Product Info

Platform

Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC

Publisher

Sometimes You

Developer

Sometimes You

Genre

Action, Adventure, Platform

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

279 MB

Release Date (NA)

Sep 4, 2025

Purchase From

eShop

PSN Store

Microsoft Store

Steam

Candylands Journey is a platform adventure indie game that is colorful and smooth, but its beautiful designs become its downfall.

Candyland Robbery

Magic University is under attack by evil witches known as the Pastry Witches. The game does not explain the situation or why this event has occurred through dialogue. Additionally, the non-playable characters (NPCs) do not speak, they simply rotate animations in the background. When shopping for power-up items and spells, there is no dialogue explaining what they are. The game only notifies you if you already own an item or if you don’t have enough gems to purchase it. There is no indication of what these items, like the hats, do until you wear one. Providing a short guide on the powers of these items could benefit new players.

In the game, you will play as a young witch with a magical wand that can cast various spells on enemies. The gameplay mechanics are introduced in the intro stage, and after completing it, your adventure begins to bring back the stolen crystals. Your wand can hold various spells, all of which need to be purchased at the university’s store by collecting gems during your adventure, except for the default wand power of bubbles. The bubble power is infinite and can trap enemies, allowing you to jump on them or pop the bubble after a few seconds to defeat them. Some enemies, like mines and jellyfish, require different spells to eliminate. Certain areas are sealed off but can be passed with specific wand powers. These blocked paths often hold puzzle pieces that will help you reach your final destination.

 Enemies will drop hats that the player can pick up and use for various abilities, such as destroying breakable objects, gliding, jumping higher, or providing light. While some hats may not feel necessary, wearing one for higher jumps can help breeze through levels. If you lose your hat, you can easily replace it or purchase a new one at the store. To save up gems, you can replay levels multiple times and keep your progress. With some grinding, you can purchase all wand powers before starting the second stage.

 The game features fifteen stages with colorful environments and various minions to defeat. Boss fights against evil witches will also occur before the final confrontation with the main antagonist. While the game may not provide long-lasting platforming entertainment, it offers a fun and engaging experience.

Bosses have a large health supply, but depleting it is simple using your wand’s power. Their patterns are straightforward, making it easy to avoid attacks and defeat them. You can win the first witch fight by spamming bubbles in the corner and not get hit. Adding more challenges to boss battles, such as different powers to change the battle scene, could enhance the overall gameplay experience for players of all ages.

‘90s Vibes

Candylands Journeys draws inspiration from the 1990s era of games, featuring visuals reminiscent of the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. The game is vibrant and intricately designed, but at times the abundance of visual elements can be overwhelming. Some enemies, like the jellyfish and mines underwater, tend to blend in with the game environment or are scattered throughout the map, making them difficult to spot. Additionally, a few of the enemies’ colorful designs may camouflage with the level backgrounds, leading to potential oversight if not careful.

On the bright side, the game’s soundtrack is a joy to listen to, with upbeat tracks that enhance the adventure. The sound effects are also well-executed, adding to the overall enjoyment, especially the amusing screams of defeated enemies.

The Final Witch

Candylands Journey is an enjoyable, laid-back platformer game with an upbeat soundtrack and great visuals inspired by ‘90s games. However, its overwhelming level design adds additional obstacles for players in this short timed adventure. Still, for those with a sweet tooth for nostalgia, it’s a treat worth unwrapping.

A PlayStation 5 code provided for this review. Candylands Journey is available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.