Computer and Video Games on 2013-01-24

GameTrailers

If you have any sort of appreciation for a great RPG, look no further than Ni no Kuni.

A review for GameTrailers on 2013-01-19

Multiplayer.it

Ni no Kuni is a visual masterpiece and a testament for the once great JRPG genre, everything is so well executed that you simply cannot miss the opportunity to play this game.

A review for Multiplayer.it on 2013-01-16

RPG Fan

The entertaining battles and the resolutions of plot threads as the game progressed toward the final credits were worth paying the cost of a slow start to the gameplay. This is a game that we'll be talking about for years to come, and I'm happy to have played it.

A review for RPG Fan on 2013-04-11

Impulsegamer

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a special game and a rare beast in the current console generation. A traditional Japanese RPG with a deep and rewarding gameplay experience with a level of polish reserved for the biggest of franchises. Even if level grinding and monster catching is outside your comfort level, this game is worth checking out. Once you spend a few hours with Oliver, Mr. Drippy and his friends you will not be able to put Ni No Kuni down.

A review for Impulsegamer on 2013-02-11

COGconnected

It’s not perfect of course, and may not turn heads amongst the most eccentric of JRPG lovers, but what Level – 5 and Studio Ghibli have produced is an entrancing trip through an alluring, original adventure that’s surprisingly touching despite it’s simplicity, and easily rivals some of the best games I’ve played to date.

A review for COGconnected on 2013-02-03

3DJuegos

There are few JRPGs out there with the same level of perfection found in this Level 5 production. A top notch adventure with plenty of magical moments and fun characters.

A review for 3DJuegos on 2013-01-22

Videogameszone.de

Charming characters, stunning visuals, a vast world worth exploring, tons of cool things to do and a heartwarming story - these are only some of the reasons, why Ni No Kuni: Curse of the White Witch is a must-have title in 2013. Level-5 and Studio Ghibli have created a fantastic adventure reminiscent of JRPG-classics like Dragonquest VIII or the 32-Bit-Final Fantasys. For me this is clearly the best Japanese roleplaying game this console generation has seen so far.

A review for Videogameszone.de on 2013-01-17

Level7.nu

Level 5's highly anticipated collaboration with Studio Ghibli is just as great as it looks. And it looks great. The art style is exactly what you'd expect from Studio Ghibli, and the same goes for the music. Battles are fought with familiars, that you collect and train throughout the game. It's not a revolution, but it does almost everything right.

A review for Level7.nu on 2013-03-12

Toronto Sun

Wrath of the White Witch combines the innocence of an anime feature film with a well-known “get up and try again” attitude. The game is light-handed with its morals, and not overly melodramatic in its story. It exists as a perfect balance between two drastically different forms of storytelling: a film and role-playing game.

A review for Toronto Sun on 2013-03-06

The Digital Fix

With hundreds of hours of gameplay in a world that you’ll never want to leave, Ni No Kuni is not only a brilliant game to start 2013 but also one of the best games in years.

A review for The Digital Fix on 2013-02-25

Everyeye.it

Nu No Kuni is a role-playing game as we have not seen in years. It's a delightful title: in the gameplay mechanics, in the narrative structure and in all the features.

A review for Everyeye.it on 2013-02-19

Lazygamer

It has been a long time since I finished a game and felt goosebumps and had to wipe away a singular tear that escaped before I noticed.

A review for Lazygamer on 2013-02-13

IGN Italia

Ni No Kuni is the old classic Japanese kolossal updated to our days. If the industry turned its back to the Japanese RPG genre as a whole and the relevance of Japanese games seems to fade away more and more each day... then the work of Level 5 and Studio Ghibli is to be considered a touching love letter to the land of the rising sun and its videogames culture.

A review for IGN Italia on 2013-02-11

PSX-Sense.nl

If all you ever dreamt of is to starr in a Ghibli movie – to be cartoonified and just be able to control whatever happens – you shouldn’t miss out on Ni No Kuni. It features extensive gameplay amidst an atmospheric world topped with a compelling story. It has everything a modern RPG needs to satisfy a gamer’s every need.

A review for PSX-Sense.nl on 2013-02-08

Push Square

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a masterpiece, lovingly crafted by both teams at Level-5 and Studio Ghibli. It's bursting with so much character, humour, strength, and sorrow that it's impossible to put down. The lively animation and whimsical design is flawless, with memorable characters that will stay with you throughout your entire gaming career. The narrative may not seem particularly groundbreaking at first, but this is an adventure that's unlike any other.

A review for Push Square on 2013-02-04

Eurogamer Portugal

This is one of those unique adventures that you'll never forget.

A review for Eurogamer Portugal on 2013-01-30

DarkZero

Level-5, along with the amazing localisation work, took the experience from their background and created an adorable RPG that will be remembered for ages to come.

A review for DarkZero on 2013-01-30

Eurogamer Germany

I don't usually count myself in the group of people who frequently wished they were younger. But in this particular case I'd give a lot to be able to see this world and its magic through young and unspoiled eyes, to be able to take it all in unfiltered. The influence Studio Ghibli exerts over this is so strong that it single-handedly might make Ni no Kuni that defining game for a young and Japanophile generation, not unlike what those Final Fantasys of old managed to become for us. And because I hold those so dearly, I couldn't think of a bigger compliment. I salute Ni no Kuni.

A review for Eurogamer Germany on 2013-01-24

AtomicGamer

Any fan of the genre owes it to themselves to give Ni no Kuni a try, but I won't go so far as to guarantee that you'll love this game even if you've hated past JRPGs.

A review for AtomicGamer on 2013-01-24

Joystiq

Maybe all that beauty would be undermined by the low-key narrative if the combat wasn't as deep. It's why this collaboration between Level-5 and Studio Ghibli works. One without the other might have been good, but together they've created a superb role-playing game for this generation to savor.

A review for Joystiq on 2013-01-23

GameSpot

The impact of the fantastic soundtrack cannot be overstated.

A review for GameSpot on 2013-01-22

GamesRadar+

Stunning, gripping, and touching in all the right ways.

A review for GamesRadar+ on 2013-01-22

Game Revolution

Not only a fantastic JRPG in its own right, Ni No Kuni: The Wrath of the White Witch is perfect for anyone who has ever wished to live inside a Studio Ghibli film.

A review for Game Revolution on 2013-01-22

EGM

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is much more than a vehicle for the House that Miyazaki Built; it's a first-class production all the way that delivers-and improves on-every aspect of the traditional Japanese RPG.

A review for EGM on 2013-01-22

Playstation Universe

If the dazzling production values don't win you over, the storyline, characters and engaging combat will.

A review for Playstation Universe on 2013-01-22

Destructoid

If you're a lover of games that require you to put in before you get out, and you recall the glory days of the Eastern RPG, where experience points were the lifeblood and the grind was king, you have literally no decent excuse for not finding a way to play Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. A classic of the modern age, built entirely from classics of the past, it's advised you get comfortable, cancel all your plans, and prepare to enjoy a game that will dominate your life for the next few months.

A review for Destructoid on 2013-01-21

Playstation Official Magazine UK

I'm saying this deserves to be picked up by so many more people than the niche of role-players and Studio Ghibli fans it immediately appeals to. I'm saying it's so finely crafted it could warm the heart of an Army Of Two player and soothe the perpetual anger of a FIFA-phile… if they'd only let it.

A review for Playstation Official Magazine UK on 2013-01-18

Machinima

With a heart-warming protagonist, beautifully illustrated world, and addicting gameplay, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is another masterpiece of which Level-5 and Studio Ghibli can be rightly proud.

A review for Machinima on 2013-01-17

Meristation

A pure act of love. This is what Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Which is for both Studio Ghibli lovers and gamers who want to embrace again that old fashioned, classic spirit from the RPG genre of 16 and 32 Bit generations. The makers of Spirited Away and the creators of Dragon Quest VIII -Level 5- join forces in a visually constant Tour de Force that contains one of the best scores ever written for a videogame and a battle system that mixes turn-based with real time action. One true jewel of the PlayStation 3 library.

A review for Meristation on 2013-01-17

Eurogamer Italy

Ni No Kuni is a fantastic journey into good, old, japanese RPGs. The incredible design and the rich gameplay are enough to entertain both young and experienced players. If you have a PlayStation 3, you can't miss this awesome experience.

A review for Eurogamer Italy on 2013-01-17

Eurogamer

It's a world where pretty fantasy archetypes clothe heartfelt domestic drama, and where outlandish cartoon creations sit at the heart of an engrossing game, infusing it with their exotic charm. Ni no Kuni wears its Studio Ghibli inheritance as lightly as Oliver does his little red magician's cloak, transporting us from one universe to another with the wave of a wand.

A review for Eurogamer on 2013-01-17

VideoGamer

But with one massive, graceful, Welsh-tinged sweep, the combined might of Level-5 and Studio Ghibli has reinstated credibility to a flagging area of gaming. It's taken years of craft and - likely - a hell of a lot of money, but Ni No Kuni is a wonderful, wondrous experience and will keep you captivated and enchanted for dozens of hours.

A review for VideoGamer on 2013-01-17

GameWatcher

Despite a battle system that has the ability to irritate, Ni No Kuni should be experienced and enjoyed by all types of gamers.

A review for GameWatcher on 2013-01-16

NZGamer

Exploring Ni No Kuni is a wonderful, magical experience.

A review for NZGamer on 2013-02-11

Gaming Nexus

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is the textbook example of a Japanese role-playing game that includes all of the required features such as a turn-based combat system and lengthy narrative.

A review for Gaming Nexus on 2013-02-22

InsideGamer.nl

Ni No Kuni is an amazingly complete package. It’s disappointing the game puts the player through a lot of backtracking and the difference between the beautiful cinematic cut scenes and the text balloons is terrible. These are only minor issues when you see the beautifully created world, the excellent fighting system and the incredible amount of content the game has to offer.

A review for InsideGamer.nl on 2013-02-07

Armchair Empire

Despite the delayed journey to the West, Ni No Kuni is definitely a title you should at least give a chance. There is a demo up on PSN that you can go ahead and download, and once you get used to the combat system and mechanics of the game, you’ll be treated to an adventure like no other.

A review for Armchair Empire on 2013-04-01

GamingTrend

It isn’t for everyone, and it’s definitely not the game that will convince you to pick up a JRPG if you’ve been avoiding them for this long. Even so, I find myself entirely entranced by Ni no Kuni, and I’m willing to look past its flaws as I return to its magical, whimsical world.

A review for GamingTrend on 2013-03-05

GameOver.gr

A feast for the senses, Ni No Kuni has a lot to offer to the hardcore JRPG gamers. Irregular difficulty, slow pacing and poor friendly AI are its problems, but if you can get past them, you will be captivated by its wonderful world, deep mechanics, great post-game length and overall beauty.

A review for GameOver.gr on 2013-01-31

4Players.de

What a charming adventure. The beautiful backdrops bear the inimitable hand writing of Studio Ghibli's artists. The wonderful story carries big emotions without pathos. And the role-playing game opens the doors to a wide land full of fantasy and danger.

A review for 4Players.de on 2013-01-28

PSX Extreme

The story is clichéd and even boring at times, the writing isn't anything special, and the AI and some design decisions are questionable. There's just no denying any of that in my eyes. But it's so beautiful, so likable, so charming, and so well prepared with such loving care, that it's impossible to come away unimpressed or unsatisfied.

A review for PSX Extreme on 2013-01-22

Post Arcade (National Post)

Ni No Kuni offers players an experience unlike almost any other RPG. At once, you are transported back to the innocence of a childhood filled with monsters, magic, and mysticism; but at the same time you find yourself immersed in an emotional story about a protagonist dealing with his innermost emotions.

A review for Post Arcade (National Post) on 2013-05-06

DarkStation

In the end, for anyone with any love for classic Japanese role playing games, Studio Ghibli movies, or just want a charming adventure in a wonderful colourful world, Ni No Kuni will see right by you.

A review for DarkStation on 2013-02-22

Games.cz

Even though it could give a much better performance, it's still an outstanding JRPG for all the fans of the genre. It is a high-quality gaming title that will let you dream for nice long hours. You just have to forgive its bugs sometimes.

A review for Games.cz on 2013-02-22

Gameplanet

The games industry is full of serious business FPS games and RPGs that blend together in stale genericism. Ni No Kuni sets out to be a unique experience, a beautiful adventure that can be played instead of just watched. While in no way perfect, it achieves its goal admirably.

A review for Gameplanet on 2013-02-19

Hardcore Gamer

This mixed with AI problems, some glitches and an over-reliance on played-out concepts makes Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch a great JRPG, but overall, only a good game.

A review for Hardcore Gamer on 2013-02-11

Eurogamer Sweden

By no means is Ni no Kuni a perfect match of Studio Ghibli’s design and character sensibilities and Level 5′s ability to craft deep and meaningful RPG systems, but it’s a close enough match that any flaws to either side are easily ignored. With as much charm, humor and as many quirks as can be packed onto a disc, Ni no Kuni will satisfy even the most disheartened and cynical role-playing fans and, possibly, people not into role-playing games at all.

A review for Eurogamer Sweden on 2013-02-06

Gameblog.fr

Level-5 and Ghibli. Improbable just a few years ago, such and alliance of the little prince of the RPG and the king of Japanese animation gives birth to a super classical RPG, with no need for the magnificent spellbook that was given with the portable version. But in this PS3 take, Ninokuni doesn't really aim at younger gamers anymore. Paradoxically, the very light and sensible style of Ghibli does not give life to the best RPG in the world, but attempts to open up a way to an adventure with quiet strength.

A review for Gameblog.fr on 2013-02-01

Telegraph

Small cavils aside, though, Ni No Kuni is a heartfelt ode to the kind of gaming experience that's in danger of vanishing altogether from the landscape. It would take a hard heart indeed not to get lost in some part of this ravishing exercise in escapism.

A review for Telegraph on 2013-01-24

Gamer.nl

If Ghibli would ever produce a game… it'd be over in two hours. Luckily the animation-studio started working on their game with Level-5. The result is an immensely expansive and typical Japanese RPG, with all of its negative and positive consequences. Above all, Ni No Kuni is a magical journey that'll make you feel like a kid again, in a surprisingly adult wizards-world.

A review for Gamer.nl on 2013-01-24

Edge Magazine

Level-5 and Studio Ghibli's contributions are harmonious. As a game, Ni No Kuni builds upon classic JRPG foundations, eschewing the evolutions of Xenoblade Chronicles and Final Fantasy XII. But the assured flair with which Level-5 has implemented each of the game's classic components combines with Ghibli's masterful storytelling to deliver a JRPG that's quite unlike any other.

A review for Edge Magazine on 2013-01-18

Digital Spy

Studio Ghibli, meanwhile, has helped to create a memorable and touching narrative that's sure to strike a chord with gamers both young and old.

A review for Digital Spy on 2013-01-17

Eurogamer Spain

Ni No Kuni is visually stunning, using the cel shading technique in a way that even surpasses the beautiful Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

A review for Eurogamer Spain on 2013-01-17

Metro GameCentral

One of the best Japanese role-players of the generation and a gloriously beautiful game by any standard, both visually and emotionally.

A review for Metro GameCentral on 2013-01-17

games(TM)

It's impossible not to want more, though. It's delicious. Coming as it does from two creative teams at the top of their respective fields, we expect nothing less. And it's expectations such as these that harm Ni No Kuni most of all – were it not for the near impeccable track records that cut through gloriously in the game's opening hours, the rest of it would shine far brighter than it does when eclipsed by that initial exciting explosion of potential.

A review for games(TM) on 2013-01-16

Worth Playing

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a breathtaking place with the wistful charm of Studio Ghibli's works. With a long roster of side-quests, an open word filled with secrets, clever puzzles, and some of the best-looking credits in any game, you can almost overlook the sharp edges and lackluster AI by focusing on the cel-shaded glow of the magic around one of the rarest, and most spectacular, team-ups anywhere.

A review for Worth Playing on 2013-02-12

AusGamers

If you've grown sick of JRPGs, as many people have, Ni No Kuni isn't going to change your mind. It's traditional, steadfast in its adherence to certain genre rules, and only stays away from a few of the genre's bad habits. But it's also a beautiful game, solidly built and full of whimsy, with some fun features and the sort of breadth you don't often find in game adventures these days.

A review for AusGamers on 2013-01-31

Gaming Age

Mechanically it could be a better game, sure, but it’s still definitely a game worth playing.

A review for Gaming Age on 2013-02-11

JeuxActu

Ni No Kuni is not a bad game strictly speaking, but frightfully irritating. Beautiful, nearly an artistic piece, packed with enchanted moments, especially for a younger audience, the Level-5's game miss its target. With its unbalanced difficulty, Ni No Kuni can easily put children aside and its lack of thickness will bore adults. It's a shame.

A review for JeuxActu on 2013-02-05

GamesBeat

A video game that’s stunning to behold — one that can take players to unexpected emotional places and make them eager to push through the story to see the next brilliant cinematic. And we also get an experience that’s a bit too rooted in old Japanese role-playing traditions.

A review for GamesBeat on 2013-02-04

RPGamer

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a very good game, but it features far too many easily-remedied design flaws to ignore. For players who can look past these flaws, however, a terrific adventure awaits. For all its faults, the game's charming story and loveable cast is one of the most memorable of this console generation. JRPG fans would be remiss to overlook it, but should also be aware that it's far from perfect.

A review for RPGamer on 2013-02-12

GRYOnline.pl

Ni No Kuni is a game that conjures mixed emotions. Sometimes I got bored of chasing monsters, got tired of the fighting system that is hard to control, got irritated by some characters that like to repeat their dialogue over and over again, and I got saddened by plot twists - they were too obvious and stripped of symbolism that is present in Ghibli's movies. Despite that I wanted to play more, because almost every time something good happened at the exactly right moment, something that restored my faith in this universe. Ni No Kuni can surprise you till the end, but all in all - I wish it was something more.

A review for GRYOnline.pl on 2013-02-07

The Escapist

What Ni no Kuni lacks in finesse it more than makes up for in quantity and packaging - there's tons to do and every single moment in the game is a visual delight. It can be extremely frustrating and makes some choices that don't quite work, but offers enough charm to ultimately win you over.

A review for The Escapist on 2013-01-24

Game Informer

The journey can be fun; I liked collecting and growing familiars and watching the breathtaking world before me, but Ni No Kuni doesn't come without frustration. Enter for the beauty, but know it comes with a price. [Feb 2013, p.90]

A review for Game Informer on 2013-01-16

BigPond GameArena

It's unfortunate that the story is so incredibly mundane, with a bad case of structural repetition for each main area. Oliver's grief is a valid emotion to ride, but it takes a back seat to so many hours of grinding.

A review for BigPond GameArena on 2013-01-30

Polygon

Level-5 hasn't created a bad game but an inconsistent one that doesn't seem to understand its own strengths and weaknesses. The flashy look and cheerful tone will pull some people through, but at its core, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is missing a chunk of its heart that's hard to ignore.

A review for Polygon on 2013-01-24

GameCritics

In a certain sense, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch seems to be exactly as advertised. The quality of the artwork is unimpeachable, just as one might expect from the studio that created it. Unfortunately, the beauty of Ghibli has been painted onto the unimaginative and poorly-executed design of Level-5. As a result, Ni No Kuni turns out as blandly as its name suggests.

A review for GameCritics on 2013-03-20