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The World Next Door

Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 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

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players can make dialogue choices affecting character interactions and select companions for battles, indicating some control over actions and decisions."

  • Competence
    3

    "Combat involves skillful real-time match-3 puzzle mechanics with strategic spellcasting and dodging, providing a moderate challenge."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on single-player story and puzzles with minimal competitive elements; multiplayer versus mode exists but is rarely mentioned."

  • 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."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Players can invite friends into battles for buffs, but mostly gameplay and story are single-player focused with limited cooperation."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Unique combat system mixing match-3 with movement and spellcasting; players customize party composition and dialogue choices."

  • Domination
    -5

    "Interactions emphasize friendship and equal relationships; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players enjoy immersion in a magical alternate world with charming characters and story, providing a pleasant escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -5

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no indication of obligation or external pressure to play."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players try different strategies in combat and explore dialogue options, though story progression is mostly linear."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players explore a small world with shrines and side quests, discovering character stories and optional puzzles."

  • Expression
    2

    "Players express themselves through dialogue choices and party selection, though character customization is limited."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Set in a magical alternate dimension with fantastical creatures and magic, strongly embodying imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Strong emphasis on friendships and community among characters; players build relationships through dialogue and side quests."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players learn combat mechanics and develop strategies; story offers some character development but limited depth."

  • Health
    -5

    "Game is sedentary with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during combat and story segments; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    3

    "Players form meaningful connections with characters through dialogue and side quests, fostering emotional engagement."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Players select party members and manage combat roles but do not lead or manage groups beyond this."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players collect items, complete side quests, and unlock abilities; some achievements tied to progression."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Generally relaxing and charming experience with a chill soundtrack and moderate challenge."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable visual art, music, and sound design provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -4

    "Game focuses on personal story and relationships without social recognition or status competition."

  • Story
    4

    "Narrative-driven with character interactions, dialogue choices, and an overarching plot, though some find ending abrupt."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Combat requires planning spell combos, positioning, and timing to overcome enemies effectively."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some tension in combat due to enemy attacks and time pressure, but overall experience is more relaxing than thrilling."

  • Value
    3

    "Generally considered good value especially on sale; short length noted but quality and charm appreciated."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat involves magical attacks on enemies but is stylized and not focused on graphic violence."

  • Survival
    2

    "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