Search for games

Type three or more characters to start searching

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story cover image

Links

MONSTER

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story
Item: The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, RPG, Single Player

AvailableApr 18, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperDigital Sun

Overview

Developed by Digital Sun, creators of Moonlighter, The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is an action RPG that takes place in the League of Legends universe. In the kingdom of Demacia, the Mageseekers hold the power to oppress magic-using citizens in the name of public order–by inducting and indoctrinating them, locking them away, or driving them into hiding. Play as Sylas, a spell-stealing mage who has just broken free of his unjust captivity at the Mageseekers’ hands. Wielding the chains that once bound you, you must liberate your homeland from tyranny, one Mageseeker at a time.

Elsewhere

6.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story garners mostly positive reviews, celebrated for its engaging narrative and strong character development centered on Sylas's quest for revenge against oppression. Critics applaud its exploration of societal change and institutional prejudice, resonating with players who crave depth. However, some find the story predictable and characters archetypical, lacking the depth necessary for full engagement. While not without its flaws, the game is recognized for its emotional weight and relevance to contemporary issues, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the League of Legends universe.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the story of The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging narrative and character development. Reviewers like COGconnected and Destructoid highlight the compelling story centered around Sylas, a mage seeking revenge against an oppressive regime. The narrative is noted for exploring themes of societal change, personal growth, and rebellion, resonating well with players who appreciate depth in storytelling. Critics such as But Why Tho? and Digital Trends commend the nuanced portrayal of institutionalized prejudice, while others like Gamers Heroes and Gamereactor UK emphasize the strong character arcs and emotional moments that enhance the gameplay experience. However, not all reviews are entirely favorable. Some critics express concerns about predictability and a lack of depth in character development. For instance, RPG Fan describes the story as cliché and the characters as archetypical, suggesting that the conversations lack the necessary depth to engage players fully. Similarly, critics like TrueGaming and Siliconera note that while the narrative has potential, it often feels superficial and fails to explore the protagonist's motivations adequately. Push Square also mentions that while the storytelling is decent, it doesn't delve deeply enough into the narrative, which may leave some players wanting more. The overall consensus among critics is that The Mageseeker offers a solid narrative experience, particularly for fans of the League of Legends universe, with a strong focus on Sylas's journey and the themes of rebellion and oppression. While there are criticisms regarding predictability and character depth, the majority of reviewers acknowledge the game's engaging story and well-crafted characters. Critics like IGN and PC Gamer appreciate the ideological stance the game takes, making it relevant to contemporary discussions about power and equality. Ultimately, the game's narrative is seen as a significant strength, with many reviewers recommending it for its emotional weight and exploration of complex themes.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story impresses with its dynamic combat and engaging mechanics, earning praise for fast-paced melee and elemental magic. Critics highlight responsive controls and enjoyable customization options for protagonist Sylas, along with thrilling boss battles. However, the game suffers from repetitive gameplay, limited enemy variety, and pacing issues that can lead to monotony. While it captures the essence of its source material, critics point out that its execution may not hold players' interest in the long run.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story has been positively received by several critics, highlighting its engaging and dynamic combat system. Reviewers such as COGconnected and Multiplayer.it praised the high-tempo combat that combines fast-paced melee attacks with elemental magic, allowing for strategic decision-making during encounters. Critics like RPG Site and SpazioGames noted the tight and responsive controls, as well as the well-designed boss battles that add depth to the gameplay. Additionally, the ability to steal magic from enemies and utilize various spells was frequently mentioned as a unique and enjoyable mechanic, with GameSpot and IGN Portugal emphasizing the customization options available for the protagonist, Sylas. However, despite the praise, there are notable criticisms regarding the gameplay's repetitiveness and lack of variety. Gameblog.fr and Vandal pointed out that while the combat starts off satisfying, it can quickly become monotonous due to limited enemy types and linear level design. Some critics, like But Why Tho? and RPG Fan, expressed frustration with the game’s pacing and the controls, which can feel clunky and hinder the overall flow of combat. The concerns about repetitiveness were echoed by multiple reviewers across platforms, indicating that while the initial experience is enjoyable, it may not sustain long-term engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Mageseeker offers an engaging and fun combat experience that successfully captures the essence of its source material. However, the gameplay suffers from issues related to repetitiveness and control mechanics that detract from the overall experience. Critics like TheGamer and TrueGaming appreciated the combat's rhythm and challenge, but also acknowledged the limitations in exploration and level design. As a result, while the game is celebrated for its action-packed gameplay and strategic elements, it also faces significant scrutiny for its execution and longevity in gameplay variety.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story wows critics with its stunning pixel art and vibrant visuals, enhancing the game’s fantasy atmosphere. While praised for detailed environments and smooth animations, some noted that visuals can become cluttered during intense battles and environments may feel repetitive. Overall, the game is lauded for its artistic direction, effectively marrying visuals with gameplay, marking it as a standout in the action RPG genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising the stunning pixel art style that Digital Sun has crafted. Reviewers from COGconnected and Destructoid highlighted the detailed levels and smooth animations, emphasizing the beauty of the visuals throughout the game. Critics like GRYOnline.pl and RPG Site echoed this sentiment, noting that the impressive pixel art significantly enhances the fantasy atmosphere of the game. The vibrant color palettes and well-crafted environments were frequently mentioned, with SpazioGames and But Why Tho? commending the fluid animations and striking biomes that contribute to an engaging visual experience. Overall, the consensus is that the pixel art is not only aesthetically pleasing but also effectively brings the characters and world of League of Legends to life in a new way. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the visual design. Gameblog.fr and Push Square noted that while the pixel art is detailed, it can become visually cluttered during intense battles, making it challenging for players to focus on the action. Vandal also mentioned that while the environments are well-crafted, they can feel too similar at times, contributing to a sense of repetitiveness. Additionally, some reviewers, such as IGN Portugal, appreciated the simplicity of the art style but felt that it sometimes detracted from the overall experience by prioritizing storytelling over more dynamic animations. These critiques suggest that while the visuals are generally well-received, there are moments where they may hinder gameplay clarity. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story. Most reviewers, including those from Gamereactor and PC Gamer, emphasized the game's beautiful pixel art and its ability to convey emotion and atmosphere effectively. The game's artistic direction has been recognized as one of its standout features, with many critics praising Digital Sun's ability to adapt beloved League of Legends characters into a new visual format. As a result, the game is celebrated not only for its visual appeal but also for its successful integration of art and gameplay, making it a noteworthy addition to the action RPG genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics generally praise the sound design and music of The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story for enhancing atmosphere and emotional depth, with composer Gareth Coker’s score receiving particular acclaim. While the soundtrack adapts well to gameplay moments, concerns about limited voice acting and repetitive music themes have been noted. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus is that the audio elements significantly enrich the gaming experience and immerse players in the game world.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story have garnered a largely positive reception from critics across various platforms. Many reviewers, such as GRYOnline.pl and But Why Tho?, highlighted the contributions of composer Gareth Coker, noting that the music enhances the fantasy atmosphere and builds emotional depth throughout the game. IGN praised the musical score for its ability to evolve during battles, while SpazioGames emphasized the soundtrack's adaptability to different gameplay moments, with fast-paced tracks for combat and more relaxing tunes for quieter scenes. Critics like GameSpot and TheXboxHub echoed these sentiments, asserting that the soundtrack significantly enriches the overall gaming experience, making it a standout feature of the title. However, some criticisms emerged regarding the sound design and music. XboxEra pointed out the disappointment of limited voice acting, which detracted from the overall immersion. Similarly, Gamer.no mentioned that while the music is atmospheric and beautiful, it tends to become repetitive over time. TierraGamer also noted that while the soundtrack complements the action, it lacks memorable themes, suggesting that while the music is effective, it may not leave a lasting impression. These critiques indicate that while the sound design is generally well-received, there are aspects that could be improved to enhance the overall auditory experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music in The Mageseeker are strong elements that contribute positively to the game's atmosphere and emotional engagement. Many reviewers, including Shacknews and PC Gamer, praised the variety and quality of the soundtrack, with a notable emphasis on how it complements gameplay and enhances the narrative. Despite some concerns regarding the repetitiveness of the music and the limited voice acting, the majority of critics agree that the sound design is a highlight of the game, successfully immersing players in its world.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story features strong voice acting that resonates with fans and offers solid localization in multiple languages. Critics praise its authenticity, especially with original League actors. However, many note the limited quantity of voice lines, leaving players wanting more depth and immersion in the audio experience. Overall, it's a mixed bag—quality performances overshadowed by a lack of expansive content.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story has garnered some positive remarks from various critics. IGN appreciates the entertainment value derived from familiar elements of League of Legends, suggesting that the voice acting resonates with fans of the franchise. Similarly, Universo Nintendo highlights the game's full translation and dubbing in Portuguese, which broadens accessibility for players in that region. Vandal also commends the Spanish localization, noting that the voice acting is well-executed, which contributes to the overall quality of the gaming experience. Furthermore, Meristation mentions the involvement of original actors from League of Legends, which adds an authentic touch that fans are likely to appreciate. However, several critics have pointed out limitations in the voice acting. IGN notes that the voice acting is limited in quantity, which may leave players wanting more. God is a Geek mentions that while the visuals are partially voiced, there is no specific commentary on the quality of the voice acting itself, indicating a lack of depth in the audio experience. Meristation reiterates this sentiment by stating that the voice acting is limited to certain moments, which may detract from the immersive experience that players seek in narrative-driven games. This sentiment is echoed by SomosXbox, who acknowledges that while the characters have their own dialogue lines, the overall quantity of voiced content is still lacking. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the voice acting in The Mageseeker has its merits, particularly in terms of authenticity and localization, it is hampered by its limited scope. Critics like Vandal and Meristation recognize the quality of the performances, especially with original League of Legends actors, but they also highlight the constraints that come with the limited voice lines. This mixed reception indicates that while the existing voice acting contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, many players may find themselves desiring a more extensive and immersive vocal experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story delivers mixed technical performance across platforms. PS5 and Xbox Series X enjoy mostly stable experiences with minor bugs, while the Nintendo Switch struggles significantly with stuttering, crashes, and optimization woes, receiving the harshest criticism. PC play is generally smooth but still shows some hiccups. Overall, the game needs substantial post-launch support to address these issues and enhance performance across all platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

24%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story varies significantly across platforms, with some positive remarks noted by critics. On the PS5, reviewers like Multiplayer.it acknowledged that while there are minor bugs, the overall technical performance is not heavily criticized. Similarly, IGN mentioned that bugs encountered were fixable through simple actions like quitting and reloading the game, suggesting a manageable experience. For the Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub reported great overall performance with only minor issues, indicating a solid experience on that platform. On PC, Meristation highlighted that the game runs smoothly with minimal performance issues, contributing positively to the gameplay experience. However, the negative aspects of the game's technical performance cannot be overlooked. On the PS5, Destructoid pointed out noticeable hitches and glitches, including freezing enemies and disappearing UI elements, while GRYOnline.pl noted occasional crashes and errors. The Nintendo Switch version faces the most criticism, with Comicbook.com detailing significant performance issues such as stuttering and framerate drops in outdoor areas. Nintendo Life echoed these sentiments, mentioning numerous bugs and crashes, particularly when returning from sleep mode. Critics like Universo Nintendo and Vandal also reported input delay and optimization issues, with frequent software crashes, painting a concerning picture for Switch players. On PC, RPGamer noted technical hiccups, including enemies stopping their attacks and audio stuttering, suggesting that even this platform is not entirely free from issues. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while there are some positive aspects to the game's technical performance across platforms, significant issues persist, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are generally more stable, although still plagued by minor bugs and glitches, as highlighted by critics like Destructoid and TheXboxHub. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch version is criticized for its numerous performance issues, with multiple reviewers expressing the need for further optimization and polishing. On PC, while the experience is mostly smooth, some critics like RPGamer pointed out that there are still technical hiccups that need addressing. Thus, while the game shows promise, it requires substantial post-launch support to enhance its overall technical performance across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story has a split reception on replayability. While some critics praise its side quests, collectibles, and customizable spells for encouraging multiple playthroughs, many others point out issues like repetitive combat, linear design, and shallow side content that could deter long-term engagement. Overall, it's a mixed bag—promising features are overshadowed by significant limitations, raising doubts about its lasting appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

92%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story reveal a mix of positive aspects that some critics appreciate. Many reviewers, such as Gamers Heroes and IGN, highlight the presence of side quests, collectible items, and customizable spell loadouts, which contribute to a sense of replayability. Critics like Multiplayer.it also note the variety of allies and missions that allow for different strategies and playstyles, enhancing the game's longevity. The upgrade systems and optional dungeons mentioned by Destructoid and COGconnected suggest that players can engage with the game beyond the main storyline, potentially leading to a more enriched experience. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's replay value, pointing to issues such as repetitiveness and a lack of depth in side content. For instance, Vandal and Gamer.no emphasize the repetitive nature of combat and environments, which may lead to a diminished desire to replay the game. Critics like SpazioGames and Everyeye.it also mention that the absence of additional challenges or meaningful incentives for backtracking could restrict long-term engagement. Furthermore, the linearity of the game, as noted by Gamereactor Spain and Meristation, suggests that players may find little motivation to revisit completed content. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided sentiment regarding the replay value of The Mageseeker. While some reviewers appreciate the optional content and strategic elements that could encourage multiple playthroughs, others highlight significant limitations due to repetitiveness, linear design, and a lack of depth in the upgrade systems. Critics like RPGamer and TheGamer encapsulate this dichotomy, acknowledging the enjoyable combat yet pointing out the drawbacks that may hinder replayability. Ultimately, while the game offers some enticing features for replay, many reviewers seem to agree that its limitations could prevent it from maintaining players' interest over time.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is predominantly positive, with many reviewers praising its engaging action RPG experience and its successful expansion of the League of Legends lore. Critics like COGconnected and IGN highlight the game's ability to delve deeper into the franchise's narrative, while Gamers Heroes and But Why Tho? commend the enjoyable combat mechanics and captivating story. The game's visuals also receive accolades, with multiple reviewers, including XboxEra and PC Gamer, noting the stunning pixel graphics and immersive world-building. Furthermore, several critics, such as GRYOnline.pl and Gamereactor UK, recommend the game for both fans and newcomers, emphasizing its accessibility and engaging gameplay. However, despite the positive feedback, several reviewers point out significant shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Common criticisms include repetitive gameplay and design flaws, as noted by Gameblog.fr and Vandal, which hinder the game's potential. Additionally, some critics, like RPG Fan and SpazioGames, highlight issues such as a slow story progression and lack of innovation in gameplay mechanics. The absence of voice acting and a limited variety of side missions are also mentioned by critics like XboxEra and Digital Trends, suggesting that while the core gameplay is enjoyable, it could benefit from more depth and variety. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is a commendable addition to the League of Legends universe, offering a solid action RPG experience. While it boasts engaging combat, beautiful visuals, and a compelling narrative, it is not without its flaws, particularly in terms of repetitive gameplay and design choices. Critics like Shacknews and PC Gamer encapsulate the sentiment by recommending the game despite its shortcomings, indicating that it is well worth experiencing, especially for fans of the franchise. The game appears to strike a balance between satisfying existing fans and inviting newcomers, making it a noteworthy entry in Riot Games' expanding universe.

TL;DR

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story earns positive reviews for its engaging action RPG gameplay, stunning pixel graphics, and expanded lore. Critics praise the captivating story and combat mechanics, making it accessible for both fans and newcomers. However, it faces criticism for repetitive gameplay, design flaws, slow story progression, and a lack of voice acting. Overall, while it's a commendable addition to the League of Legends universe, it could use more depth and variety. Recommended for fans despite its shortcomings.

MONSTER

Reviews

65 reviews found

Shacknews

Apr 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story, stating that it is an incredible time and worth experiencing.

Read full review

IGN Portugal

Xbox Series X

Apr 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is likely to please fans of the League of Legends universe, even those who may initially reject it due to its art style. The reviewer is captivated by the story and recommends it to others.

Pocket Tactics

Nintendo Switch

Apr 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Mageseeker is a confident and satisfying action RPG that appeals to both League fans and newcomers. It features a solid combat system, great character development, and beautiful visuals.

Read full review

PC Gamer

Apr 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story offers a refreshing combination of high-octane action and bombastic political intrigue. With its engaging story, robust gameplay, excellent soundtrack, and vibrant pixel graphics, the game is well worth the time for those who enjoy this type of media.

Read full review

XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Apr 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is a highly recommended game with its strong gameplay, gorgeous visuals, and solid score. The only downsides are the slow progression of Sylas' strength and the lack of voice acting.

Read full review

Gamers Heroes

PlayStation 5

Apr 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is a fantastic action RPG and a worthy spin-off. It is recommended for players who enjoy fast-paced top-down action.

God is a Geek

Apr 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is a solid action adventure game in its own right. It praises the game for its story, gameplay, and graphics, and states that it gives League of Legends new legs. Both fans and newcomers are said to have reasons to be excited about the future of League of Legends. The overall verdict is positive.

Read full review

GRYOnline.pl

PlayStation 5

Apr 21, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The overall experience is highly recommended, especially considering the reasonable price. The reviewer rates the game 8.5 out of 10.

Read full review

TierraGamer

May 31, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is a well-balanced RPG that offers a fun experience, especially for fans of the League of Legends universe, despite lacking innovation in the genre.

Read full review

Gamereactor UK

Nintendo Switch

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its few shortcomings, The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining title, suitable for both League of Legends fans and newcomers.

Read full review