DaRmaZat Decades after the events of the prequel Ender Lilies, humans, mutants, and homunculi—lamentable, unnatural lifeforms—wander the Land of Mists. In Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, Lilac, a girl with magical powers, must team up with her tragic companions to face extremely tough enemies as they search for a way out of the enchanting post-apocalyptic world, not just for themselves, but for anyone else who can still be saved.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist was launched in Early Access at the end of March last year and quickly received very positive feedback. The dark fantasy Metroidvania stood out for its melancholic world, challenging combat, gripping music, and unique art style. With the official release on January 22, players will now be able to experience the full saga—a sentimental adventure that, with its thirty-five hours of content, will take up a good portion of your free time. And beautiful it certainly is.
Challenging yet accessible
For reasons yet unknown, Lilac possesses the special gift of tuning: with a single touch, she can transform certain creatures, including bosses, into allies. This earns her the title of Attuner. It’s this very ability that leaves her no choice but to seek out other Attuners to join forces in the fight for a better world; only they can undo the curse that plagues the realm. The Land of Mists teems with vile creatures, but fortunately, the combat feels like a refined rhythm that constantly oscillates between power and precision, largely depending on which of her magical companions Lilac deploys during battle.
Take Nola, for example—a giant skeleton wielding an equally massive sword—or the small Lito, a mysterious figure cloaked from head to toe. These are just a few of the companions Lilac will encounter on her journey. From powerful punches to strategic sword strikes and temporary immunity, each ally boasts unique abilities that add variety to combat, making it more engaging. However, the lack of precise targeting for long-range attacks may initially require some practice. The invulnerability granted during dodges makes combat more accessible for newcomers to the genre, while cooldown limitations on some of Lilac’s superpowers ensure the challenge remains intact. For those struggling with the standard difficulty, Easy Mode and even a customizable difficulty level are available.
A classic Metroidvania, yet something more
The hostile mutants Lilac encounters often behave unpredictably. Some will truly put you through the wringer. But the ultimate trials lie in the boss battles. Early in the game, for instance, you’ll face a two-phase fight against a winged homunculus, one of the first major challenges that demands perfect timing of your special moves, like aerial dashes and double jumps. These battles make it immediately clear that both timing and the correct use of abilities are essential. This principle also extends to unlocking upgrades for your companions, discovering special relics, and equipping these in available item slots, which can be purchased from the so-called Craftories after collecting enough Arcane loot.
Lived-in, intriguing, unpredictable, virtuosic.
Exploration in Ender Magnolia is also something to write home about. Like a classic Metroidvania, the game world is filled with countless (temporarily) locked paths, secret rooms containing hidden items, and mysterious relics that help Lilac and her companions grow stronger. At Respites—checkpoints where you can recover—you can adjust your equipment and upgrade certain skills, such as the abilities of your magical allies. You can also chat with your companions there or rewatch the intriguing cutscenes, enhancing the lore and making the dystopian world feel even more alive. Later in the game, these Respites can also be used for fast travel, eliminating the need for excessive backtracking.
A rewarding, lost universe
It’s not just the deep gameplay that makes Ender Magnolia special. Its audiovisual presentation also plays a crucial role, with eerie cutscenes hinting at a deep underlying secret. The virtuosic soundtrack by Mili quickly emerges as the game’s driving force. From serene piano melodies to powerful arrangements and infectious up-tempo tracks, every tune heightens the sinister atmosphere with its unpredictability. Meanwhile, subtle details in the background, such as steadily turning gears and swirling clouds of poison, showcase the hand-drawn art style, capturing the dark, mysterious world with its overgrown landscapes and desolate ruins in monumental fashion. Together, visuals and sound create a harmony that evokes a somber but rare beauty—something this game so desperately needs.
A somber yet rare beauty…
Thanks to this, Lilac’s adventure and the gameplay that supports it remain undeniably captivating despite all challenges. Exploring new areas, collecting charmed fragments, and unlocking shortcuts hidden within the world—all these discoveries bring both new dangers and moments of wonder. Progress takes on so many forms, each rewarding you with a bit more freedom, that you feel as though you’ve truly earned every step forward.
Conclusion
Lilac’s journey is far from easy, but it richly rewards those who dare to take it on. The Land of Mists gradually reveals itself in sight and sound as a universe where every discovery, success, and even defeat holds meaning, each offering a piece of progress toward an escape. The result is a memorable adventure that confidently strikes the perfect balance between wonder and challenge, appreciating the beauty in the contrasts of a lost world. A must-play for Metroidvania fans, and perhaps many others.
Additional Information
Release Date: January 22, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Review copy provided by the publisher and PR agency via BeyondGaming.
Developer: Adglobe, Live Wire
Publisher: Binary Haze Interactive
Official Website:
https://www.endermagnolia.com
Relevant links:
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist on STEAM
