REVIEW / Enchanted Treat (PC)

There’s a recurring challenge within the platformer genre. The core mechanics provide a lot of fun, but differentiating one game from another can be tricky. No matter the approach, it often boils down to a character jumping from place to place and defeating foes. This isn’t to say the platform genre isn’t a solid foundation for genre mixing—think Metroidvanias, for instance—but it generally needs some innovation to truly shine. That’s the context within which we explore Magical Delicacy, a game that takes a leap of faith into uncharted territories.

Magical Delicacy combines elements from platformers, RPGs, and cooking simulations. If that sounds a bit wild, you’re not wrong. The real question, though, is whether this hybrid concept holds up. For the most part, it does—though I must note a couple of points we’ll delve into later, mostly involving individual preferences and minor ease-of-use adjustments.

In this enchanting game, you play as Flora, a witch who embarks on a self-discovery journey in the bustling city. She’s given the reins of her own bakery and begins catering to the locals’ needs. That’s just brushing the surface of the game’s story, which offers more depth than just mingling with townsfolk and concocting recipes. While these interactions play a significant part in the gameplay loop, they aren’t the whole picture. The RPG elements are engaging enough to draw you back for more, however, I’ll leave the pleasure of unraveling them entirely up to you.

Describing the gameplay in Magical Delicacy isn’t straightforward due to its multi-layered nature. On one side, you’ll be engaging with NPCs and fulfilling their requests, driving the narrative forward in typical RPG fashion. A major facet of this involves preparing and delivering food orders according to specific preferences. Customers let you know precisely what flavors to incorporate or avoid, challenging you to gather and create accordingly. This means you can’t just whip up any dish instantaneously; sourcing the right recipes, ingredients, and sometimes even growing your own herbs is crucial. There might also be times when you’ll need to acquire necessary cooking equipment before you can meet demands.

The game also incorporates a platforming component for navigating from place to place, offering a quasi-Metroidvania experience where exploration is unlocked progressively. This circles back to the RPG elements seamlessly.

Interestingly, despite a few hazards sprinkled in, this isn’t a game teeming with enemies. There’s no death mechanic here, with challenges primarily adding to the platforming experience rather than being existential threats. The catacombs, for example, offer an obstacle course setting where mishaps merely return you to the starting line, bypassing any severe consequences. This contributes to a more relaxed gaming vibe, reminiscent of a time where platformers didn’t default to an overwhelming difficulty.

Initially, I wasn’t immediately smitten with this game. The blend of RPG and cooking simulation elements seemed slightly jarring. However, after a short while, I found myself enjoying the experience. The simplicity of the cooking mechanics complements the game’s broader aspects harmoniously. Had it been a full-fledged simulation, it likely would have disrupted immersion, but as a twist in an RPG framework, it works surprisingly well.

Cooking here is a bit of a puzzle, with trial and error encouraged. You’ll be given orders with what the client wants and, crucially, what they don’t. For example, if a stew is desired without spice, understanding the nature of your ingredients is vital—those spicy chilies will certainly be out of the equation. Flexibility in recipes exists, not all of which can be purchased or discovered outright, inviting creativity and experimentation.

Additionally, the equipment you use matters. Some recipes require items to be roasted, ground, or fried, necessitating specific stations like ovens or a pestle and mortar in your shop before you can progress. Each dish is subject to a star rating system, prompting experimentation to improve outcomes.

The game radiates a late ’90s arcade vibe, which is a delightful touch. The meticulous attention to visual and audio design enhances the gaming experience significantly. Although a gamepad is recommended for smoother play, it’s not strictly necessary—users can manage comfortably with their keyboard. This flexibility is a welcome design choice, ensuring accessibility for all.

Magical Delicacy takes its time to draw you in. It’s not one of those instant-grab titles but rather something you’ll find yourself gradually immersed in as the story develops. A potential drawback is the extensive dialogue, presented via speech bubbles rather than voiced narration. This narrative-rich content might appeal to RPG enthusiasts, but for those eager to dive straight into action, it could seem a bit sluggish. It’s all about whether you prefer a story-driven pace.

Earlier, I briefly mentioned quality-of-life improvements, none of which are deal-breakers. Fast travel, for instance, could save time by allowing quick returns to specific shops instead of navigating multiple screens. Moreover, having characters marked on the map would ease the process of revisiting their locations without unnecessary backtracking. While these features might eventually become available, as hinted by the in-game cartographer, they currently present minor hindrances.

Overall, Magical Delicacy offers a unique and enjoyable experience, even for those who usually shy away from such genres. It’s perfect for a leisurely gaming session where you can immerse yourself in its world at your own rhythm. However, those seeking fast-paced action might need to look elsewhere.

In conclusion, while next-level cooks and RPG junkies will find much to appreciate, adrenaline-seekers should temper their expectations. Magical Delicacy crafts a charming blend of diverse elements, producing a delightful yet leisurely experience.