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ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
Item: ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableJan 22, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

DeveloperLive Wire

Overview

Decades after the Rain of Death, a new journey begins in the Land of Fumes, where mystical powers lie beneath the earth. The kingdom’s desire for conquest led to the creation of the Homunculi, machine-like artificial life forms prepared to execute the king’s will. A recent resource-harvesting mission gone awry caused toxic vapors to emerge from underground, driving both man and machine to feral madness. As the Homonculi devolve into dangerous creatures, guide Lilac –- an “Attuner” with the power to purify those infected by the fumes — on a quest to save the kingdom. With the help of friendly machines and spirits who fight in Lilac’s stead, fend off mechanized legions of lunging carcasses, cannonball-firing corpses and chainsaw-wielding goblins terrorizing the land. Turn foes into friends by exorcizing corruption from enemy bosses. Wield their powers to add 30 different abilities to Lilac’s combat repertoire in an enhanced battle system where she can equip up to four special abilities at once. Improve Lilac’s odds of surviving this hunt for lost memories by leveling up attack strength, HP, and armor. Explore the depths, heights and far corners of the kingdom for lore-filled relics. Collect and trade gold for upgraded items at the Blacksmith’s storefront. Combine story fragments from the kingdom’s fleeing inhabitants with Lilac’s forgotten memories. Seek the truth in an atmospheric hand-drawn setting set to the soothing serenades of returning musical group Mili (Ghost in the Shell, Goblin Slayer) with a brand new original soundtrack available for purchase at launch.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about the story in ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist. Some praise its engaging narrative, character development, and thematic depth, while others criticize its execution for being confusing, lacking innovation, and underutilizing characters. The game is lauded for its dark fantasy world and emotional depth, but criticized for pacing issues and lack of originality. Overall, ENDER MAGNOLIA's story captures attention with its mysteries and character relationships but falls short in delivering a fully satisfying storytelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics generally praise the story of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist for its engaging narrative, character development, and thematic depth. Checkpoint Gaming appreciates the interesting story with mysteries to uncover and character development, while Noisy Pixel highlights the speaking protagonist and deeper character relationships that add emotional weight to the narrative. RPG Site also commends the exploration of themes such as class hierarchy and societal issues, showcasing a well-handled approach to storytelling. Additionally, XboxEra mentions the intriguing premise of a protagonist waking up with no memories and unraveling dark secrets, adding layers of mystery and suspense to the plot. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the story's execution in ENDER MAGNOLIA. Multiplayer.it finds the narrative starting off intriguing but becoming confusing and less engaging as it progresses, with underutilized characters and a lack of narrative refinement. SpazioGames notes that the game closely follows its predecessor without introducing many new narrative elements or significant developments, suggesting a lack of innovation or evolution in the storytelling aspect. These criticisms point towards issues with pacing, character development, and originality that hinder the overall impact of the story. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the story of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist. While some reviewers appreciate the engaging narrative, character relationships, and thematic exploration, others raise concerns about pacing, character utilization, and lack of innovation. The game seems to excel in creating a dark fantasy world with unique elements like artificial lifeforms and intriguing mysteries, but it also struggles with maintaining consistency and delivering a fully satisfying storytelling experience. Despite the varied opinions, it is evident that ENDER MAGNOLIA's story manages to capture the attention of players with its blend of familiar themes and emotional depth, even though it may fall short in certain aspects according to critics like Multiplayer.it and SpazioGames.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics mostly loved ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist's gameplay for its unique mechanics, engaging combat, and exploration focus. While some critics wanted more innovation and better pacing, overall, the game received high praise for its tight combat, fluid platforming, and diverse abilities. The Homunculus system was a standout feature, contributing to a satisfying gaming experience that most reviewers found very good.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist for its unique mechanics and engaging combat system. Hobby Consolas highlighted the protagonist's reliance on spirits/homunculi for combat, offering a variety of abilities and impactful combat, encouraging exploration and experimentation. Checkpoint Gaming appreciated the classic Metroidvania gameplay with fluid platforming, combat, and ability-based progression, enhanced by the Homunculus system that added depth and variety to gameplay mechanics. Noisy Pixel also commended the smooth and dynamic movement, customizable playstyles with various equippable Homunculi and items, and engaging combat mechanics. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay was positive, there were some criticisms raised by a few critics. SpazioGames mentioned that the gameplay remained largely unchanged from the previous title, lacking significant new features to warrant praise for innovation. RPG Site noted that the gameplay started slow but picked up around the halfway point, indicating a pacing issue that might deter some players looking for a more consistent experience. These critiques suggest that while the gameplay was generally well-received, there were areas where the game could have pushed boundaries or improved pacing for a more engaging experience. Despite some minor criticisms, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist. Critics like GamingBolt and God is a Geek praised the tight combat, precise platforming, and intricate level design, while XboxEra highlighted the variety of combat options and special attacks, offering movement and combat-based challenges. The diverse abilities, allies, and equipment options, along with the unique Homunculus system, were key highlights that resonated with most reviewers, making the gameplay a standout feature of the game. Overall, the majority of critics found the gameplay of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist to be very good, emphasizing its engaging combat, exploration focus, and variety of mechanics that contributed to a satisfying gaming experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praised the stunning visuals, detailed environments, and striking use of color in ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist. The game's dark fantasy aesthetic, mechanical-industrial world, and diverse environments were commended, despite some criticisms about rigid animations and navigation issues. Overall, the consensus is highly positive, with reviewers highlighting the beautiful scenery, impressive character designs, and atmospheric world-building as major strengths of the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist, it is evident that the majority of reviewers were highly impressed with the game's visual presentation. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and RPG Site praised the stunning visuals, detailed environments, and striking use of color, with RPG Site specifically highlighting the beautiful scenery, fluid animations, and haunting musical score that enhanced the overall atmosphere. The dark fantasy aesthetic, mechanical-industrial world, and diverse environments ranging from villages to dungeons were also commended by Hobby Consolas and God is a Geek, showcasing impressive character and enemy models that contributed to a grim yet beautiful aesthetic. SpazioGames noted the improved animations and better hitbox management, indicating an overall enhancement in visual quality. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception of the graphics and visual design, there were some criticisms raised by the critics. Hobby Consolas pointed out that the animations were criticized for being rigid, which may have detracted from the overall immersive experience for some players. XboxEra mentioned visibility issues that could hinder progression at times, suggesting that certain design choices may have impacted gameplay negatively. RPG Site also noted that some areas may feel sluggish to navigate initially, indicating potential pacing issues that could affect the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its stunning visuals, diverse environments, impressive character and enemy designs, and atmospheric world-building. The blend of beauty with bleakness, the steampunk aesthetic, and the sublime art direction were highlighted as major strengths of the game. While there were some minor criticisms such as animation rigidity and navigation issues, these were overshadowed by the overall positive reception of the game's graphics and visual design. Critics like Try Hard Guides and Multiplayer.it emphasized the excellent visual design and well-crafted areas, further solidifying the consensus that ENDER MAGNOLIA excels in delivering a visually captivating gaming experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The sound design and music of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics who praise the melancholic piano compositions, sombre tracks, and melodic vocals for setting the tone and immersing players in the game's world. While some critics lack in-depth analysis, the consensus is clear: the exceptional soundtrack by Mili enhances the game's atmosphere and emotional impact, making it a standout feature of the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Hobby Consolas praises the soundtrack by Mili for its melancholic piano compositions that effectively convey the world's sadness and decay. Checkpoint Gaming highlights the evocative nature of the soundtrack, with sombre piano tracks, playful strings, and melodic vocals enhancing the overall experience. GamingBolt commends Mili's outstanding soundtrack, noting the harrowing tones in different areas and the attention to detail in the various versions of tracks. Noisy Pixel also appreciates the outstanding soundtrack, comparing it to Nier and emphasizing how it enhances the collapsing world's atmosphere. The critics collectively agree that the music and sound design of the game excel in setting the tone and immersing players in its world. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few nuances in the critics' opinions. Some critics, like God is a Geek and Multiplayer.it, mention the ambient sound and background music contributing to the game's atmosphere without delving into specific details. This lack of in-depth analysis from these critics could leave some readers wanting more insight into the nuances of the sound design and music. Additionally, while Try Hard Guides appreciates the atmospheric soundtrack, they do not provide specific examples or elaborate on how it enhances the unique world or dark setting. This lack of specific examples may make it challenging for readers to fully grasp the impact of the sound design and music on the game experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist. The majority of reviewers, such as RPG Site and XboxEra, highlight the exceptional quality of the soundtrack by Mili, emphasizing its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and immerse players in its world. The critics' collective praise for the melancholic piano compositions, sombre tracks, and melodic vocals demonstrates a strong appreciation for how the music and sound design contribute to the overall experience of the game. Despite some critics providing less detailed feedback, the overall sentiment is clear: the Sound Design and Music of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist are key strengths that significantly elevate the game's immersive qualities and emotional impact.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist for its challenging difficulty levels, multiple endings, and customization options that enhance replay value. While some worry about a lack of unique mechanics impacting long-term replayability, the game offers diverse gameplay elements and hidden secrets that make it worth revisiting for players seeking a rewarding replay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Hobby Consolas praises the challenging difficulty levels and customizable options that offer incentives for replaying, emphasizing the potential for increased replay value through different difficulty settings and rewards. Checkpoint Gaming and RPG Site both appreciate the multiple endings, unlockable content, and interesting progression with equippable items, which encourage players to revisit the game to uncover all secrets and explore different builds. Additionally, Multiplayer.it commends the game for offering a good amount of content to explore and discover, with a customization system that allows for different playstyles, thereby enhancing the replay value. On the other hand, there are some concerns raised by critics regarding the potential limitations of the game's replay value. Noisy Pixel points out that while revisiting areas for exploration is enjoyable, the lack of unique mechanics may restrict long-term replay value. SpazioGames highlights the lack of significant evolution in the sequel, which could impact the replay value, leading to moments of strong déjà vu. These criticisms suggest that despite the positive aspects of the game, there are certain areas where ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist may fall short in terms of providing a truly engaging and varied replay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards acknowledging the game's strengths in terms of offering diverse gameplay elements such as hidden power-ups, customizable difficulty settings, and interesting progression mechanics that contribute to its replay value. However, there is also a recognition of potential shortcomings, such as the lack of unique mechanics and significant evolution in the sequel, which may hinder the game's long-term replayability. Despite these concerns, the majority of critics seem to agree that ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist provides enough incentives and content to warrant multiple playthroughs, making it a worthwhile experience for players looking for a game with replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist has garnered significant praise from multiple critics for its positive attributes. Hobby Consolas commends the game for enhancing its gameplay and combat mechanics, maintaining strong visual and audio elements, and providing a challenging yet rewarding experience. Checkpoint Gaming highlights the hauntingly beautiful visuals, unique story, and genuine characters, while GamingBolt appreciates the art, music, gameplay, and level design. God is a Geek and Try Hard Guides both emphasize the great combat, solid exploration, beautiful visuals, and captivating story, making it a must-play title for fans of the genre. Multiplayer.it also praises the engaging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and captivating soundtrack, offering an enjoyable experience with replay value. Noisy Pixel acknowledges the stronger narrative focus, improved exploration, and satisfying combat mechanics, making it stand out for both newcomers and veterans. On the downside, some critics did mention a few negatives about Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. Checkpoint Gaming points out Lilac's fragility and some navigational challenges as minor issues. RPG Site highlights unbalanced enemies and sluggish navigation in certain areas as annoyances. SpazioGames views the game as a missed opportunity for evolution despite maintaining quality, suggesting that there could have been more room for improvement in certain aspects. Overall, the majority of critics found Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist to be a very good game. The consensus among the reviewers is that the game excels in various aspects such as visuals, music, gameplay, combat mechanics, and storytelling, making it a standout metroidvania title in 2025. Despite some minor flaws and missed opportunities for evolution, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics recommending it to fans of the genre and considering it a must-play title of the year. The game's ability to offer an engaging and rewarding experience while maintaining high production values has contributed to its acclaim among the gaming community.

TL;DR

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist impresses critics with its stunning visuals, captivating story, and solid gameplay mechanics, making it a standout metroidvania title of 2025. Despite minor flaws like Lilac's fragility and navigational challenges, the game is recommended as a must-play for genre fans, offering an engaging and rewarding experience with high production values.

MONSTER

Reviews

70 reviews found

God is a Geek

Jan 21, 2025