REVIEW / Enchanting Treat (PC)

In the world of platform games, there’s a bit of a dilemma that developers face. The core mechanics are undeniably fun, but the challenge is making a game that rises above the rest. Typically, you end up with a character hopping from platform to platform, dealing with obstacles and foes. While the genre offers a solid foundation for more intricate experiences like Metroidvanias, it often needs a sprinkle of something extra to shine on its own. Enter Magical Delicacy, the game we’re diving into today—a title that truly thinks outside the box.

Magical Delicacy is not your average game. It’s a quirky blend of platformer, RPG, and cookery simulation. It’s as wild as it sounds, and the big question here is whether this unusual mix actually works. Thankfully, for the most part, it does. Of course, there are one or two little hiccups we’ll discuss later on, influenced mostly by personal taste and some minor quality-of-life tweaks.

Imagine this: you step into the shoes of a witch on a journey of self-discovery in the bustling city. With your own bakery at your fingertips, you’re tasked with fulfilling orders for the town’s many residents. But that’s just brushing the surface. There’s much more depth to the storyline than simply interacting with locals and cooking for them. These interactions are a significant part of the gameplay loop, yet there’s still so much more to explore in terms of the RPG elements. I won’t spoil every detail, but trust me, the story is engaging enough to keep you coming back for more.

Describing the gameplay in Magical Delicacy isn’t easy because it’s a mashup of several genres. On one side, you’re interacting with NPCs, taking their requests, and unraveling the story just as you would in a typical RPG. Completing food orders plays a key role, where you’ll need to find recipes, gather ingredients, and sometimes even grow your own supplies. You can’t just whip up a dish on the spot if you’re missing something essential. Moreover, reaching different places involves platforming that borrows a bit from Metroidvania games, restricting access until you have the necessary upgrades.

Interestingly, while there are some hazards, the world of Magical Delicacy isn’t riddled with enemies. You won’t be facing death at every corner, which removes a lot of pressure. Hazards seem more about adding a challenge to navigation than anything else, which suits the relaxed vibe of the game perfectly.

At first glance, Magical Delicacy didn’t instantly grip me. The mix of RPG and cookery sim felt a bit off at first, but not long into the game, I found myself immersed in its charming world. There’s a balance here that becomes apparent after spending some time with it, and the cooking element is simplified to ensure it complements the rest of the game seamlessly, avoiding any possible disruptions.

Cooking in the game is a delightful trial-and-error process. Imagine receiving an order which specifies customer preferences and aversions—like requesting a stew that’s not spicy. Every ingredient comes with its characteristics, such as spicy or earthy, guiding you on what to include or exclude. And while sometimes you stick to a recipe, other times you’re encouraged to improvise, experimenting to discover new outcomes.

It’s crucial to have the right equipment to prepare certain dishes. If something needs roasting, grinding, or frying, you’ll need the respective appliances like an oven or a pestle and mortar. Crafting these meals is an exercise in deduction, as you align each ingredient’s preparation with the dish’s requirements, learning and improving over time.

Visually, Magical Delicacy echoes the late 90s arcade era, which is a nostalgic treat. It’s evident that much thought has gone into the game’s design, enhancing the overall experience. As for controls, using a gamepad is suggested but not necessary. You can comfortably play using a keyboard, although a gamepad does bring a smoother experience.

Magical Delicacy is a game that grows on you—not one that immediately demands your attention. As you explore the story, the more captivating it becomes. Some players might find the dialogues extensive, given they’re delivered via text bubbles, but if you relish dialogue-rich RPGs, this won’t be an issue.

There are minor issues like the absence of a fast travel option. It would be convenient to rapidly jump between locations, saving time on travel screens. Also, seeing characters’ locations on the map could prevent repetitive searching. There’s a glimmer of hope that these annoyances might be alleviated as you progress, especially with help from the in-game cartographer.

In conclusion, Magical Delicacy offers an enjoyable and unique experience. It’s a slower-paced game perfect for those who enjoy taking things at their own speed. If you’re seeking high-octane action, you might need to look elsewhere. Overall, it’s a charming blend of genres with minor nitpicks that don’t overshadow the fun.

This review was based on a retail copy provided by the publisher. Here’s the breakdown of the game: an 8/10 for its look and feel, story, controls, and challenge, with a 7/10 for accessibility and replayability, bringing it to a solid 7.7/10 rating. It’s safe to say, Magical Delicacy is quite a treat for those who love to savor their gaming time.