REVIEW / Enchanted Cuisine (PC)

Platform games often face the challenge of sounding unique in a crowded space. Though their fundamental mechanics—jumping from one spot to another and dispatching enemies—are undoubtedly fun, creating a game that truly stands out can be tough. While the platform genre does offer excellent opportunities to branch into other areas, like Metroidvanias, it often requires some innovative thinking to become truly exceptional. And that’s precisely where Magical Delicacy steps in, offering a fresh take on the genre.

Magical Delicacy is not your typical platformer; it cleverly combines elements of role-playing, platforming, and even cookery simulation. At first glance, this might seem a bit out there, but surprisingly, it mostly works well, though personal preferences and minor tweaks might influence how much you enjoy it.

In this game, you step into the shoes of a witch named Flora, who ventures into a bustling city to discover more about herself. She takes charge of running a bakery and fills orders for the locals, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The story goes much deeper than just meeting townsfolk and serving them. It’s intricately woven, including several RPG elements that I won’t spoil for you. The narrative is engaging enough to keep you coming back, and that’s really what makes it special.

Describing the gameplay in Magical Delicacy can be a bit challenging because it’s multi-faceted. On one hand, you’re living the RPG life by interacting with colorful NPCs and fulfilling their requests, which often involve completing and delivering food orders. Ingredients and equipment aren’t just handed to you; you’ve got to find recipes, gather ingredients, and sometimes grow your own to complete these orders. Meanwhile, the platforming elements help you navigate the world, requiring upgrades and items to reach new areas—adding a subtle Metroidvania twist to it.

Interestingly, there’s not much danger in this world. While hazards exist, you can’t die in the traditional sense. Falling simply sets you back, rather than ending your game. This decision creates a more relaxed atmosphere, which might be a welcome change for those tired of overly difficult platformers.

Once you dive into the game, balance becomes evident. I have to admit, it took me a moment to warm up to the unusual blend of RPG and cooking mechanics. But as I kept playing, I found that they were brilliantly simplified to complement each other, making for an engaging experience without becoming overwhelming.

Cooking in this game requires some experimentation. Customers give you hints about their likes and dislikes—for instance, they may want a stew without any spice. You’ll need to choose ingredients carefully, understanding their attributes to avoid unwanted characteristics. Some dishes come from known recipes, but others require a bit of improvisation to unlock new outcomes.

The cooking gear you need is specific. Different cooking methods, such as roasting or grinding, need specific equipment that you must acquire. These requirements push you to think strategically about how to prepare each dish to perfection. Meals are also rated, encouraging experimentation to improve your culinary creations over time.

Visually and aurally, Magical Delicacy is reminiscent of late ’90s arcade games, and the attention to detail in these areas adds significantly to the charm. Though the game suggests using a gamepad, it’s entirely playable with a keyboard, which opens it up for more players.

Magical Delicacy doesn’t immediately grab you, but as the narrative unfolds, it has a strangely gripping quality. One thing to be aware of is the volume of dialogue—all presented through text bubbles, which might not suit everyone. If you enjoy rich stories in RPGs, this will likely be a delight, but impatient players may find it tedious.

There are minor quality-of-life improvements to be desired, like fast travel for easier navigation and marking character locations on the map. These aren’t deal-breakers but could enhance the experience.

In closing, Magical Delicacy manages to carve out its niche with ease, offering a slower-paced yet engaging experience. If you’re after excitement and fast-paced action, you might want to look elsewhere. However, for those who prefer to take their time, immerse in a charming world, and enjoy a mix of genres, this game is a delightful treat.