REVIEW / Enchanting Delicacy (PC)

The platform genre has always faced a bit of a challenge. While its core mechanics ensure a fun experience, differentiating one game from another can often prove tricky. No matter what, you’re consistently controlling a character that jumps from place to place, defeating enemies along the way. While the genre serves as a fantastic foundation for innovations—think Metroidvanias—on its own, it often requires a little extra to become truly exceptional. This brings us to Magical Delicacy, a game that embraces this innovative spirit.

Magical Delicacy is a fascinating mix of platforming, RPG, and cookery simulation. Sounds intriguing, right? The real question is whether this unusual blend hits the mark. Largely, it does. Sure, there are a few personal preference-based hitches and minor quality-of-life improvements that could be made, but they don’t overshadow the game’s achievements.

In this charming title, you step into the shoes of a witch named Flora, venturing into the city in search of self-discovery. She sets up a bakery and starts catering to the demands of the townsfolk. But don’t be fooled; the narrative delves deeper than mere errands. There’s a captivating story that features well-crafted RPG elements, inviting players to uncover secrets beyond just satisfying customers.

Describing what happens in Magical Delicacy is no simple task, given its multifaceted gameplay. Yes, you’ll mingle with the local NPCs, completing their requests as typically found in RPGs. A crucial aspect is preparing and delivering food orders. This requires not just acquiring recipes and ingredients, but also figuring out how to grow some of them yourself. What’s more, you won’t always have the right equipment ready, and this must be obtained as you progress, adding another intriguing layer to the game.

The platforming element transports you across different locations, lightly touching on the Metroidvania style. You won’t have access to every area immediately; upgrades and items are necessary to advance, linking back to the RPG aspects and creating an engaging loop.

A noteworthy aspect of Magical Delicacy is its minimal reliance on enemies. Apart from a few hazards meant to spice up the platforming, there’s no real danger to the character. Failing at an obstacle simply resets your position, not your game, which complements the game’s relaxed vibe. This design choice is refreshing in a genre known for its high difficulty levels.

There’s a delightful balance in Magical Delicacy that isn’t apparent at first glance. Initially, I was unsure about merging RPG and cooking simulation elements. However, after diving deeper, it becomes evident that the simplified cooking mechanics perfectly complement the broader gameplay. They could have gone for a more detailed simulation, but this smart decision keeps the game immersive and speedy.

Every culinary endeavor is an experiment. Customers specify what they desire and detest, such as preferring a non-spicy stew. Each ingredient has its own attributes, like earthy or spicy, and it’s up to you to craft the right blend. Prepared recipes or spontaneous creativity both offer enjoyable outcomes, sometimes leading to culinary masterpieces discovered by sheer chance.

Equipping the right tools is essential. When a recipe requires roasting or grinding, specific appliances like an oven or pestle and mortar are needed. Figuring out which ingredient demands specific preparation can enhance the dish’s star rating, encouraging repeated play to perfect recipes.

Aesthetically, Magical Delicacy channels late 90s arcade vibes, providing a nostalgic kick. While a gamepad is recommended, it’s not essential for PC players, who will find the keyboard controls quite satisfactory. Still, if you have a controller, the experience might feel a bit smoother.

Ultimately, Magical Delicacy is one of those games that grows on you. Initially understated, the unfolding story and gradual engagement might win you over. For those who relish character interactions, this game has plenty of dialogue, presented in speech bubbles. Some might view this extensive dialogue as a hurdle, while others will dive into it with enthusiasm.

Regarding minor quality-of-life tweaks: fast travel would be a welcomed addition for fetching ingredients quickly. Identifying NPC locations on the map would also mitigate the aimless wandering. It’s possible further game developments could resolve these concerns, but they remain to be seen.

To sum up, if you’re after a captivating game that blends several genres and offers a laid-back experience, Magical Delicacy is a gem worth exploring. However, if you crave fast-paced action, you might need to search elsewhere. Despite its slow burn, this game gradually reveals its charm and is a worthwhile venture into something refreshingly different.

This review is based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.

Review: Absolutely Delicious!

• Look and feel: 8/10
• Story: 8/10
• Controls: 8/10
• Accessibility: 7/10
• Challenge: 8/10
• Replayability: 7/10

Overall: 7.7/10

Cooking up a storm

Magical Delicacy seamlessly merges various genres into a delightful package. Despite needing a few minor improvements and featuring a somewhat slow-paced story, it remains an excellent pick for both platform and RPG enthusiasts who enjoy a game at their own leisurely pace. Conversely, those preferring frantic thrills might find themselves looking for something different.