REVIEW / Enchanted Treats (PC)

The platform genre has a common challenge: while its fundamental mechanics can be entertaining, it’s often tough to make one game truly distinguish itself from the next. No matter how you slice it, the core involves a character jumping from one spot to another and eliminating foes along the way. However, this genre also provides a solid foundation for branching out into new areas, like Metroidvanias. On its own, though, it can need a little something extra to make it shine. That’s where out-of-the-box thinking comes into play, and exactly what Magical Delicacy, today’s spotlight game, exemplifies.

Imagine the concept of Magical Delicacy: a wild blend of platformer, RPG, and cookery sim. It’s a combination that, on paper, might sound a bit out there, but does it actually work? In most aspects, I believe it does, though a couple of points may boil down to individual taste and minor quality-of-life modifications.

Meet Flora, your companion on this journey. In the game, you’re playing as a witch who takes a leap into the big city in search of self-discovery. She starts by setting up her own bakery, eagerly filling orders for the townsfolk. This is just scratching the surface of what the plot has to offer. There’s plenty more happening beyond simply crafting goods for the locals. While fulfilling these orders is a significant part of the gameplay loop, it doesn’t encompass everything. Diving into the RPG layer would keep us here all day, so I’ll let you experience that for yourself. Rest assured, though, the story is engaging enough to keep you coming back, which is precisely the goal.

Magical Delicacy is a game that’s packed with variety, making it a bit of a challenge to neatly describe. On one hand, you’ll be interacting with local NPCs, honoring their requests while pushing the story forward, much like any other RPG. A key component of this involves completing and delivering food orders that cater to the specific cravings of these characters. They’ll be clear about what they desire and what they don’t, leaving you to source and prepare the perfect dish. This means you’ll not only buy and find recipes but also harvest and gather your ingredients, and perhaps even grow them if you can. You can’t always whip up a meal the moment it’s ordered, sometimes because you’re missing essential equipment you need to track down.

This segues into the platforming elements that require you to traverse the map, much like a Metroidvania that requires certain upgrades and items to progress. Coupled with RPG elements, this creates a dynamic gameplay loop that’s just right.

Interestingly, Magical Delicacy doesn’t barrage you with enemies. Apart from some hazards that add a challenge to the platforming sections, you won’t face significant danger, as there’s no game over. The lack of peril offers a laid-back vibe, quite refreshing in a genre often tied with high difficulty levels and constant threats.

I initially didn’t get hooked on Magical Delicacy. At first, the fusion of RPG and cookery sim elements seemed unsure, but after a short while, I found myself drawn in. The cooking aspect is simplified enough to fit seamlessly into the overall game, preventing any immersion-breaking moments. It’s more of an RPG with a compelling twist, which turns out to be quite delightful.

In the game, the cooking is a bit of an experimental process. Customers will let you know their preferences, sometimes requiring you to make creative substitutions to suit their desires. You’ll decide which ingredients to use based on their properties, tweaking and perfecting recipes as you go. It’s a satisfying challenge to refine your cooking skills.

Equipment plays a crucial role too. Different cooking methods require specific tools and workstations, which means you’ll be setting up your shop strategically to meet various customer requests. Each recipe has room for experimentation, as not every ingredient combination is set in stone. Meals receive star ratings, encouraging you to improve with each attempt.

Magical Delicacy has a nostalgic, late 90s arcade feel that’s genuinely charming. The visual and sound design enhances the overall experience beautifully. Although a gamepad is recommended for smoother controls, it’s not mandatory; you can comfortably use your keyboard, which is fantastic for accessibility.

This game is one that grows on you, revealing its charm gradually. As the story unfolds, what truly hooks you is its depth. The dialogue-heavy nature might not appeal to everyone, though. Characters have extensive backstories, all presented in text bubbles, so if you like jumping straight into action, you might find this tedious. Nevertheless, the dialogue enriches the game world for those who enjoy a bit of chatter.

A couple of quality-of-life additions could enhance the experience. Fast travel and better character markers on the map would simplify navigation but aren’t essential. The cartographer’s role might address these, but only time will tell.

In the end, Magical Delicacy offers a unique and enjoyable experience. While it’s not my usual go-to genre, it’s refreshing to explore something different. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a slower pace, allowing you to savor the game world. If you’re after fast-paced action, this might not be your cup of tea.

Based on a review copy provided by the publisher, Magical Delicacy earns a score of 7.7 out of 10. It’s an intriguing mix of genres, and though there are a few areas that could use some polish, it’s a strong choice for fans of platformers and RPGs who prefer a more relaxed gaming tempo.