Magicka is the newest game by Arrowhead games, which is published by paradox interactive. Magicka is set in a rich fantasy world based on Norse mythology. The player assumes the role of a wizard from a sacred order. The task is to stop an evil sorcerer who has thrown the world into turmoil, his foul creations besieging the forces of good.
The story campaign can be powered through on your own, however by recommendation 4 players improve the fun and chances on completion. 4 lightning bolts or fire balls, more shocking/explosive and screen filling than just one. The story is comical and seems to be a parody of typical fantasy role playing games. Co-op story or arena challenge can be very “experimental” as friendly fire is active and rate of rage quits are high. That’s if you can connect to a game without falling through the floor.
The game play in Magicka is unique as you do not have your spells displayed out on a piece of paper with spells for dummies written at the top; although you might need it. Luckily you can find spell books or experiment through-out the game. The spell system works by the player combining they’re choice of elements together, in doing so the spells become more powerful and destructive. I found that without some serious practice you are going to have trouble memorizing any spells. After you have learned your basic skills you can choose between self cast, forward cast and area of effect cast. Combining these directions and different elements you could end up with a wall of landmines that slow enemies and keep them off your back. Controls work with each spell element being assigned to a key Q,W,E,R,A,S,D and F.WARNING your fingers may fall off or pack their bags and leave your hand for good. Magicka requires quick reflexes and keyboard knowledge, similar to a touch typing genius before you can pull of some of the bigger spells. Luckily the game can be used via a game pad, a mouse or a keyboard. It is entirely up to you which you decide on.
The graphics are colourfully animated and very fantasy orientated, much like the final fantasy remakes. It is stylishly designed yet not computer aggressive. Nevertheless the spells look fantastic and well used within the fantasy world. Ice resembles blue spikes thrusting from the environment rather than frozen water. The lighting strikes remind me of purple diagonal lines vibrating across a fantasy sky.
The sound effects in Magicka is mediocre at best, it can be said that the sound suit’s the game appropriately. Realistic sounds would not have fitted well with the animated style Magicka gives.
Overall the game is great. Apart from it being released too soon bugs and technical difficulties are very high within the game many seen within first days of release. The game is recommended to any fantasy RPG gamer, since the comedy aspect through-out the storyline will make you chuckle at how true and similar it is to most games.
UPDATE: Magicka Vietnam
Magicka: Vietnam isa downloadable content pack for the game Magicka for some unknown reason Vlad decides that we off to the jungle to kill some Vietnam goblins and orcs. Goblins and orcs packed with Ak47s, Rocket launchers and heavy machine guns that is. Do not worry too much though your little mage gets some upgrades as well as being able to pick up their weapons you get given a costume that starts you with a semi-automatic rifle. In addition to the new Napalm strike spell which is overpowered if you do survive the cast sequence first. The game adds 2 new challenge maps an arena map that’s throws waves and waves of weapon wielding creatures at you and a mission map were your mage and a few NPC soldiers that stand right in front of every skill you pull off to help you along your way to taking the goblin camps with every spell in your fingers brains. Rescuing Prisoners of War and stealing military plans before hightailing it out of there.
The difficulty increase from the Original game is defiantly more than a hop, skip or a gigantic leap into hell and you will find yourself dying on more than 1000 occasions. As with the rest of Magicka both modes support single play, if you dare and 4 player co-op for all your suicidal team killing needs.
For an add-on pack Magicka: Vietnam is a great addition to the original game for those that have completed the original and fancy a challenge is worth picking up and attempting.
Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.
