Simon the Sorcerer Origins is the prequel to the much-loved point-and-click title. This sarcasm-filled adventure is a nostalgic romp that takes in many of the fantastic core mechanics. Furthermore, it is voiced by Chris Barrie. Accordingly, you’ll enjoy classic British humour with a Sahara desert level of dryness.
This retro point-and-click adventure was developed by Smallthing Studios and published by ININ Games. It is a single-player 2D experience that captures the essence, action, and humour of the original. Moreover, there is a brilliant charm that never gets old. Consequently, if you love this genre and games like Day of the Tentacle, Broken Sword, or Discworld, this will be right up your street.
Simon the Sorcerer Origins tells a wicked tale.
I am old enough to remember the original. However, no prior knowledge is required to enjoy this prequel. Instead, gamers will love the silly comments, the snide remarks, and the incredible puzzles. Additionally, the weird settings, unusual characters, and clever plot twists will keep you entertained throughout.
You control Simon the Sorcerer. He is a witty but obnoxious lad who thinks he knows best. His personality annoys and amuses many of his fellow protagonists. As such, he can be a divisive character. However, despite his flaws, he will make you laugh as he is drawn into a foreign world by an ancient prophecy. Here, he meets powerful, but useless wizards, and a whole host of weird and wonderful creatures. By the end of your journey, you’ll understand who Simon is and his origins.
Familiar mechanics.
For all of its funny storytelling, Simon the Sorcerer Origins utilises many familiar and old-school mechanics. Point and click games rely on hidden objects, strange moments, and an array of simple and complex puzzles. Thankfully, this title has them all. As you explore each location, you must search for clues and piece together random items. Additionally, this wouldn’t be a game about a sorcerer if there weren’t magic involved.
The gameplay is fairly balanced, and although some of the puzzles were challenging, I think the developer got things just right. Finding the correct tool for each moment keeps you thinking, and the witty conversations help to point you in the right direction. Moreover, a little bit of luck pushes you towards the end goal. This mixture of clues, methodical thinking, and trial and error has a delightful retro edge that was appealing.
Simon the Sorcerer Origins looks fantastic.
Gamers are offered the chance to play this with a modern filter or old-school blur. I flitted between both, as you can alter the settings on the fly. If you go for the modern vibe, you’ll enjoy clean lines, vibrant colours, and interesting stage design. Alternatively, if you opt for a retro filter, you’ll witness a delightful lack of clarity that’ll take you back to the 90s. Either way, Simon the Sorcerer Origins looks fantastic.
The audio was a treat! The music and sound effects were silly, mindless, and reminiscent of the original. However, it is the incredible acting from Barrie that sets this apart. His delivery and dry English ways make this the game it is. I chuckled throughout as it is silly, loud, and remarkably British in its ways.
Brilliant controls.
The point-and-click genre is better with a mouse and keyboard. Therefore, I expected this to be awful. Thankfully, I was wrong, as it was a cinch to play with my gamepad. The opening moments work as a tutorial, and after this, gamers will master the responsive and well-considered controls in no time at all.
Replay value is up for debate. If you love the genre, witty ways, and silly nature of the beast, you’ll return to play it again. However, if you enjoy testing your grey matter and fresh material, I can’t see the value in returning for more. Luckily, it is affordable, and this makes it great value for money.
Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a brilliant game.
I laughed from beginning to end as I witnessed an array of odd moments. This will appeal to older gamers, but younger players will love the English charm, silly characters, and clever puzzles. Additionally, you can enjoy the madness with no prior knowledge. Accordingly, it is amazing, and I recommend buying it here! Can you understand Simon’s origins? Master your spells, explore each strange location, and solve every puzzle you face.
