Attuned Too Close
Back in 2021, slightly gem of a recreation was launched that seemingly went beneath the radar of many RPG fans. Those who did play Ender Lilies have been handled to one among the greatest side-scrolling RPGs that has ever been launched. Fast-forward to 2025 and Adglobe is again at it with Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. While Magnolia is a extra polished expertise, it fails to seize the magic that made its predecessor stand out from the plenty.
Ender Magnolia is a 2D side-scrolling RPG that takes place a long time after the occasions of Ender Lilies. Players take management of Lilac, an “Attuner” who can type bonds with homunculi in this darkish and desolate world. At first, Lilac is gradual, frail, clunky, and might barely traverse the world, however as she explores and fights the totally different bosses and mini-bosses, she positive factors new battle strategies that additionally give her the means to open up new areas.
In phrases of story, Ender Magnolia tells a crisp and concise story. Deep in the depths of the Land of Fumes, a woman wakes up amidst rubble and refuse. Lilac awakens together with her recollections in tatters and hints that the kingdom sitting atop the desolate underworld holds the solutions to her heritage. As she beats bosses, Lilac and the gamers are rewarded with quick vignettes that present a few of that boss’s backstory. These movies are extra type than substance, as only some supply hints in direction of the predominant plot. While the predominant story of Ender Magnolia is inoffensive, it takes a again seat to exploration and fight, making it the least memorable expertise in this recreation.
Ender Magnolia has a big and plush world, rife with secrets and techniques and quite a few quick journey choices for gamers to make use of at their discretion. It’s a good suggestion for gamers to make use of the customized markers to maintain tabs on the inaccessible areas scattered round the map. In truth, the map system is extra refined and exhibits a a lot clearer image when scanning to verify for brand spanking new areas to uncover. Areas which have all secrets and techniques and gadgets pilfered shall be marked blue, so gamers know that it’s protected to maneuver and search a brand new quadrant for goodies to gather.
The benefit of Ender Magnolia is that it doesn’t punish gamers for exploring the world. When Lilac loses all of her hit factors, she is shipped again to the final respite location she rested at with no penalty apart from the slain monsters all coming again to life. Lilac will purchase therapeutic gadgets, gear to tweak stats, upgrades, and quite a few methods to keep away from harm that assist in her journey by means of this desolate, but lovely world. There can be a problem slider so gamers could make the recreation simpler or tougher to match their consolation stage. The recreation feels simpler than the earlier entry, so RPGamers searching for a problem could need to transfer that slider up.
The fight in Ender Magnolia feels smoother than Ender Lilies. Combat is swift and slick, as Lilac makes use of her array of Homunculi talents to create customizable assaults. There are ten predominant assaults for her to select from, with 4 being equipable at a time. Each Homunculi additionally has three totally different assault varieties, akin to Nola – the first and most vital Homunculi that joins Lilac – who can change between a sword, scythe, and axe. Each Homunculi also can have their talents enhanced by amassing scraps and particular gadgets. All of this permits for tons of flexibility when deciding the right way to sort out enemies in the recreation.
Normal battles are over pretty shortly as a result of Lilac and enemies alike will be felled in the blink of a watch. It’s the boss battles the place the recreation’s graphics and engine really shine. Bosses are a spectacle and are splendidly animated. Timing is vital, as boss assaults stretch out additional and faster than anticipated. There can be an possibility to show off boss tells, so gamers can have a tougher time predicting incoming assaults. It’s simple to mistime a dodge or to not bounce away far sufficient and get punished by a boss’s transfer set, although nothing that slightly repetition and apply can’t overcome. There is loads of gear that helps mitigate harm and enhance Lilac’s output to assist maintain her upright for the period of the recreation.
Good robo-pup
Ender Magnolia has two endings that may be obtained, however gamers must observe the crumbs the recreation leaves round to witness the second ending. There are numerous secrets and techniques hidden about, and whereas most gadgets are stat or weapon upgrades, some are key gadgets that set off new occasions at previous locales. The map and its means to shortly inform gamers which areas have totally been explored is one among the best methods to remain on monitor and uncover all the things this recreation has to supply.
One ingredient that stays on par with its sequel is the music of Ender Magnolia. Once once more, Mili returns to compose the soundtrack for the collection, they usually do a beautiful job at filling the ambiance of this world out completely. The music is highly effective, mysterious, serene, or somber when it must be. There are a couple of areas that really feel empty earlier than the music trickles in, however it could possibly’t be overstated how lovely and majestic the melodies are once they do hit these excessive notes. The music is one among the greatest elements of the recreation.
When Ender Lilies got here out, it was a recreation that captured that side-scrolling feeling completely. Ender Magnolia hits all the notes as effectively, nevertheless it follows a recreation that was extra authentic with a extra participating story. When crafting a sequel, one would hope {that a} new title would retain a few of the spirit of the authentic work, however for Ender Magnolia, it feels extra like a DLC than its personal expertise. Still, followers of Ender Lilies who need a new world to discover ought to take a look at Ender Magnolia.
Disclosure: This overview is predicated on a free copy of the recreation offered by the writer.
Lovely visuals
Engaging fight
Fun map to discover
Beautiful music
Too Similar to Ender Lilies.
Story is not something particular.
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