MindOpus - "AGEMI: Academy of Magic"

Photo above is property of MindOpus

Company: MindOpus

Game: AGEMI: Academy of Magic

Country: Canada 🇨🇦

Language: English

Type of Game: Digital Escape Game 💻

Genre: Fantasy

Date Played: January 15, 2024

Difficulty (based on 1 player): 8/10

Size of Team: 1-6 ppl

Time: Unlimited (Approximately 1.5-2 Hrs)

Price: $7,69 CAD/ pp

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One morning, as you awaken, you discover a letter patiently awaiting your attention. Upon reading its contents, the revelation unfolds—it's an invitation to attend a prestigious magic school. You are promptly assigned to one of three distinct houses, where your journey involves active participation in classes. Your goal? Accumulate sufficient points throughout the year to emerge as the ultimate victor. The question looms: Do you possess the magical prowess and determination required for this extraordinary challenge?

Video above is property of MindOpus

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The game is exclusively played through a web browser. Upon purchasing the individual license from the website, you launch the game from your account. It provides a step-by-step guide, offering a clear preview of what to expect during gameplay.

The user interface is remarkably user-friendly. The majority of the game involves contemplating the presented riddles or puzzles, solving them typically with pen and paper, and then inputting the correct answer into the designated solution box. The solutions may range from words and phrases to seemingly random gibberish.

A helpful hint system is integrated, providing assistance when needed. Clicking on the associated button for each puzzle brings up a screen offering three nudges to steer you in the right direction. For those still grappling with a puzzle, a solution button is available. Clicking on it reveals the puzzle's solution and provides the correct answer.

Photos above are property of MindOpus

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The puzzles featured in this game boast a diverse and challenging array. There's a well-balanced mix of logic and deduction puzzles, including audio and visual challenges that span a variety of types.

For a specific puzzle within this game, a prerequisite of outside knowledge about fantasy creatures is essential. Unfortunately, the game lacks an interface that defines each creature, leaving players to rely on their own understanding. Considering the digital nature of the game, an in-game reference for these creatures would greatly enhance the overall experience.

The unique aspect of this game lies in its approach to solutions. It exhibits a lack of uniformity, where answers can range from requiring an actual English word to deciphering a random string of letters. This lack of coherence occasionally results in perplexing dead ends and frustrating solutions, leaving players grappling with uncertainty.

Many of the puzzles in the game are intricately tied to different classes within its fictional world. However, a significant drawback is the failure to fully engage players, often leading to less compelling gameplay experiences.

Photos above are property of MindOpus

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"AGEMI: Academy of Magic", despite its professional appearance, lacks a compelling storyline and a sufficient number of intriguing puzzles to captivate players for an extended period. The gameplay is marred by numerous logic leaps, causing confusion and frustration when attempting to discern the correct solutions. While not all puzzles are inherently problematic, a considerable majority fall short in providing enjoyable play experiences.

The game's concept involves multiple users purchasing separate licenses to play on their individual computer screens. Unfortunately, this structure hinders teamwork, as each player is unable to view others' screens or collaborate effectively.

An early decision in the game involves selecting your house. Although the game asserts that this choice doesn't impact the overall experience, it appears to lack significance, leaving players uncertain about the implications of their chosen house. The game concludes with point assessments, but the purpose of these points remains unclear.

Regrettably, growing frustration and annoyance with the puzzles proved to be a deterrent from further engagement with the game. Back-solving became a necessity to decipher the underlying logic of several puzzles. For those prioritizing puzzle-centric gameplay over narrative-driven experiences, this aspect of AGEMI: Academy of Magic may align with such preferences.

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(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)

Disclosure: We thank MindOpus for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.

#MikeSchnurr #AtHomeGames #DigitalGames #Fantasy #MindOpus #Canada