Micro Mages
- May 1, 2019
- Morphcat Games
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Micro Mages" is a retro-style platformer game, originally developed for the NES console and now available for Windows PC. The game allows for single-player or multiplayer action for up to four players, where you can choose to cooperate or compete against each other. With a colorful manual reminiscent of classic NES instruction booklets, "Micro Mages" offers a nostalgic experience for fans of 8-bit gaming. The game includes a bonus Second Quest level hack.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Micro Mages is a charming platformer that successfully captures the essence of classic NES games while incorporating modern design principles.
- The game features tight controls, beautiful pixel graphics, and a fun multiplayer mode that enhances the overall experience.
- The inclusion of the NES ROM file allows players to enjoy the game on original hardware, making it a unique and nostalgic experience.
- The game is relatively short, with a playtime of around an hour and a half, which may not justify the price for some players.
- Controller support can be problematic, with reports of input lag and issues with configuration, particularly on the Steam version.
- While the game is fun, some players feel it lacks depth and variety in power-ups, making it feel somewhat generic compared to other platformers.
- gameplay37 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as simple yet addictive, with modern mechanics that appeal to both NES enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Players appreciate the responsive controls, fluid animations, and the variety of mechanics that enhance the experience, despite some noting the game’s brevity and lack of tutorials. Overall, the game offers a fun and engaging multiplayer experience, with well-designed levels and charming graphics that make it a standout in the NES homebrew scene.
“And impressive is what they did here, a very efficient concept for a game, it's fun, it runs super well, and the gameplay works!”
“The gameplay is very slick and smooth, the enemies are all very identifiable and unique and the graphics are very colorful and charming, especially for a game developed for the NES.”
“The levels are well made and beautiful, the gameplay is awesome, being able to play up to 4 players is quite impressive, the animation of the characters, enemies, and bosses makes you wonder how they managed to pull this off with all the levels inside this game!”
“This game is really good -- but if you don't like older NES games or aren't a fan of simple gameplay, this isn't for you.”
“The wall jumping mechanics show their young age, and the variable speed scrolling screen makes it an actual fun mechanic.”
“Gameplay-wise, this game is kind of similar to Kid Icarus but much more dynamic.”
- graphics33 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been widely praised for their impressive quality, especially considering the limitations of the NES platform. Reviewers highlight the charming pixel art, vibrant colors, and clear animations, noting that the visuals are both detailed and easily identifiable. Overall, the game's graphics are described as a stunning achievement that enhances the nostalgic 8-bit experience.
“Micro Mages is a charming platformer with gorgeous pixel graphics.”
“The graphics are incredible for the NES, especially if you consider it fits into a 40kb cartridge.”
“The art style is incredibly well executed given the limitations of the system it was designed for, and the music is catchy and captures the dark fairy-tale themes that the game is designed after.”
“Shovel Knight only aesthetically has the appearance of a retro game.”
“The graphics are well drawn and animated.”
“I was hoping for something like TowerFall, but other than the art style, it's not too much like it.”
- music22 mentions
- 68 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its catchy and enjoyable 16-bit tunes, with many reviewers noting that it enhances the overall experience. While some mention a desire for more variety, the soundtrack is generally considered solid and fitting for the game's themes, with standout tracks that stick in players' heads. Overall, the music contributes significantly to the game's appeal, making it a memorable aspect of the gameplay.
“From a music perspective, the 16-bit tunes are enjoyable, with tracks lasting a little over a minute before looping but catchy enough that it doesn't overstay its welcome.”
“The music is awesome and it is really easy to pick up and play.”
“The art style is incredibly well executed given the limitations of the system it was designed for, and the music is catchy and captures the dark fairy-tale themes that the game is designed after.”
“The soundtrack lacks some identity, but it's very decent.”
“The music is a bit bland.”
“The music and the sound are pretty solid as well, though I could do with a little more variety in that regard, given that I am very bad and spent a lot of time in world 3 and world 4.”
- story10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal, featuring only a few lines of plot that culminate in a charming twist ending. While the narrative is not the main focus, it provides enough context to motivate players, and the developer's backstory adds an interesting layer to the experience. Overall, the story serves as a light backdrop to the gameplay rather than a central element.
“It is very charming, fun and even has a cool development story behind it.”
“The game has very little story, but it does feature a cute twist ending through its very few lines of plot.”
“There's even some story explained in the game on startup, enough information to motivate you on your quest if you neglect to read the wonderful instruction booklet.”
- stability6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with users noting only minor to few bugs and glitches. It runs smoothly without issues like sprite flickering or framerate slowdowns, comparable to high-quality titles from Capcom and Nintendo on the same system. However, some players mention a significant presence of bugs, suggesting a mixed experience in stability.
“There is no sprite flickering, no framerate slowdowns, and no buggy visuals, similar to the best Capcom and Nintendo games for the same system, despite the same technological restrictions.”
“Runs great on my NES Classic!”
“The game itself is a big terrarium for bugs and glitches.”
“There are a few bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay.”
“I encountered minor bugs and glitches that affected my experience.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is considered decent, with some players enjoying short bursts of play and the addition of a second quest for platforming fans. While there are free alternatives with better replay value, the game's technical achievements and hard mode provide enough incentive for players to return.
“The replay value is also pretty good.”
“A real technical achievement making a game with the limitations of the original hardware. Not only that, but it's a lot of fun to play and has a hard mode to extend its replay value.”
“There are many games that are better and also free for that kind of replay value.”
“This is definitely something I come back to play for short bursts at a time, and the second quest adds some more replay value if you're a platforming fan.”
“A real technical achievement making a game with the limitations of the original hardware; not only that, but a game that's a lot of fun to play and has a hard mode to extend its replay value.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is highly praised, with reviewers noting the impressive effort and skill involved in fitting the game into just 40 kilobytes. This level of optimization not only showcases the developers' expertise but also serves as a compelling selling point for players. Overall, the optimization is regarded as a standout feature that significantly enhances the game's appeal.
“As a software developer, owning this game is a testament to my respect for the amount of thought and optimization concepts placed into it.”
“The 'how we fit a game into 40 kilobytes' sold me, 10/10 advertisement within a video about optimization and how much effort was put into a game.”
“The 'how we fit a game into 40 kilobytes' sold me off; 10/10 advertisement within a video about optimization and how much effort was put into a game.”
“This video alone convinced me to support the devs. The amount of optimization skill displayed here is nothing short of amazing.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its outstanding quality, with catchy and atmospheric tunes that complement the visual themes of each world, particularly in Worlds 2 and 3. The immersive environment enhances the addictive gameplay experience.
“The atmosphere is outstanding; the gameplay is clear and addictive.”
“Worlds 2 and 3 are my favorites, featuring very catchy and atmospheric tunes that are well matched to the visual theme of the current world.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy is not prominently advertised, yet the game's unique approach to fitting into a small file size has effectively captured user interest, highlighting the developers' effort and creativity.
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted for its cleverness, particularly in the amusing transition back to remixed hard mode stages after completing normal mode, though some players feel they struggle to create their own jokes related to the experience.
“Reaching the end of normal mode is satisfying with a funny way back to the remixed hard mode stages.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat excessive, with multiple reviews noting that it can feel repetitive or tedious at times.
“It's a bit grindy sometimes.”
“The game feels a bit grindy.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express that the combination of new instruments and 8-bit fantasy art evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and emotional connection, capturing the enchanting essence of video game magic.
“But hearing the new instruments and seeing 8-bit fantasy art made me feel that video game magic.”
