The Mage's Tale

 PC
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Road to VR
    Jul 29, 2017
    70
    Creating and casting magical spells in VR is an awesome experience that I didn't ever get tired of, but if a sequel is in the works, finer character animation and more locomotion options should be on the docket to turn up the immersion factor.
  2. DarkStation
    Jul 11, 2017
    70
    Still, in a world full of VR demos and proof-of-concept games that are barely that, The Mage's Tale feels and plays like a real, fully-realized product that is actually worth the $40 price tag. It has a genuine story arc, excellent combat, and visuals and game play that would be far less effective in another medium. The game makes excellent -- if perhaps over-zealous -- use of the Touch controllers and although The Mage's Tale reminds us that the VR genre is still learning to find its way, this game is certainly a milestone product for the Rift.
  3. Game Revolution
    Jun 20, 2017
    70
    Story-driven VR titles are uncommon in the current realm of VR, and that needs to change sooner rather than later. The Mage's Tale has stepped in to offer a taste of what's to come with reasonable success.
  5. Destructoid
    Jun 20, 2017
    60
    The Mage's Tale represents an early experiment for VR RPGs -- a minor milestone. There's still a long way to go until people are "jacked-in" for hours at a time a la Sword Art Online, but with projects like this leading the way we'll get there sooner than later.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. Sinbaddusnavy
    Jun 29, 2017
    9
    One of the better Virtual Reality games I have played. Most VR games are more like demo's of what can be done this is a proper game, withOne of the better Virtual Reality games I have played. Most VR games are more like demo's of what can be done this is a proper game, with progression and a good plot line to it. It is refreshing to have an actual game that engrosses you and the spell casting is pretty cool. It is not full movement like other games yet as there is a step movement type that allows you to slightly step forward or use the standard VR movement system of the past where you morph to new spots instantly. This is a good step forward for VR gaming as it truly immerses you into the game and it finally gives us a total story to be involved within and the game play is fun and involving. Still a little linear not open world but that is a ways off it seems for VR gaming, but this is a fine start. A must have title if you do any real VR gaming as it is worth every penny of its price of admission. One of the best VR games I have played so far and I have played a lot of them to be honest.… Full Review »
  2. GuruChaz
    Oct 3, 2017
    8
    First of all, the game reviewer for Gamespot should be ashamed of himself. He clearly has no taste in VR games as a new medium. Second, IFirst of all, the game reviewer for Gamespot should be ashamed of himself. He clearly has no taste in VR games as a new medium. Second, I love this game. In my quest for a great VR RPG game, it comes closer than many in fulfilling sort of what I'm looking for. Yes, the movement isn't quite there but the atmosphere, story, puzzles, action are all there. VR is just getting started and there are some great games coming down the road. In the meantime, I am enjoying playing The Mage's Tale immensely and I'm pretty picky about the games I play. I give it an 8 easy. Thank you, Inexile!… Full Review »
  3. Runesr2
    Jul 30, 2018
    10
    A dream come true - feels like magic ;-)

    You really don't need more than this game to get full value for your Rift investment. If you're    A dream come true - feels like magic ;-)

    You really don't need more than this game to get full value for your Rift investment. If you're into the world of Harry Potter and love RPGs with magic - and if you ever dreamt about being a wizard - this game is a must have! Maybe it's just me having cleaned my glasses, but after the new patch (1.548 - a whopping 15GB!) it seems that many textures have been greatly improved in resolution and the performance too! I'm running the game on an overclocked GTX 1080 and i7 7700K (4.2-4.5 GHz) with 16GB 3200 MHz using highest settings and supersampling 2.0 - and I'm getting solid 90+ fps. It really feels like being there, the atmosphere, the humor and the ability to use magic are simply out-of-this-world. Remember that your Rift sensors each operate at 1000 Hz (I'm using 3 sensors for 360 degrees tracking - you really need it in this game), thus the faster you throw your fireball in the real world the faster it's thrown in VR - and there's just no way you can be faster than your sensors ;-) The full locomotion is brilliant (neither my son nor I ever felt motion sickness) and Touch controls let you throw, grip and manipulate objects - a true inspiration to how other VR games should implement Touch controls to make immersion perfect. BTW, try making a shield in each hand - now bring your hands/shields together and see how your 2 shields merge into one giant shield - simply awesome! The game can be frightening for kids. My 10-year-old son more or less panicked when standing on a bridge and a 5 meters tall giant walked under the bridge :-) Although the action can be fast this is a thinking man's game (or challenge, there are quite a few puzzles in the dungeons - some optional). Consider your choice of spells wisely - and use them likewise! Don't judge the game before you've played at least one hour. Note that this game really isn't 5/5 - it's 6/5, and no I'm not trying to get the developers to like me, I'm simply stating the obvious. Welcome to the dungeon!    … Full Review »
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