Maliki: Poison of the Past is a tactical RPG at heart and visual novel as flavour. Developed by Blue Banshee and published by Ankama Games. Based on the long-running French webcomic Maliki by Souillon, the game blends strategic combat, time manipulation, and cozy life-sim elements into a charming and emotionally resonant experience.
Light hearted setting
The story follows Sand, a spirited young woman who becomes entangled in a battle against the Poison—a malevolent plant entity threatening to consume time itself. Guided by the enigmatic Maliki and her eccentric family, Sand embarks on a journey through various timelines to restore balance and uncover the secrets of the past. The narrative delves into themes of memory, identity, and the consequences of altering time, offering a poignant and thought-provoking experience.
Well polished turn based RPG
Maliki: Poison of the Past combines turn-based tactical combat with time manipulation mechanics. Players can shift enemies and allies through time to create strategic advantages, such as aligning turns for powerful combo attacks or avoiding damage by moving characters out of harm’s way. This innovative system adds depth and variety to battles, requiring thoughtful planning and adaptability.
Outside of combat, players can explore the Domaine—a central hub where they can rest, craft items, cook meals, and tend to the Thousand-Root Tree that protects the realm. These life-sim elements provide a relaxing contrast to the game’s more intense moments, fostering a sense of community and personal investment in the world.
Visually stunning
The art style of Maliki: Poison of the Past is one of its most captivating features, drawing immediate attention with its vibrant, hand-drawn aesthetic and expressive character designs. Deeply rooted in the visual identity of the original Maliki webcomic, the game blends anime-inspired elements with a uniquely European flair, resulting in a colorful, charming world brimming with personality. Each character is rendered with a level of care that reflects not just their emotional states, but their role in the narrative—whether it’s Sand’s determined eyes and flowing scarf that suggest a sense of purpose, or Maliki’s confident, chaotic energy conveyed through sharp poses and exaggerated facial expressions.
Environments are lush and imaginative, filled with fantastical flourishes and small narrative details. From the mystical Thousand-Root Tree that pulses with ancient magic, to the cosy interior of the Domaine where players can craft, rest, and bond with their companions, every backdrop is rich with texture and ambiance.
Even the smaller visual touches—animated pets lounging in the Domaine, wind blowing through treetops, glimmers of light from magical artifacts—add a layer of warmth and polish that makes the world feel handcrafted. It’s not just about creating a pretty game; it’s about making the art an active part of the player’s emotional experience. Whether you’re engaging in an intense tactical fight or just sharing a quiet moment with a friend by the fire, Maliki: Poison of the Past wraps every scene in visual charm and narrative texture.
My Conclusion
Maliki: Poison of the Past offers a rich blend of strategic gameplay, emotional storytelling, and immersive world-building. Its unique mechanics and compelling narrative make it a standout title for fans of tactical RPGs and story-driven games. The beautiful art style, and incredible score, and light hearted story telling ensures a memorable gaming experience.
