Blackstone Academy for the Magical Arts
- April 9, 2020
- Choice of Games
Get on SteamAt 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.
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Reviews
- The game has excellent replay value with multiple paths and choices, allowing for varied experiences.
- It features inclusive language and diverse LGBTQ+ characters, enhancing the representation within the story.
- The writing is engaging in parts, with memorable characters and plot twists that can surprise players.
- The story is inconsistent and often feels rushed, leading to confusion and a lack of emotional depth in key scenes.
- 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 that players may expect.
- story56 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story has been described as inconsistent and failing to fully utilize its potential, with a confusing focus on a world that lacks sufficient background. While the beginning is criticized for being both slow and rushed, the narrative improves significantly in the middle and later sections, showcasing believable character development and engaging plotlines. However, the overall execution suffers from heavy exposition and an overcrowded narrative, leading to a mixed reception among players.
“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.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the game struggles to evoke genuine emotions during key scenes, as players feel there is insufficient character development. This lack of connection leads to awkwardness during emotional moments, diminishing their impact.
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users consistently highlight the game’s excellent replay value, indicating that it offers engaging content that encourages multiple playthroughs.
“I think this game has excellent replay value.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes makes each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
“With multiple endings and different character paths, I find myself coming back for more.”
- graphics2 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. Overall, they contribute positively to the game's immersive experience.
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while players appreciated the game, there is a common desire for deeper and more substantial character development. Many feel that the existing character arcs could be enhanced to provide a more engaging experience.
“I enjoyed it for what it was, but I wish it had more substantial character development.”
“I enjoyed it for what it was, but I wish it had more substantial character development.”
