Witch Explorer is a Shoot 'em up with Tower defense elements. You will play as Tia, an apprentice witch, who goes on an adventure in search of treasure.
You take on the role of Tia, an apprentice witch, who must navigate levels while fending off waves of enemies. The game combines the fast-paced, reflexive action of a shoot 'em up with the strategic placement and upgrading of defensive "Spirits" - elemental towers with unique abilities ranging from offensive fire spells to defensive ice barriers.
To summon and upgrade Spirits, you must collect mana dropped by defeated enemies. Managing this finite resource and balancing investments between Tia's firepower and the Spirits' defensive capabilities is a core part of the gameplay loop. You must carefully consider when to focus on offense versus defense to overcome the challenges presented.
The gameplay requires you to actively dodge enemy projectiles and attacks while maneuvering Tia to shoot in a single direction. This dual focus on evasion and precise shooting adds a layer of twitch-based gameplay, testing your reflexes and spatial awareness.
The game's hybrid nature allows for a variety of viable strategies. You can heavily invest in Spirits, creating a robust defensive network, or focus on enhancing Tia's firepower to overwhelm enemies. The flexibility in approach encourages experimentation and rewards players who can adapt their tactics to the specific challenges presented in each level.
The game also features unique boss encounters that combine the shoot 'em up and tower defense mechanics. You must carefully manage your resources, dodge boss attacks, and strategically position your Spirits to overcome these formidable foes.