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When it comes to platformer games, they often face the challenge of standing out. The core gameplay is enjoyable, but figuring out how to differentiate one from the next can be tricky. The usual formula involves a character hopping around, battling enemies, which, while entertaining, starts to feel all too familiar. However, platforms serve as a fantastic foundation for branching out into other genres—think Metroidvanias. On their own, though, they need that extra something to truly shine. This brings us to today’s focus: the game Magical Delicacy, which takes some imaginative leaps to break the mold.
Magical Delicacy is an eclectic mash-up featuring platforming, RPG elements, and a cookery simulation all rolled into one. Sound a bit wild? It is! But does this unique blend work? For the most part, yes. There are a couple of minor issues we’ll touch on later, but these are largely subjective and relate to personal preferences and small quality-of-life adjustments.
In Magical Delicacy, you take on the role of a witch setting out on a journey of self-discovery in the big city. With a bakery to run and a slew of orders from the locals to fulfill, this game offers more than just repetitive tasks and recipes. Sure, crafting dishes is a significant aspect of gameplay, but it’s far from the whole experience. The intricate RPG elements could keep us here all day if I delved into them, so I’ll leave that exploration to you. Suffice it to say, the story is captivating, keeping players engaged and eager to return for more.
Describing the gameplay in Magical Delicacy isn’t straightforward due to its complexity. On one hand, you engage with local non-playable characters (NPCs), completing their requests while driving the story forward, much like any RPG. This frequently involves preparing and delivering food orders, precisely meeting customer preferences and aversions. You can’t whip up dishes without gathering recipes, sourcing ingredients, or even growing your own supply. Sometimes, equipment constraints further challenge you, as you might not have the right gear at hand. A strong platforming element ties it all together, hinting subtly at Metroidvania influences, where new areas become accessible as you acquire upgrades.
Interestingly, despite hazards sprinkled throughout, this world isn’t teeming with enemies, and you can’t die—which fits the game’s leisurely vibe. The hazards mainly make platforming more engaging rather than punishing. Even in areas like the catacombs, designed like obstacle courses, failing simply returns you to the starting point of a section. This leniency enhances the relaxed atmosphere, marking a refreshing departure from typical platformers.
As I dove into Magical Delicacy, I was struck by its subtle balance. Initially skeptical of its RPG-cookery hybrid, I soon found myself getting into the groove after an hour or so. The cooking aspect doesn’t obstruct the RPG gameplay, instead adding an enjoyable twist. Its simplicity keeps it from being a full-on simulation, which might have broken immersion. Instead, the game delivers a unique RPG experience with an engaging twist that stands out nicely.
Cooking in Magical Delicacy is a mix of following and experimenting with recipes. Customers’ orders might specify things to exclude, like spiciness, guiding your ingredient selection. Ingredients clearly display their type and characteristics, requiring creativity and experimentation to discover the best combinations. Whether you’re following known recipes or improvising, there’s joy in the discovery and refinement of dishes.
Your cooking toolkit matters too. Recipes might call for specific preparation techniques, like roasting or grinding, which require the appropriate tools. Whether it’s an oven or a pestle and mortar, you’ll need these items in your shop to fulfill orders effectively. The learning curve involves figuring out which ingredient to prepare in which way to perfect your creations.
Reminiscent of a late ’90s arcade game, Magical Delicacy stands out with its thoughtful design and gameplay feel. The aesthetics, from visuals to sound, enrich the overall experience. While using a gamepad is suggested for smoother control, it’s by no means essential. Keyboard controls are quite manageable, ensuring accessibility regardless of your setup.
As you delve deeper into Magical Delicacy, its charm grows on you. It’s the kind of game that, while not immediately arresting, draws you in as the story unfolds. That said, some might find the abundant dialogue a hurdle—it’s text-heavy with plenty of characters offering their narratives through speech bubbles. Those who appreciate detailed conversations in RPGs will find this enriching, while others might seek a faster pace.
Addressing some quality-of-life concerns, these aren’t deal-breakers and could evolve with in-game item acquisition. One improvement would be faster travel options. Quickly getting from one place to a specific shop for ingredients would save time, especially when needing to traverse multiple screens. Mapping known characters’ locations could prevent repetitive wandering as well. The game features a cartographer providing maps; perhaps these conveniences will become more apparent as the narrative progresses.
Overall, I’m thoroughly enjoying Magical Delicacy, even though it’s unusual territory for me. It’s refreshing to explore something a bit different, and where it excels, it truly shines. If you’re inclined toward games with a slower pace and exploratory depth, immersing yourself in this world might be just your cup of tea. If action is your primary draw, though, you might seek thrills elsewhere.
This review is based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.
Absolutely Delicious!
- Look and feel: 8/10
- Story: 8/10
- Controls: 8/10
- Accessibility: 7/10
- Challenge: 8/10
- Replayability: 7/10
Overall: 7.7/10
Cooking up a storm
Magical Delicacy whips up a delightful blend of genres and emerges as a strong contender for both platform and RPG fans, provided you appreciate its leisurely pace. Expect a few minor potential improvements and a story that takes its time to build. Enjoy a slower-paced experience, but if you crave constant action, you might want to look elsewhere.
