Game Review: MageStory

MageStory by VeryPixel Inc.

In MageStory you play as a decrepit old man, save for one fascinating fact. You're a mage (really, how would you ever have guessed that one, eh?)! Complete with a wizard hat, robe, and beard that goes to the ground, you do battle with the forces of evil with magical powers!

The games presentation is actually quite impressive. Graphically the game is quite eye pleasing especially when you factor in the cost at $0.99, the game looks great! The game also features decent music and sound effects.

This game is first and for most a action RPG (akin to games like Diablo or Dungeon Hunter). That said, it is no way shape or form nearly as good as those games. There's a reason my friends why this game is only a buck.

The developer cut some serious corners in this one, things like better working controls (currently you simply tap on the screen to move around), NPC's (non player characters), equipment or weapons. You know just the small stuff, stuff that doesn't really even matter all that much.

The sad thing about this game is that it could be good, hell, even great! The graphical and combat elements are there. The controls and other RPG elements aren't.

What I would propose is that the developers revamp the controls, add more NPCs and possibly weapons or equipment. Heck, if they even jut took the first two suggestions I've made, not only would the game be more playable, it would be a hell of a lot more fun too. For a control scheme, I would suggest having a virtual joy stick for movement, and a tap to select enemies, and keep the fire button right where it is. Simple yet effective!

As it is currently you have to tap to move and to fire you hold the button one the left or right of the screen and then tap the screen. This is better than before, where you would double tap the screen to fire. As I'm sure you can imagine this caused some problems. When you try to move away from a swarm of enemies instead you would shoot or vice versa.

The good: Great looking graphics, sounds and music are decent. Cheap at $0.99.

The bad: The controls, lack or NPCs, gear, weapons.

The breakdown: This game is ok. It's nothing special, but it has potential to be pretty damn good if the developer would just "finish" it. The game seems like it was rushed. Over all I'm going to give MageStory a 3/5

Please let me know what you thought of this post... I'm dying to find out...