A Pinch of Magic
- April 16, 2021
- Crystal Game Works
- 3h median play time
Get on SteamVarsha is a young witch who has just graduated high school. While their friends were off jet setting and travelling around the world, Varsha had to go back to their hometown Lynnsdale to take care of their grandparents who ran a small magic store. There were two major issues though: one, magic is strictly banned and two, their grandparents store is on the verge of bankruptcy. Play as Varsha as yo…
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features cute art and a charming storyline, making it a delightful visual novel experience.
- Players appreciate the option to choose pronouns and character appearance, promoting inclusivity.
- Despite its short length, the game is well-written and engaging, providing a fun way to spend a couple of hours.
- Kiana's route is significantly shorter and less developed compared to Mikhail's, leading to disappointment for players seeking a balanced experience.
- The pacing feels rushed, with some character development and storylines left underexplored, making the overall experience feel incomplete.
- The music can be repetitive and distracting, detracting from the immersive experience of the game.
- story93 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story is a cute and light-hearted visual novel that features two main routes, one of which is significantly more developed than the other, leading to a sense of imbalance in character depth and narrative engagement. While the art and music are praised, many reviewers express disappointment over the rushed pacing, lack of emotional depth, and limited choices, suggesting that the story had potential for greater exploration and complexity. Overall, it is seen as an enjoyable, albeit short, experience that could benefit from more thorough development and additional endings.
“The story is beautiful, twisting, and mesmerizing.”
“I genuinely enjoyed the story and the art is just beautiful.”
“The story kept me wanting to see what happens next, and while it may not be very exciting, it felt like good light reading set in a rather casual setting.”
“The game is fun and cute, but you can certainly tell a lot was cut from the original story; it does not always flow, and the character development feels rushed and incomplete.”
“The story lost most of its charm after you pick which route you want to see.”
“The concept/story has potential, but it's clearly raw.”
- graphics33 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their cute art style and harmonious color scheme, contributing to a cozy aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. While some reviewers noted a desire for more custom artwork and content, the visuals are considered beautiful and engaging, especially given the game's free status and short development time. Overall, the combination of appealing artwork and pleasant music creates a charming atmosphere that resonates well with players.
“The art style is adorable and the color scheme is super cozy - I got sucked in despite the title track's short loop initially feeling very noticeable to my brain's slight sensitivity to repetition.”
“The art and menus and general aesthetics of this game are very nice and it has a nice color scheme.”
“The visuals are really nice, and the music is also great, and wouldn't sound out of place on any good lofi/jazzy playlist that I'd listen to regularly.”
“Even kissing is done without visuals.”
“Most everything else about the game was fine-- controls, design, music, artwork, and everything else was alright for the most part, especially considering that this game is not only free, but was made in a month's time; however, it's still lacking in a lot of areas, and I feel it could definitely use some improvement.”
“I wish there was much more custom artwork, but due to time restraints, I am just happy to see a couple.”
- music28 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its calming and pleasant ambiance that complements the visuals and story, while others find it repetitive and distracting. The soundtrack features a blend of eighties synth pop and piano tracks, but some transitions between songs are noted as jarring. Overall, while many enjoy the music's fit with the game's atmosphere, there are calls for improvement to enhance the overall experience.
“The soundtrack is a mix of eighties sounding synth pop with some piano tracks thrown into it in places.”
“All in all, the soundtrack does have a fun café vibe that comfortably melts into the background as the story becomes more engaging.”
“The music is so calming and the vibes are so positive.”
“I admit I was not overly fond of a lot of the music and kept the volume down low.”
“The music is repetitive and the loop is too audible to ignore.”
“There are a few transitions between one song to another that don't mesh well.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the emotional aspect of the game is characterized by heartfelt storytelling and beautiful character writing, with players appreciating the warmth and kindness of the characters. While some felt the story could have been more complex and challenging, the humor and supportive interactions contribute to a wholesome experience that resonates with players.
“It's a quick game that's also heartwarming at the same time.”
“Each of their stories is so heartfelt and all three endings feature truly beautiful character writing that sheds light on the different parts of the world they're living in.”
“While the plot was pretty simple, it was heartfelt (especially with Kia's path).”
- character development5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is perceived as rushed and incomplete, with noticeable gaps in the narrative flow, particularly in the relationship dynamics between characters. While the character designs and personalities are well-executed, the abrupt transitions in relationships, such as the quick shift from indifference to camaraderie, leave players wanting more depth. However, the inclusion of choices and customization options adds a layer of engagement to the overall experience.
“It's good in a sense that the character designs and art are well done, and the personalities seem fleshed out for what they are.”
“It's a super short visual novel, so I wasn't expecting amazing character development, but with Mikhail, it's very odd how the main character and he go from being blunt, indifferent, and not really liking each other to co-workers who tease each other and get along well overnight.”
“The game is fun and cute, but you can certainly tell a lot was cut from the original story. It does not always flow, and the character development feels rushed and incomplete.”
“Character development is cute, and I love the choices you can make.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is characterized by clever puns and light-hearted, warm-hearted dialogue that resonates well with players, often eliciting genuine laughter. While some may not appreciate the pun-centric approach, many find it adds a delightful touch to the overall experience.
“They were so funny and added a nice touch.”
“The game was funny, light-hearted, warm-hearted, and made me laugh out loud several times.”
“I enjoyed this game for its humor and heartwarming dialogue.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is well-received, with a fitting soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, earning a score of 4 out of 5.
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the game, enhancing the immersive atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere is captivating, drawing players into the game's world.”
“The overall ambiance of the game is incredibly well-crafted, making every moment feel engaging.”
“The soundtrack is mainly fitting with the game and the atmosphere it creates.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay, particularly the choice system, is praised for its balance, being neither overly complicated nor artificial, which contributes to an enjoyable experience.
“The gameplay, especially the choice system, is excellent; it's not too complicated or artificial, and it feels great!”
“The mechanics are intuitive and engaging, making every decision feel impactful.”
“I love how the gameplay encourages exploration and experimentation, keeping me hooked for hours.”
