The platform genre has long grappled with a common challenge: while the core mechanics are undeniably enjoyable, it often struggles to distinguish one game from another. Despite different attempts, the template generally involves a character bouncing around, eliminating adversaries along the way. However, this genre does serve as an excellent springboard for innovation and expansion into hybrids like Metroidvanias. Yet, standing out purely as a platformer requires a special touch. Enter Magical Delicacy, a game that exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking we’ve been discussing.
Magical Delicacy blends platforming, RPG, and cookery simulation into one quirky experience. If that sounds like a wild mix, you’re not far off. The real question is whether this combination actually works—and, for the most part, it does. There are a few minor gripes, mostly about personal preference and some quality-of-life improvements that could be made, but these are relatively minor.
In Magical Delicacy, you find yourself stepping into the shoes of a witch who ventures into the bustling city in search of self-discovery. Her adventure begins with setting up her own bakery, taking requests from locals. But that’s just scratching the surface. Meeting and serving townsfolk is just part of the narrative, which has a lot more depth. Exploring the RPG elements would take ages, so I’ll leave that for you to discover yourself. What’s important to know is that the storytelling is strong enough to keep you engaged and curious—mission accomplished.
The gameplay is multi-layered, making it tricky to sum up quickly. On one side, you’re engaging with NPCs and advancing the story by fulfilling their culinary desires. Customers will specify their likes and, crucially, their dislikes, which means you’ll need to gather, buy, or grow the right ingredients and recipes to meet their demands. You can’t just whip up whatever’s on hand; it requires planning and sometimes upgrading your equipment. The platforming aspect ties it all together, unlocking new areas with upgrades and adding a sprinkle of Metroidvania-style exploration.
Interestingly, the danger level is quite low—there are some hazards, but no enemies per se. This design choice makes for a more relaxed experience. In the catacombs, failing to overcome obstacles merely resets your position rather than ending your game, which reduces stress and supports a more laid-back play style.
Initially, I didn’t fall for Magical Delicacy right away. The mix of RPG and cookery sim elements had me skeptical. However, as I dove deeper, the simple yet effective cooking mechanics blended seamlessly with the rest of the game, turning it into an RPG with an unexpected twist.
The cooking system involves trial-and-error. Orders detail what the client desires and, importantly, what to avoid. You’ll have to piece together the right ingredients—avoiding spicy elements if necessary—either based on recipes or by experimenting, since many outcomes are the result of improvisation rather than set instructions.
Having the right equipment also plays a crucial role. Certain processes like roasting or grinding require specific tools, which you’ll need to purchase. Recipes hint at these needs but leave room for figuring out the best combination, encouraging repeat attempts to keep improving.
The game exudes a pleasant late ’90s arcade vibe. The developers clearly poured attention into the visuals and sound, enhancing the overall experience. While a gamepad is recommended for smoother control, it’s not essential. The keyboard functions just fine, which is reassuring for those without a gamepad.
Magical Delicacy grows on you. It doesn’t grab you immediately but, as the story unfolds, its charm becomes apparent. While dialogue-heavy interaction might deter players who prefer action, those who enjoy deep narratives will be right at home. The pacing depends very much on your personal taste.
Some quality-of-life aspects could use tweaking. Fast travel would streamline ingredient gathering expeditions considerably, saving time and effort. A map showing where characters have been met would also be a useful addition. While these improvements would enhance convenience, they don’t break the game.
Overall, Magical Delicacy is a delightful surprise. It ventures beyond my usual gaming interests, but it’s refreshing to take on something a bit different. If you enjoy a leisurely journey where you can savor the details at your own pace, there’s a lot to enjoy here. Those hungry for fast-paced action might want to look elsewhere.
The review was based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.
Absolutely Delicious!
- Look and feel: 8/10
- Story: 8/10
- Controls: 8/10
- Accessibility: 7/10
- Challenge: 8/10
- Replayability: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.7/10
Cooking up a storm
Magical Delicacy uniquely blends several genres. With a few quality-of-life tweaks, it makes a strong addition to any platform or RPG fan’s library. Ideal for those who enjoy setting their own pace, yet perhaps not ideal for thrill-seekers looking for high-octane action.
