The Magic Circle: Gold Edition Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 8 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: A story-driven puzzler. It’s a dark comedy about a legendary game that has been stuck in development hell for 20 years, and only you can save it.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. May 5, 2016
    85
    Everything from the concept to the way The Magic Circle tackles puzzle solving is unique. Question has pulled off quite the feat in making a game that is inspirational on several levels, one that rewards, and fosters, creativity. This is an adventure that needs to be played.
  2. Jun 2, 2016
    85
    The Magic Circle is a delightful puzzler brimming with creativity.
  3. Jun 12, 2016
    85
    For such a small title, The Magic Circle has a lot to say. This isn’t something most games can claim, and it sits comfortably along other recent indies like The Beginner’s Guide, which deconstruct traditional approaches to design.
  4. May 6, 2016
    80
    The Magic Circle: Gold Edition is a humourous and satirical look at the complexity of game development. At the same time, it’s a fun game that encourages you to experiment with different combinations to reach your goal, leading to a number of bizarre creations, but The Magic Circle: Gold Edition is brought to life by its comedy.
  5. 75
    The Magic Circle will appeal to anyone who can laugh at themselves.
  6. Jul 12, 2016
    70
    A weird and original proposal that is only flawed for getting old long before its end.
  7. 60
    Providing a unique look at a studio unable to get over its developers' egos to finish a highly anticipated project, The Magic Circle introduces interesting development tool mechanics that aren't as fun to manipulate as they should be.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. May 4, 2016
    6
    The Magic Circle
    From Magic to lame
    The Magic Circle is basically a game about game development.. development teams not agreeing on what
    The Magic Circle
    From Magic to lame
    The Magic Circle is basically a game about game development..
    development teams not agreeing on what goes where, and who should have what powers…
    so its up to you to try and finish this game…
    The game starts out with a feeling of mystery.. and exploration ironically thanks to the linear feel the game originally gives off … coming across a sword and the developers changing the world and story around you…discovering your first deleted cave, All of this instantly got me excited for what was to come.. that I was going to play an ever changing game in conflict…but once you realize that this is actually an open world game that goes back and forth between colorless plains and a pixilated space station, it quickly loses all magic and charm, and ends up being quite dull…
    The game for the most part takes place in an unfinished open world rpg
    its all about exploring the world and editing creatures and their abilities to help you progress through the world.
    You can strip abilities from some items and use them on another item.. you can bring non living items to life.. make a certain object or creature attack another…
    Cool idea on paper, but you can literally just make everything your ally removing all threat in the game..
    Turning this more into a lifeless open world puzzle game…
    of course you will run into objects that give you troubles, but it will only last for a few seconds…
    and there are literally only like 80 enemies in the entire world and half of them are mushrooms and rocks.
    At the end you do get to make your own game with a laughable amount of options and design choices..
    with no real urge or need to get creative… unless you want a 10/10 score for a trophy,
    but again the options are so boring that this is chore…
    I was in love with magic circle during its first moments.
    but unfortunately this game gets worse the longer you play it.
    I give the magic circle
    a 6/10
    Expand