Magical Delicacy is a whimsical platformer that weaves a charming tale around a fledgling witch who establishes her own shop in a new town. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

Magical Delicacy Review Overview

What is Magical Delicacy?

In Magical Delicacy, players embark on a delightful pixel art platformer journey where you create magical delicacies using a diverse range of ingredients in your very own shop. Traverse an unfamiliar town, delighting its residents with tasty treats, while uncovering secrets and mastering unique methods of traversal in this enchanting witchy world.

Magical Delicacy features:
　⚫︎　Cooking Simulation
　⚫︎　Dynamic Weather System
　⚫︎　Charming 2D Platformer
　⚫︎　Map Markers
　⚫︎　Shopkeeping Mechanics
　⚫︎　Farming and Foraging Activities
　⚫︎　Extensive Map

Digital Storefronts
Steam	Xbox	Switch

Magical Delicacy Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Customizable Kitchen Interesting Storyline Accessibility Options	No Fast Travel No Information For Ingredients No Way to Drop Inventory Items Cursor Is Still Visible

Magical Delicacy Overall Score - 82/100

Magical Delicacy is a delightful platformer that combines cooking simulation, dynamic weather, and a charming story about a young witch finding her place in a new town. With its engaging NPC interactions and customization options, the game offers a unique and enjoyable experience. While there are some gameplay and visual aspects that could benefit from further refinement, the audio design and overall value for money make it a worthy addition to any platformer fan's library. The game excels in creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere, making it a memorable and heartwarming adventure.

Magical Delicacy Story - 8/10

The story of Magical Delicacy begins with a young witch moving to a bustling town to find herself, setting the stage for a charming and engaging narrative. Interacting with the NPCs reveals the depth of the story, as each character has their own distinct personality that adds richness to the game world. These interactions unfold organically, keeping the player hooked on discovering more about the town and its inhabitants. However, while the storyline is captivating, it would have recieved a higher score if it had more cohesion and impact.

Magical Delicacy Gameplay - 8/10

Magical Delicacy offers an interesting platformer experience, though it is not without its flaws. There were moments when I felt lost, unsure of what to do next, which detracted from the gameplay's overall enjoyment. On the positive side, the game includes a handy tab for pinning recipes and managing orders, which adds a layer of organization. While the waiting time for plants to grow can be a bit long, the cooking aspect is well-executed, allowing for creative freedom with ingredients even without a recipe. Despite these strengths, the gameplay occasionally could use improvements for better flow and guidance.

Magical Delicacy Visuals - 8/10

Magical Delicacy shines with its charming 2D art style, which perfectly complements the whimsical nature of the game. The vibrant and colorful environments are beautifully crafted, creating an inviting and magical atmosphere. Character designs are endearing, and the animations are smooth and fluid, adding to the overall visual appeal. However, while the visuals are delightful, there is room for refinement in some areas, such as better accessibility for visual clarity. While there is an option to outline Flora to help with players who have visual impairments, it could also be useful to have an outline for plants available for foraging so it has better contrast against the background.

Magical Delicacy Audio - 9/10

The audio in Magical Delicacy is a standout feature, with a background music score that feels like a warm embrace, enhancing the overall mood of the game. The choice of mumbly voice acting for the characters is charming and fits well with the whimsical tone. If there were a wider variety of music tracks, it would elevate the audio experience even further. Overall, the sound design is well-crafted and significantly contributes to the game's enchanting atmosphere.

Magical Delicacy Value for Money - 8/10

Considering its price of $29.99, Magical Delicacy offers good value for money. The game provides a solid amount of content and entertainment, with its engaging storyline, customizable gameplay elements, and charming aesthetics. While there are areas that could be improved, the overall experience is enjoyable and worth the investment for fans of the genre.

Magical Delicacy Review: Cooking Up Charm in a Wholesome Witch's Tale

We've all wished to become a witch who owns their own cute store, right? For anyone who's seen Practical Magic, the idea of blending magic and everyday life is enchanting. Magical Delicacy brings this fantasy to life, allowing players to explore the storyline of becoming an established witch while using cooking as a narrative tool. The game strikes a unique balance, combining the charm of witchcraft with the practicality of running a business, creating an experience that feels both magical and grounded.

As someone who's never been particularly immersed in platformers, largely due to my lack of skill in the genre, Magical Delicacy was a pleasant surprise. The platforming elements are designed to be accessible, making it a perfect entry point for newcomers. However, even though the platforming is relatively easier compared to other games in the genre, it still presents a fair challenge, ensuring that both newcomers and seasoned players find it engaging. The extensive map is filled with hidden secrets and areas to explore, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path and discover all the magical wonders the game has to offer.

The storyline is a major highlight, centered around our charming protagonist, Flora, a young witch navigating a new town. Each NPC adds depth to the narrative, with their unique personalities and backstories creating a rich tapestry of interactions. I found myself genuinely invested in learning more about the characters and where their relationship with Flora would lead. The narrative pacing allows for organic development, making each discovery feel rewarding and meaningful. However, I would have loved to see a friendship system or meter, which would add another layer of depth to these interactions and provide tangible rewards for building relationships with NPCs.

Gameplay in Magical Delicacy is wholesome and cozy. Initially, players take orders and deliver them, which serves as a gentle introduction to the game's mechanics. As the game progresses, the ability to open and manage your window store adds a new layer of depth. This progression mirrors the protagonist's journey of becoming a more established witch, providing a satisfying sense of growth and achievement. The shopkeeping element is particularly engaging, as it allows players to immerse themselves in the day-to-day life of a witch running her own business and also earn extra money from leftover meals from toiling away in the kitchen.

The customization options available in the game further enhance the experience. Decorating your kitchen and setting up various cooking stations creates a personal touch that makes the game world feel like your own. The dynamic weather system and the ability to farm and forage add layers of realism and strategy. These features, combined with the charming 2D visuals, create a vibrant and immersive environment that invites exploration and creativity.

In conclusion, Magical Delicacy may not revolutionize the platformer genre, but it delivers on its promise of a wholesome and enchanting experience. The blend of narrative depth, accessible gameplay, and charming aesthetics creates a game that is both enjoyable and memorable. Whether you're a fan of platformers or simply looking for a cozy game to immerse yourself in, Magical Delicacy offers a magical adventure worth embarking on.

Pros of Magical Delicacy

Things Magical Delicacy Got Right
Customizable Kitchen Interesting Storyline Accessibility Options

Customizable Kitchen

One of the standout features of Magical Delicacy is the ability to customize your kitchen. Players can decorate their space to reflect their personal style, making it feel truly their own. The game offers a variety of tools, such as cutting boards and mortar and pestle, which can be purchased and set up in your kitchen. This level of customization not only enhances the immersive experience but also adds a layer of strategic planning as players design their kitchen layout to optimize their cooking processes

Interesting Storyline

The game's narrative centers around a young witch navigating the mysteries of a new place, offering a storyline that is both engaging and intriguing. As players progress, they uncover the secrets of the town and its inhabitants, adding depth and motivation to their journey. This storyline provides a compelling backdrop to the gameplay, making each quest and interaction feel meaningful and contributing to a rich, immersive experience.

Accessibility Options

From the very start, Magical Delicacy demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity with its robust accessibility options. Players are prompted at the beginning to adjust settings that accommodate various needs, such as easier platforming for those who require it. These options ensure that the game is enjoyable for a wider audience, including those with motion impairments or other challenges, making it a more welcoming and accessible experience for all players.

Cons of Magical Delicacy

Things That Magical Delicacy Can Improve
No Fast Travel No Information For Ingredients No Way to Drop Inventory Items Cursor Is Still Visible

No Fast Travel

While Magical Delicacy excels in many areas, it falls short with the lack of a fast travel option. For a platformer, moving back and forth through the traversing the extensive map to take orders and deliver cooked mealsfrom one end to another can become tedious, especially as the game progresses. This omission can make exploration feel like a chore rather than an adventure, detracting from the overall enjoyment and pacing of the game.

No Information For Ingredients

The game would benefit significantly from providing notes on ingredients, detailing where and how they can be obtained. This lack of information can lead to frustration, as players may find themselves wandering aimlessly in search of specific items. Enhancing this aspect would streamline the gameplay experience, making it more user-friendly and less time-consuming.

No Way to Drop Inventory Items

Inventory management can be a significant hassle in Magical Delicacy due to the inability to drop items. With a limited amount of space, players often find themselves stuck with common ingredients like mushrooms while being unable to collect rarer items. This limitation can be particularly frustrating and disrupt the flow of the game, as players are forced to backtrack to manage their inventory.

Cursor Is Still Visible

Despite being a game that relies solely on keyboard and controller inputs, the presence of the mouse cursor on the screen feels counter-intuitive and can be distracting. This small oversight can break immersion and suggests a need for a more polished user interface that fully aligns with the game's control scheme.

Is Magical Delicacy Worth It?

Yes, It's Spellbindingly Delightful

Magical Delicacy casts a charming spell that is hard to resist. From the moment you step into the shoes of a young witch navigating a vibrant and bustling town, you are enveloped in a world brimming with magic and whimsy. The game's unique blend of platforming, cooking, and storytelling creates an enchanting experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

Magical Delicacy isn't just a game; it's a delightful journey into a magical world where every ingredient, every recipe, and every interaction brings you closer to becoming the witch you've always wanted to be. So don your witch's hat, fire up the cauldron, and get ready to be enchanted!

Digital Storefronts
Steam	Xbox	Switch
$24.99		not yet up

Magical Delicacy FAQ

How do you install new kitchen equipment in Magical Delicacy?

On the 2nd floor of your shop, there is a floor plan near the bed, interact with it and you’ll be able to edit the first and second floors of your shop.

What languages are available for Magical Delicacy?

The game supports English, French, German, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Latin American Spanish. The developer has said that other languages might be supported after release.

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Magical Delicacy Product Information

Title	MAGICAL DELICACY
Release Date	July 16, 2024
Developer	Skaule
Publisher	Whitethorn Games
Supported Platforms	PC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre	Indie Platformer
Number of Players	1
ESRB Rating	E
Official Website	Magical Delicacy Website

Allisandra Reyes

I find joy in the adrenaline rush of horror games, but my thrill-seeking doesn't stop there. Beyond the digital realm, I like to take on the role of designated GM in TTRPGs.