It has been a good while since I last had the opportunity to review a game. Although Bag of Games has mainly focused game reviews on console games, that doesn’t mean that it is going to stay that way: especially now that I have good new chair to rest my buttocks while enjoying PC games. Enough of that, here is the review for Magicka:
Stupefyingly absurd rpg-experience. In a good way!
When creative mechanics are combined with good storytelling and humor, something excellent emerges. Magicka by Arrowhead Game Studios strives to provide stupefyingly absurd rpg-experience with a solid amount of pop-culture references which results in altogether enjoyable experience.
Magicka is set in the fantasy world of Midgård. The capital city of Hávindr is under attack and you take up the role of a wizard sent out to find out what’s going on. Soon you’ll find yourself on an adventure in which goblins, trolls and other villainy creatures are terrorizing the mythical world just waiting you to deal with them with magickzzz!
Free-form spell-casting
The point is that instead of using marked skills you can be creative and test your creativity.
At the heart of the game mechanics lies the free-form spell-casting system in which you use creativity to combine eight different magical elements in any combination. So in order to create i.e. that all too familiar fireball you use fire and earth elements in queue and then cast the spell to see the effects. The point is that instead of using marked skills you can be creative and test your creativity. So combine your elements and wreak the havoc! So use lightning, rise a wall of volcanoes, create bombs and freeze your enemies whatever feels good. It’s fun. Still, be careful not to over-do it since certain elements won’t work together. Also, being wet and deciding to use lightning should be reconsidered at least. While the magic system is excellent, Magicka can seem a bit basic in terms of gameplay when you begin the game. The graphics are charming and the first enemies do feel bit unchallenging BUT that is false feeling of safety. Once you’re facing massive hordes of enemies and new formidable foes that you must face in the later stages of the game, you start to miss those easier opponents. In addition to challenge, there is a small element of exploration to the game as it contains some hidden areas with extra weapons and treasure.
Makes you laugh!
Still, I believe that the strongest aspect of the game is its humor. It has been a while since I have laughed out loud when playing games. In terms of laughter, Magicka delivers. Absolutely huge load of silly references with clichéd combination of tales (game plot) you’ve heard before make the game most enjoyable. The amount of movie references is enormous and the game contains a wide mass of funny characters. It is most enjoyable to encounter druids that scream “shrubbery!!” and not to mention Admiral (named Agnar) screaming IT’S A TRAP!
The verdict
As it usually is with such games, Magicka works best with your friends. Magicka delivers a solid light rpg-experience being funny and working game. The game had some minor problems during the release, but by now it is working well. Priced ridiculously low (about 10$) the game delivers more than most of the full-priced ones. Pick up your copy and try the game. Money well spent.
8.4 out of 10
Why so high? Fantastic gameplay mechanics and nerd culture humor
Why so low? Connectivity problems with multiplayer, bugs and glitches.
Marko Kari
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