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The platform genre is undeniably fun with its core mechanics, but let’s face it – it’s a real challenge to make one game truly shine among the rest. No matter how you spin it, you’re essentially looking at a character hopping from one point to another, dealing with foes along the way. Now, while the genre itself serves as a fantastic foundation for incorporating other elements – think Metroidvanias, for instance – it often needs an extra push to really stand out. This brings us to Magical Delicacy, the game we’re diving into today, which brings a unique twist to the table with some fresh and innovative ideas.
Magical Delicacy is this wild mix of platformer, RPG, and cooking simulation. I mean, seriously, it sounds a bit crazy, right? But the question is, does this blend actually work? For the most part, it does, though there are a couple of personal preferences and minor quality-of-life tweaks that might not sit perfectly with everyone.
In Magical Delicacy, you’ll step into the shoes of a witch, on a quest for self-discovery in a bustling city. Settling down with her own bakery, she embarks on a journey to fulfill locals’ orders. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The narrative goes far deeper than just getting to know the locals and whipping up some treats. While crafting dishes forms a significant part of the gaming loop, it’s definitely not the whole story. Delving into the RPG elements could take us all day, so I’ll leave you to explore that aspect on your own. Let’s just say the storyline is compelling enough to keep you hooked and eager for more.
When it comes to gameplay, Magical Delicacy offers a rich tapestry of experiences. On one hand, you get to interact with NPCs, completing requests and advancing the storyline, much like any RPG. A significant chunk of this involves preparing and delivering food orders. The townsfolk are quite particular about their preferences, so it’s up to you to make their favorite dishes just right. This is where another big part of the game kicks in. You can’t just whip up any dish right away. You’ll need to gather recipes, source ingredients, and possibly grow some yourself to keep up with demand. This means you can’t immediately fill every order – you might not even have the tools needed right away, adding another layer of strategy to the game. Then there’s the platforming aspect, which dictates how you move around. There’s a neat touch of Metroidvania here, where gaining access to new areas often requires upgrades and items, tying everything back to those RPG elements.
A point worth noting is that aside from the occasional hazard, the world of Magical Delicacy isn’t teeming with enemies. You can’t die, so there’s no real fear there. Any hazards seem designed to add some challenge to the platforming, but missing a jump simply resets your position, rather than ending the game. This lack of danger contributes to a more relaxed pace, which is a refreshing change from the usual intensity of platformers.
Initially, Magical Delicacy might not grab you outright. I wasn’t sold straight away myself, questioning how the RPG and cooking simulation mix would play out. But after an hour or so, it really started to click. A big reason for this is that the cooking component is simplified just enough to mesh beautifully with everything else. Had it been a full-on sim, it might have broken the immersion. Instead, it’s essentially an RPG with a quirky twist – and that’s a pleasant surprise.
The cooking segment is really a trial-and-error affair. You get orders specifying not just what the customer wants, but what they don’t want. Say they’re craving a stew but are averse to spice. Each ingredient comes with its own description and characteristic, like refreshing, earthy, or spicy. Following this logic, you’d avoid adding chilies to the stew. Whether you’re using a recipe or winging it, not every great outcome is preordained, so you’re encouraged to experiment.
The equipment also plays a crucial role. Recipes might call for an ingredient to be roasted, ground, or fried. You’ll need specific tools – like an oven for roasting or a pestle and mortar for grinding. These are all separate stations in your shop, essential for fulfilling orders. And, even though a recipe might ask for a specific method like ‘ground,’ it leaves it to you to decide which ingredient benefits most. Meals are rated by stars, so it’s worthwhile to re-make dishes and tweak them to improve performance.
Magical Delicacy evokes a nostalgic arcade vibe from the late ‘90s, which is always a bonus. The visuals and sound design are spot-on, enhancing the experience overall. As for controls, while a gamepad is recommended, it’s not mandatory. The game plays just as well on a keyboard, though a pad might offer a slightly smoother experience. Fortunately, this accessibility doesn’t alienate players without a gamepad.
I’d call Magical Delicacy a slow-burner. It doesn’t demand your attention right off the bat, but as the plot unfolds, you’ll likely find yourself more invested. The main challenge could be the abundance of dialogue. With numerous characters all having their own backstories, the dialogues can be extensive – all text-based, too, not voiced. If you’re someone who enjoys diving deep into character interactions, you’ll have no issues here. If you prefer to jump straight into the action, however, the pacing might feel off to you.
I did mention some quality-of-life improvements earlier – none of which are game-breaking but could enhance the experience. One pet peeve is the absence of fast travel. Sometimes, you just want to pop over to a shop to grab an ingredient and return. It would be nice to just click on the map and go instantly. Although navigating doesn’t take overly long, skipping through multiple screens for a single item feels unnecessary. I’d also appreciate character icons on the map to remember where folks are rather than wandering aimlessly. There’s a cartographer character who provides the map initially, so it’s possible she might offer more control over it later, but who knows?
On the whole, I’m really enjoying my time with Magical Delicacy. Though it’s not my usual go-to genre, it’s refreshing to try something a bit out of the ordinary. For those who love a slower-paced, immersive experience, there’s much to savor here. If you’re after sheer adrenaline and non-stop action, though, you might want to look elsewhere.
This review was 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
7.7/10
Cooking up a storm
Magical Delicacy is a delightful blend of various genres. Despite a few minor quality-of-life tweaks and a storyline that may progress a tad slowly at times, it’s a solid addition to the collection for platform and RPG enthusiasts. Perfect for those who enjoy setting their own pace, but if fast-paced action is what you crave, you might need to look elsewhere.
