Near-Mage

The main pros of the game

• Visuals and Art Style: The game is praised for its stunning hand-drawn art, vibrant colors, and detailed animations, creating an immersive and enchanting atmosphere.
• Voice Acting: Many users commend the quality of voice acting, noting that it brings characters to life and enhances the overall experience.
• Story and Characters: The narrative is engaging, with well-developed characters and a whimsical charm that appeals to players. The integration of Romanian folklore and mythology adds depth to the story.
• Character Customization: Players appreciate the ability to customize the main character's appearance, which adds a personal touch to the gameplay.
• Humor and Writing: The game features humorous dialogue and clever writing, providing entertaining interactions throughout the adventure.

The main cons of the game

• Lack of Traditional Puzzles: Many users express disappointment over the absence of classic point-and-click puzzles, inventory management, and the overall linear gameplay, which feels more like a visual novel or walking simulator.
• Repetitive Gameplay: Some players find the gameplay repetitive, with a reliance on backtracking and a lack of meaningful choices that affect the story significantly.
• Character Navigation Issues: Complaints about navigation controls, particularly when using a controller, hinder the gameplay experience, as players encounter issues with character movement and clickable areas.
• Bugs and Technical Issues: Several reviews mention bugs and interface problems that disrupt the flow of the game, though some express hope that these will be patched in future updates.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Complex Puzzles: Players desire more intricate puzzles and challenges that require critical thinking and problem-solving, akin to traditional point-and-click adventures.
• Meaningful Choices: Users hope for a more substantial impact from their decisions, with branching paths leading to different outcomes rather than a largely linear narrative.
• Enhanced Spell System: While the game includes a spellcasting mechanic, many feel that it is underutilized and not integrated effectively into gameplay, with spells often feeling like a novelty rather than a core mechanic.
• Inventory System: A traditional inventory system where players can collect and combine items is notably absent, leading to a more streamlined but less interactive experience.

Summary

• Overall, while Near-Mage is celebrated for its artistic presentation, engaging characters, and charming story, it falls short for many players expecting a classic point-and-click adventure with challenging puzzles and deeper gameplay mechanics.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025