Near Mage Review

Acquire spell-casting skills to search for an artifact which could save a brilliantly magical, unforgettable world.

Near-Mage is a near-perfect self-published masterpiece. Stuck In Attic has developed a lovingly crafted union of a masterfully written story and enchanting graphics. Ordinary and fantastical settings are paired with expert sound design, including professional voice acting that enhances the creatively animated characters. A simple point-and-click interface gives adventurers agency over this story. Players will solve various puzzles during this interactive quest against evil, delivering multiple items to the many inhabitants of two different worlds. The characters mend relationships, master magic, and actively mature. Anyone who plays Near-Mage will forever stand in awe of what three people can accomplish while stuck in an attic. 

Gamer and high school graduate Illy Vraja feels frustrated because her parents criticize her for spending too much time gaming and not enough time preparing for her future. One night, after a particularly strained conversation with her parents, Illy receives an invitation from her aunt Domnica to visit her home in Sighisoara, Transylvania. Upon arriving, Illy discovers her aunt’s sly secret – she’s a witch. Illy also learns of the world of Rakus, Sighisora’s supernatural counterpart, where Illy can study magic at the local school. She is overjoyed by this news. Over the course of her studies, Illy stumbles upon the theft of a magical artifact. Illy has to find this powerful talisman before it endangers Rakus and Sighisora.

Adventurers will feel right at home in Sighisora and Rakus, surrounded by beautiful, stylized visuals. Both worlds brim with settings and characters that aid and challenge llly on her quest for the artifact. Sighisora is the normal world, blanketed in the familiar and mundane. It has locations that players can visit in their own towns – like taverns and train stations. My favorite location in Sighisoara is the tavern because of the bartender, who wants to be friends with Illy and genuinely cares for her.

Illy also spends a great deal of time traveling around Rakus, which is cloaked in unusually intense colors. These give the environment a mysterious, magical air. One of the most intriguing characters in Rakus is Tudor, a shy vampire. Over time, Illy succeeds in bringing him out of his shell, and he provides her with substantial assistance. 

All these characters are well-animated. Illy moves with a determined grace; her strides eat up the ground beneath her. An example of impressive animation occurs when Illy defends herself against a monster. She handles it with lithe, quick movements like a master martial artist. 

The soundscape in Sighisora is calming to the ears. Its orchestral music is sedate and conducive to discernment, helping adventurers think through Illy’s challenges. Rakus’ background music is more mysterious and thrilling; its overall sound design is more rapid and sinister, highlighting the greater danger Illy faces there. In addition, well-implemented voice acting communicates the characters’ feelings, granting each a singular soul. It compels players to care about what happens to Illy and her friends. 

A simple point-and-click interface governs Illy’s actions: her movements, her wardrobe, talking to characters, traveling, gathering and using items, taking classes and casting spells, plus saving and loading the game. Left-clicking on a location compels Illy to walk there; double-clicking causes her to run. If adventurers click on an item, Illy will pick it up and a labelled picture of the object appears on-screen. When players click on the character who must receive an item, or the correct spot to use it, the game informs them of the result. (There is no inventory screen.) Adventurers keep track of Illy’s goals by pressing “Escape” and clicking on “Quests.” Illy’s current objectives are highlighted and those she has completed are darkened.

Illy has access to a helpful fast travel system in the form of a magic teleporting map. After creating a special potion, she can fly! Teleporting is also fun. One of the spots she visits contains her wardrobe, where adventurers can change her appearance by clicking on full outfits or by selecting individual items of clothing. Changing Illy’s attire doesn’t affect the gameplay, but I was glad to have the option. Illy is more relatable when she functions like a real person who likes to change her clothes.

Illy interacts with many characters, including her professors at The Transylvanian Institute for Magick. Studying magic is a particularly entertaining aspect of Near-Mage. First Illy learns about the six “Near-Spells” – Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Blood, and Soul. Adventurers access the class-selector at the Institute and click on the element of their choice. Illy moves into the assembly hall and listens to a lecture. Players then answer questions about the information they have received. When Illy learns three Near-Spells, she can make her first attempt at crafting a successful spell. The beautifully produced casting animations are mesmerizing. 

Using magic is only one of the many ways adventurers solve challenges in Near-Mage. For example, Illy may choose to cast a spell to open a cupboard, or she may decide to simply yank it open. Players can accomplish tasks in the way that works best for them. Learning magic can be taxing and breaks are necessary. Adventurers can’t label their saved games, but the quest log does a great job of keeping things on track. (There aren’t any risks of death that would require frequent saves in Near-Mage.) The game also contains an autosave feature.

Eventually, magic and its wielder shape one another. There comes a point in her studies when Illy must choose her path: right or left, light or dark. Dark spells are denoted by a subtle red visual cue when they are cast; light spells have a green aura. The way in which Illy uses her magic determines who becomes her patron later in the game, and this choice affects the confrontation with Near-Mage’s ultimate villain.

A wonderful game that is easy to play, appreciate, and understand, Near-Mage will enrapture adventurers with its striking visuals, lovely sound design and charming characters. Players who embrace fantastical tales and are happy with sparks of innovation should definitely give this a try.

Grade: A

The Good + Appealing, intensely colorful graphics  + Varied soundtrack + Voice acting generates empathy for the characters + Creative magic spells that help solve puzzles + Great spell-casting animations  +Extremely useful quest log The Bad – Nothing worth mentioning

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