Marisa's Marvelous Magic Shop
- November 20, 2019
- Masakami Nature Reserve
"Marisa's Marvelous Magic Shop" is a Touhou novel-style management simulation where you run Kirisame Magic Shop in Gensokyo's forests. Your goal is to earn 50,000 yen in the first year, expanding the store and fighting youkai raiders in turn-based battles. With Yukari as a consultant and Cirno as head of HR, rebuild the shop through product development and promotions.
Reviews
- Fun and cute story that adds charm to the gameplay.
- Addicting gameplay with a unique capitalism simulation mechanic.
- Great value for the price, providing a short but enjoyable experience.
- Game is very short and feels incomplete, ending abruptly after a few hours.
- Clunky controls and unintuitive UI detract from the overall experience.
- Gameplay can become boring and repetitive, lacking depth and variety.
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as fun, humorous, and occasionally topical, with references to modern technology and culture, making it enjoyable for players. While the narrative is engaging and well-written, some users express a desire for more content, such as an endless mode or additional story elements, as it feels like a foundation for a larger experience. Overall, the story is seen as a highlight, particularly for fans of the genre, though it may not appeal to everyone.
“The game is broken up into two goals you have to hit, each 1 year apart, and it only takes about 1 hour of casual playing per year - the story is otherwise funny and in some cases topical (references to 10nm CPUs and VTubers).”
“I would really like to see an endless mode, and possibly more story since I personally really enjoyed the writing and the art style.”
“The biggest strength of MPMS overall, though, is its hilarious story.”
“It could use things like endless mode or just allow the game to continue after the story is done because it does feel at times like a base to a larger game.”
“Story: 5/10 | It is as ridiculous as you would expect from a Touhou fan-game.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's artwork is praised for its loveliness, contributing positively to the overall experience, despite the game being short. Reviewers rate the graphics at 7/10, noting that while the visuals are appealing, the managing game genre doesn't demand high-end graphics.
“Apart from these out-of-the-ordinary mechanics, the game's artwork is lovely.”
“Short game but nice artwork.”
“I would really like to see an endless mode, and possibly more story since I personally really enjoyed the writing and the art style.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is engaging and enjoyable, focusing on micromanagement of stock and navigating RNG-based mini-events, complemented by the unique mechanics of hiring bodyguards and surviving monster attacks. While the core gameplay could feel monotonous, these elements add excitement and variety.
“Short but fun, the gameplay mostly revolves around micromanaging your stock and contending with the RNG-based mini-events.”
“This kind of gameplay alone could be terribly dry, but luckily, you've also got bodyguards to hire and monster attacks to survive with their help.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is highlighted as a major strength, featuring a hilarious and often topical story with references to contemporary themes like 10nm CPUs and VTubers. While some may question the overall quality, the comedic elements consistently deliver laughs throughout the gameplay experience.
“The game is broken up into two goals you have to hit, each 1 year apart, and it only takes about 1 hour of casual playing per year - the story is otherwise funny and in some cases topical (references to 10nm CPUs and VTubers).”
“The biggest strength of MPMS overall, though, is its hilarious story.”
“I can't say it's good, but it is really, really funny.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
While the game offers some replay value due to missed events and choices influenced by resource management, overall expectations for replayability are low, with players noting that a single run can be completed in a short time.
“My first run ended with 1.6 million, and I had no prior background in the game. I cleared it in two hours, and it was worth it for the cheap price and the potential replay value, as there are a few events you can miss if you don't have enough remaining cash in certain parts of the game.”
“First run I ended with 1.6 million with no prior background to the game, cleared in two hours - worth it for the cheap price and possible replay value since there are a few events you can miss if you don't have enough remaining cash in certain parts of the game.”
“Don't expect much replayability though.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a limited number of tracks, with users noting only about four, yet the soundtrack is generally well-received and praised for its quality. Sound design has been rated highly, at 9/10, indicating a strong overall auditory experience despite the minimalistic approach to music.
“Great soundtrack!”
“Sound design: 9/10. This is completely subjective, and although there are barely any music tracks (there are like 4), I liked them.”