Precisely one year since its early access launch, spell-fusing roguelike Magicraft has launched version 1.0 on Steam, and it’s fast proving to be a winner. It takes the bullet hell style of games like The Binding of Isaac and Enter the Gungeon and introduces a clever spellcrafting system reminiscent of Noita to allow you to create all manner of powerful skills. With an impressive visual art update, a fifth chapter, and plenty of new spells, relics, and gear sets to further amplify the variety of your builds, the full launch is a great time to try it out, and plenty of players have already done just that.
I first tried Magicraft earlier this year, and was quickly won over by the way its spell system works. By collecting all manner of spell types and modifiers and slotting them together in various orders, you can dramatically alter the resulting effects. It reminds me a lot of the item interactions from The Binding of Isaac, those weird and wonderful combinations that still make it one of the best roguelikes to this day, but with more control over how you adopt the tools at your disposal.
Now, the full launch has arrived, and there’s a whole wealth of additions to look forward to. Firstly, developer Wave Game has overhauled the visuals dramatically, with improvements to the look of rooms and the surrounding environment, more special effects, and improved UI. There’s a selection of new spells, including some “unconventional ideas,” several additional relics, and three gear sets that can dramatically alter your approach to combat.
You’ll need to gear up, too, with an overhaul to the fourth zone, Abyss of Antiquity, and the introduction of a fifth area, the Ancient Throne. The eldritch inhabitants of the Abyss have been given “a more horrible appearance and more dangerous attack methods, such as creatures that can enter the void to avoid attacks, and flying creatures that can absorb magic.” In particular, its boss, the Deep Sea Master, promises to be particularly deadly.
Beyond that, you’ll step into the Ancient Throne, the “heart of the ancient gods.” This horror-inspired region ramps up the challenge with more of a boss rush approach, challenging you to tackle numerous more deadly fights in sequence. “Considering magicians can generally complete their builds in the first four chapters, a simple difficulty can no longer satisfy,” Wave Game explains. Make sure you’re ready when you get there, then.
The launch is already proving a success – within its first day, Magicraft 1.0 has set a new record player count, topping its previous early access high with a peak of 13,550 concurrent players. It still sits at a ‘very positive’ rating of 89% from more than 6,600 reviews to date, with an even more impressive 91% of the recent ratings recommending it.
Magicraft version 1.0 is out now on Steam, with a 20% launch discount available until Friday November 15, meaning you’ll pay $12.79 / £10.79 if you buy it now, or $15.99 / £13.49 after the sale period ends. Get it here, or try the free demo first if you prefer. If you have played more than two hours during the game’s early access period, Wave Game has a special thank you, letting you choose between one of the three new gear sets to unlock from the get-go in version 1.0.
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