I’ll be honest: games like Trouble Witches have always slightly baffled me.
Not because they’re bad — far from it — but because their particular blend of cute anime witches and utterly ruthless bullet-hell chaos feels like something that shouldn’t work. And yet, much like Cotton, it very clearly does.
As of today, Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01: Daughters of Amalgam is available digitally on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, giving a new audience the chance to discover why this long-running cute ’em up has endured.
A cult shoot ’em up with serious staying power
Originally released back in 2007, Trouble Witches comes from the same lineage as games like Cotton — brightly coloured, character-driven shooters that look welcoming right up until the screen fills with impossible patterns of bullets.
Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 is the most complete and refined version of the game, with improved visuals, smoother systems, and a generous selection of modes. It’s designed to appeal both to newcomers who are curious about the genre and to players who already enjoy memorising patterns under pressure.
Cute characters, unapologetically hardcore design
The hook is obvious enough. You can choose from 12 witches, each with different attack styles, familiars, and abilities. The art is colourful, expressive, and undeniably charming.
The gameplay, however, pulls no punches.
Trouble Witches FINAL! is very much a danmaku shooter, demanding quick reactions, positioning, and an understanding of its systems. The standout mechanic is the Magic Circle, which slows enemy fire and converts bullets into coins. Those coins can then be spent in the Pumpkin Shop on Magic Cards that clear bullets, boost attacks, or provide defensive help.
It’s a clever risk-reward loop, but also one that highlights the strange appeal of these games: they look friendly, then absolutely refuse to go easy on you.
Plenty to do, if you’re willing to learn
If you do click with it, there’s a lot here.
Trouble Witches FINAL! includes eight different game modes, designed to suit different skill levels and play styles. There’s also a complete DLC pack included in the base game, with the exception of Cotton, who remains a separate purchase.
Visually, the game pairs hand-drawn 2D character art with reworked 3D stage backgrounds. It’s a style that won’t be for everyone, but it’s instantly recognisable — and clearly part of why the series has built such a dedicated following.
Discounts and a physical option for collectors
To mark the digital release, ININ is offering a 10% launch discount on both platforms until December 29, 2025. On PlayStation, the discount is available to PlayStation Plus members.
For those who prefer something tangible, a Physical Special Edition is also available exclusively via ININ’s store. It includes the game, plus:
- Original Soundtrack featuring in-game music composed by Ina Kondo from Studio AiestA -> Click here to download an exclusive sample!
- Full-Color History Artbook showcasing original and exclusive artwork -> Click here to download an exclusive sneak peek!
- Digital download code for Cotton DLC – the sweets-hungry witch from the well-known Cotton series from Success Inc., as a character in the game
As you can see, this is very much aimed at the kind of fan who already knows exactly why they love this sort of game (and good luck to them).
Still not sure I understand it — but that’s the point
Trouble Witches FINAL! sits in that strange space occupied by Cotton and similar shooters: games that look cheerful, sound playful, and then demand total focus and precision.
I may never fully understand why this particular combination works so well for so many people — but after nearly two decades, it’s hard to argue with its staying power.
If you’re already a fan of cute ’em ups, this is an easy recommendation. If you’re not, it might just be the game that helps explain why they exist at all. Get to the ININ Games website to learn more about this release.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
