Blackstone Academy for the Magical Arts
- April 9, 2020
- Choice of Games
At Blackstone Academy, become a magician apprentice, choosing your path in elemental magic or spell casting. Navigate social circles, clubs, and classroom challenges in this narrative-driven RPG. With a variety of character customization options and storylines, your magical journey is shaped by your decisions.
Reviews
- The game has excellent replay value with multiple paths and character options.
- It features inclusive language and diverse LGBTQ+ characters, enhancing the overall experience.
- The plot twists and engaging character interactions provide memorable moments throughout the story.
- The story is inconsistent and often feels rushed, leading to confusion and a lack of emotional depth.
- Character development is shallow, with many characters reduced to stereotypes and lacking meaningful exploration.
- The political themes can feel heavy-handed and detract from the magical school experience, making it less enjoyable for some players.
- story28 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story has been described as inconsistent and overly complex, struggling to balance multiple plotlines while being exposition-heavy and confusing. While the initial pacing is criticized for being both slow and rushed, the narrative improves significantly in the latter half, showcasing character development and engaging interactions. Overall, the writing is noted as well done, with potential for a more cohesive sequel, but many reviewers found the execution lacking, leading to a mixed reception.
“The characters are very believable, can change realistically throughout the story, and interact/do things whether you are there or not.”
“It's very fun trying to figure out which characters are a part of what faction, or if they're a part of no faction at all; the story rarely outright tells you who they affiliate with from the start.”
“The writing is well done, the story is interesting, and even though I had a feeling about who the bad guy was, I was really pleasantly surprised not by whom but by what they were up to.”
“The story is exposition-heavy and wordy; it focuses more on telling you everything instead of showing, which can happen even in a book.”
“The big issue here is the 'fast-paced' part of the story that is advertised as a feature.”
“Overall, it tries to cram too many subject matters into one story without any real direction.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Many users feel that the game lacks emotional depth, as key scenes fail to resonate due to insufficient character development and time spent with them, resulting in awkward emotional moments.
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users generally agree that the game offers excellent replayability, making it enjoyable to revisit multiple times.
“I think this game has excellent replay value.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes keeps me coming back for more.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh and engaging, making it hard to put down.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their appealing aesthetic, particularly resonating with fans of a magical school setting, contributing to an enjoyable visual experience.
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while players appreciate the character development, many feel it lacks depth and could benefit from more substantial growth and complexity.
“I enjoyed it for what it was, but I wish it had more substantial character development.”
“The character development felt shallow and didn't leave a lasting impact on the story.”
“I found the character arcs to be predictable and lacking depth, which made it hard to connect with them.”