Choice of Magics
- August 10, 2018
- Choice of Games
"Choice of Magics" is a text-based role-playing game where players attend a magical academy and choose their own magical path. With over 150,000 words of content, players can explore different magical disciplines, make choices that affect the story, and engage in challenges that test their skills. The game features multiple branching storylines, diverse characters, and the opportunity to specialize in one of several magical arts.
Reviews
- The game features a well-written narrative with meaningful choices that significantly impact the story and character development.
- It offers a vast array of endings and paths, providing high replayability and a unique experience with each playthrough.
- The magic system is innovative, with each school of magic having distinct advantages and consequences, enhancing the depth of gameplay.
- Some players found the story to be somewhat railroading, with certain choices feeling forced and leading to predictable outcomes.
- The character descriptions were often lacking, making it difficult for players to visualize supporting characters despite their well-developed personalities.
- There were instances where choices did not seem to matter, leading to abrupt shifts in the narrative that could feel unsatisfying.
- story214 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 81 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The story in "Choice of Magics" is praised for its depth and the significant impact of player choices, allowing for a highly replayable experience with multiple endings and character developments. However, some players found the pacing inconsistent and felt that certain plot points lacked coherence, leading to moments of confusion. Overall, while the narrative is engaging and well-crafted, it may not resonate with everyone, particularly those seeking a more linear or traditional storytelling approach.
“I am here to announce that up until the very last page of the game you feel like almost every choice you made throughout made a difference in how the story progressed, how your relationship with the characters developed, or what endings were open to you.”
“The plot was always engaging and it never really had a dull moment.”
“The story has a rapid pace, with lots of things happening, keeping it exciting and for me as a reader on the edge of my seat to want to know what happens next.”
“The flow of the story feels weird to me; it feels kinda fast and I felt that it moved on from choices rather abruptly.”
“One of my problems is that sometimes your actions don't seem to have any impact on your story.”
“There were many subplots in the story that went nowhere and ended suddenly, which left me feeling 'so what was the point in that'; there weren't even choices later on that came from them, they were just things that happened.”
- replayability14 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its high replayability, offering diverse story paths and gameplay variations that encourage multiple playthroughs. While some players may feel a sense of boredom after several replays, the overall consensus is that the game remains engaging and offers substantial replay value, making it a standout in its genre.
“This allows for superb replayability, as there are very different ways your story can go and enough to explore.”
“This game is truly magisterial (no pun intended), endlessly replayable, and an exemplar of its genre.”
“You can finish the story in a couple of hours, but the replayability value is huge!”
“It's a difficult game with a lot of variation in terms of gameplay, number of choices, and a lot of replayability value.”
- emotional14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report that the game elicits strong emotional responses, often leading to tears due to its well-crafted story and deep character relationships. The emotional journey is described as a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with players feeling deeply invested in the characters' fates, particularly in moments of friendship and sacrifice. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to evoke profound feelings, making it a memorable experience.
“I won't describe the scenes because -spoilers- but all I will say is: Tal and Cos both made me tear up with their wholesome friendships, and I love them both.”
“It was an emotional rollercoaster filled with great highs and lows.”
“I played 'Choice of Robots' first from Kevin Gold, and that got the emotional reaction of making me actually cry since I managed to get the empathy ending, with my character about to die and the robot saying 'if you die then I will too'. I was so emotionally invested in this robot that I actually cried at the idea of it; I wanted them to live on and find happiness.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Choice of Magics" is praised for its depth and variety, offering organized mechanics that enhance character development and provide players with meaningful choices. It is noted for its difficulty and high replayability, making it a standout in its genre, particularly for players seeking representation as aromantic or asexual. Overall, the game combines engaging mechanics with a rich array of options, ensuring a unique experience with each playthrough.
“This game has a few mechanics that put it above the rest of its own genre; its abilities are more organized and it gives you more information - if you choose it - so you can more wisely develop your character.”
“Basically, the gameplay of Choice of Magics can be summed up in 4 simple steps:”
“Basically, the gameplay of Choice of Magics can be summed up in 4 simple steps.”
“It's a difficult game with a lot of variation in terms of gameplay, number of choices, and a lot of replayability value.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is likened to a tabletop D&D adventure, appealing to fans of similar styles, particularly those who enjoyed "Choice of Robots." While the humor can be effective and elicit a range of emotions, some players feel that excessive modern references detract from the immersive experience. Overall, the game successfully balances humor with emotional depth, leading to a satisfying experience.
“Somebody here commented that it's as close to a tabletop D&D adventure as you're going to get, and in a funny way, I would agree.”
“If you liked the humor and general style of 'Choice of Robots', you'll like this one, unless its theme isn't something you'd enjoy.”
“There were parts that made me tear up, made me laugh, made me angry, and in the end completely satisfied (somehow I ended up with the happiest possible ending on my first try).”
- character development6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted for its balance between exciting events and the growth of relationships, allowing for meaningful interactions. However, some users feel that it falls short compared to other titles like "Wayhaven Chronicles" and "Heart of the House," citing issues with pacing and overall storytelling. Despite these criticisms, the inclusion of love, magic, and choices contributes positively to character development.
“There was always something fun or exciting happening, and yet there was always time for everyone's character development and for relationships to be built.”
“The character development is rich and engaging, allowing players to form deep connections with the characters.”
“Coming from reading 'Wayhaven Chronicles' and 'Heart of the House', this choose your own adventure novel falls short in terms of pacing, story, writing, and character development.”
“There was always something fun or exciting happening, yet there was always time for everyone's character development and for relationships to be built.”
“Love, magic, action, and character development, oh and of course choices.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are minimal, as it primarily relies on text and storytelling rather than visual elements, making it less appealing for players who prefer rich visuals or are not fans of fantasy themes.
“If you don't like reading, don't like a lack of visuals, or don't like fantasy or magic, give this game a pass.”
“Visuals: well, it's a book.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players note that grinding in the game involves cultivating versatile and nutritious crops that can thrive in various environments, significantly impacting farming professions and gameplay dynamics. This aspect of grinding is seen as both engaging and transformative within the game's ecosystem.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally engaging, but some players feel that excessive references to modern life detract from immersion, occasionally undermining the overall experience.
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the optimization aspect of the game highly enjoyable, as it encourages repeat playthroughs to enhance performance, adding to the overall fun experience.
“Very fun, and running through the game on repeat playthroughs, trying to optimize my performance, is a lot of fun.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers express concerns about the game's monetization strategy, particularly highlighting a lack of effective advertising and promotion from the small publisher. Players feel that better marketing could have increased visibility and awareness of the game, suggesting that future releases should focus on improving promotional efforts to reach a wider audience.