Reviewed on Playstation 5
Digital Sun, the team behind Moonlighter, presents The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story, an action RPG set in the League of Legends universe. This game takes place in the kingdom of Demacia, where the Mageseekers hold the power to oppress magic-users in the name of public order. As Sylas, a spell-stealing mage who has recently escaped from Mageseeker captivity, players must liberate their homeland from tyranny one Mageseeker at a time.
Players can master a variety of spells and customize their playstyle while engaging in battles that incorporate magic. From deadly ice to searing flames, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Players must recruit mages across the land and harness the power of their growing army to upgrade their base and unlock unique abilities.
The game features formidable foes, unforgettable allies, and a storyline that unveils buried secrets about Demacia’s past. Players must align themselves with allies and battle foes to change the course of the kingdom’s future.
The main character, Sylas, is a melee mage who uses chains tethered to his arms to attacj enemies and sometimes steal their spells. As players embark on a journey with Sylas, they learn more about his background, starting with his time as a mageseeker. The game’s formulaic gameplay may not appeal to everyone, but the story’s depth and the game’s magical elements make up for it.
Gameplay
The Mageseeker is an isometric action game that follows the story of the champion Sylas, who is locked in chains due to an accidental magical murder in his youth. The gameplay revolves around freeing mages of Demacia and stealing the powers of enemies to use them in combat, which is supplemented by the standard heavy and light attack combos, a dodge button, and potions. There are six different elements at play, each stronger or weaker against the others, and every spell borrowed can later be crafted and equipped to use in battle.
The game has a fun and satisfying gameplay loop, and the bosses offer room to experiment. The gameplay is satisfying, responsive, and includes a skill tree for expanding and improving spells
The story is solid, exploring why Sylas does bad things and how he pays for them. The game has a top-down action roguelike format that is responsive and snappy. Sylus can also equip several regular spells, and the game adds a great sense of strategy to the combat by targeting weak opponents with opposing forces.
Graphics
The visuals of Mageseeker are stunning, with a pixelated art style that conveys detail and emotion exceptionally well. The inclusion of partial voice acting enhances the immersion, while the combat animations are impressive and make battles a thrilling experience.
Digital Sun’s hi-bit art style, also seen in Moonlighter, is a highlight of Mageseeker, with a diverse color palette and intricately designed environments. From picturesque seaside ports to horrific human experimentation labs, each location feels distinct while still fitting into the game’s kingdom.
Music
In terms of the soundtrack, The Mageseeker takes a melancholic and serious approach, perfectly complementing the grim nature of Sylas’s mission. The music fits well with the overall tone of the game, and while it can sometimes fade into the background, it adds depth and atmosphere to the cutscenes.
Verdict
The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is a thrilling and captivating action RPG that expands the League of Legends universe in exciting new ways. Whether you’re a fan of the main game or a newcomer to the franchise, the game offers a unique genre that’s worth exploring. With impressive attention to detail and worldbuilding, the game immerses players in a nuanced world filled with emotional depth and gripping storylines.
Additionally, the game’s pixelated art style and detailed environments, as well as its melancholic and serious musical score, add to its overall atmosphere and tone. Overall, The Mageseeker offers an engaging and well-crafted action adventure that’s sure to satisfy fans of the genre.
