The World Next Door similar games & best alternatives
The World Next Door
2019
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Quick resume
An addictive mix of lightning-fast puzzle battles, powerful storytelling and immersive visual novel elements, The World Next Door follows Jun, a rebellious teen girl trapped in a parallel realm inhabited by magical creatures, who must find her way home before time runs out.
Global score
81/100
Genres
Action, Adventure, Indie, Visual Novel, Puzzle
Pros
- Unique and engaging combat system
- Beautiful art and character design
- Charming story and characters
- Relaxing soundtrack and atmosphere
- Accessible difficulty with assist mode
Cons
- Short game length
- Some combat control issues and jankiness
- Abrupt and incomplete feeling ending
- Limited character development depth
- Minimal replayability and branching
Motivations
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Autonomy3
"Players can make dialogue choices affecting character interactions and select companions for battles, indicating some control over actions and decisions."
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Competence3
"Combat involves skillful real-time match-3 puzzle mechanics with strategic spellcasting and dodging, providing a moderate challenge."
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Competition-3
"Focus is on single-player story and puzzles with minimal competitive elements; multiplayer versus mode exists but is rarely mentioned."
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Continuation-4
"Game is short (3-6 hours), with some players finishing in one or two sittings; limited replayability due to linear story and few endings."
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Cooperation1
"Players can invite friends into battles for buffs, but mostly gameplay and story are single-player focused with limited cooperation."
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Creativity3
"Unique combat system mixing match-3 with movement and spellcasting; players customize party composition and dialogue choices."
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Domination-5
"Interactions emphasize friendship and equal relationships; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."
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Escapism4
"Players enjoy immersion in a magical alternate world with charming characters and story, providing a pleasant escape from reality."
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Expectation-5
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no indication of obligation or external pressure to play."
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Experimenting2
"Players try different strategies in combat and explore dialogue options, though story progression is mostly linear."
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Exploration2
"Players explore a small world with shrines and side quests, discovering character stories and optional puzzles."
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Expression2
"Players express themselves through dialogue choices and party selection, though character customization is limited."
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Fantasy5
"Set in a magical alternate dimension with fantastical creatures and magic, strongly embodying imaginative fiction."
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Fellowship3
"Strong emphasis on friendships and community among characters; players build relationships through dialogue and side quests."
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Growth2
"Players learn combat mechanics and develop strategies; story offers some character development but limited depth."
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Health-5
"Game is sedentary with no physical activity or health-related features."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention during combat and story segments; not designed for background or idle play."
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Intimacy3
"Players form meaningful connections with characters through dialogue and side quests, fostering emotional engagement."
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Leadership1
"Players select party members and manage combat roles but do not lead or manage groups beyond this."
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Progression3
"Players collect items, complete side quests, and unlock abilities; some achievements tied to progression."
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Relaxation3
"Generally relaxing and charming experience with a chill soundtrack and moderate challenge."
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Sensation3
"Enjoyable visual art, music, and sound design provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."
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Status-4
"Game focuses on personal story and relationships without social recognition or status competition."
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Story4
"Narrative-driven with character interactions, dialogue choices, and an overarching plot, though some find ending abrupt."
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Strategy3
"Combat requires planning spell combos, positioning, and timing to overcome enemies effectively."
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Thrill1
"Some tension in combat due to enemy attacks and time pressure, but overall experience is more relaxing than thrilling."
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Value3
"Generally considered good value especially on sale; short length noted but quality and charm appreciated."
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Violence1
"Combat involves magical attacks on enemies but is stylized and not focused on graphic violence."
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Survival2
"Players manage health and avoid damage in combat to survive battles; failure results in minor setbacks."
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Last update: 06/03/2026