‘The World Next Door’: Character Art Shines, Puzzles Don’t Keep Up

Jun is a rebellious teen girl, and she finds herself trapped in a parallel world full of magical creatures. That premise sounds simple, and it mostly stays that way. The World Next Door is a puzzle-adventure game from Rose City Games, published by Viz Media, and it runs on PC, Mac and Nintendo Switch. It is built around a bird’s-eye view, an eclectic cast of characters, and a story that wants to feel like both anime and indie games.

Trailer, via vizmedia.

Jun’s World

The setup is classic fantasy fiction. Jun is trapped in a world she does not understand, and the people she meets there are the key to getting out. The game leans heavily on character development, asking players to build bonds through conversations and small acts of kindness. That approach works best in quiet moments, less well when the pacing demands faster action.

Magical Creatures

The creatures populating this world are the game’s strongest visual hook. Each one looks distinct, and the art direction gives the world a hand-painted quality that sets it apart from other puzzle adventures on Switch. Players spend a lot of time walking through these environments, looking at the scenery between puzzles.

Puzzles and Combat

Puzzles form the backbone of The World Next Door. Players move pieces across a grid, solve logic problems, and find paths through narrow passages. The combat is lighter, built around quick timing and dodging attacks. Neither system is particularly deep, but both are serviceable for a game that wants to keep moving forward.

Bird’s-Eye View

The isometric perspective is a natural fit for this kind of game. Players see the whole room at once, which helps with planning moves and spotting solutions. It is a clean, readable way to present the world, though it can make some puzzles harder to parse at a glance.

Cast of Characters

The cast is where the game shines brightest. Jun meets a wide variety of people, each with their own personality and background. Some relationships feel stronger than others, but the game consistently rewards players who take the time to talk to everyone. It is a game about connections, even when its systems do not quite live up to that ambition.

Narrative Structure

The story unfolds slowly, with chapters that focus on individual characters and their arcs. This pacing works well for character-driven moments but less well for action setpieces. The game spends a lot of time building up to moments that never quite land with the weight they promise.

Multiplayer Mode

Multiplayer exists as an option, letting players share a screen and work through puzzles together. It is a nice addition, though it does not change the core experience significantly. The single-player campaign remains the heart of the game.

What Works

• The character design and creature art stand out visually
• The cast offers a wide range of personalities to engage with
• The bird’s-eye view makes the world easy to read

What Falls Short

• Puzzles and combat mechanics lack depth
• Some chapters feel padded with filler content
• The story builds tension that the game does not fully resolve

Release Timeline

Final Word

The World Next Door is a game with a strong identity and a weaker execution. Its art and its cast deserve better than the systems they sit on top of. Players who enjoy character-focused stories will find plenty to love here, even if the puzzles and combat never quite reach the heights the story promises. It is a game that is pleasant to look at and occasionally engaging to play, but rarely both at once.

game review · Indie Games · puzzle adventure · Switch · Viz Media