Magical Delicacy review: A delectable experience leaving you hungry for more

I’ve waited a long time for a game like Magical Delicacy. Ever since I helped Stella take her final journey in Spiritfarer, tears pricking my eyes, I’ve longed to feel so engrossed in an adventure that the world around me falls away so that there’s nothing but me and the whimsy on my screen.

I pined for wonderment; for characters who compelled me to explore every inch of the map; for the thrill of new discoveries and potions. So much expectation was placed on this Metroidvania inspired platformer, so much so that I believed it destined to disappoint in one way or another. Thankfully, no such disappointment came. Actually, that’s a slight lie, for I felt saddened when the game’s credits rolled.

Watch the trailer for Magical Delicacy below

We’re only halfway through 2024, but I’ve already played my fair share of excellent (predominately) indie games. Yet, despite losing myself in luscious gardens, or climbing mountains in search of memories, something in each of those journeys would pull me out of the experience, leaving me unable to commit to a 10/10 rating. Each experience was exceptional, but it wasn’t that elusive perfection I craved.

As much as I adore Magical Delicacy, I loathe referring to anything as perfect, for improvements can always be made. That being said, any improvements implemented here would only enhance the game further as opposed to fixing something fundamentally broken about it. In fact, most, if not all, of the niggling issues I encountered were of my own making rather than that of the game.

That’s nearly 300 words of me singing its praises without offering any substance as to why I champion this game so strongly, and for that I apologise. I simply cannot overstate how much Magical Delicacy exceeded expectations and delighted me from start to finish; even when I was frustrated, I couldn’t put it down.

In a similar fashion to Studio Ghibli’s Kiki, Flora is a witch venturing out under her own steam. Unlike Kiki, however, she has a destination already in mind: Grat. This is where the tale begins, with Flora arriving on its shores, eager to start her new life in a town that welcomes magic rather than shuns it.

Unlike in real life where a plan would already need to be in place, Flora is sitting pretty, with a shop rented to her on the proviso she pays its owner, Hyge, back as soon as possible. Hyge has clearly consulted with Tom Nook for business advice. A new home now secured, you have a quaint little shop to call your own in which you can make all sorts of magical culinary delights, as well as the odd potion. There’s also an unexpected roommate lodging with you, as well as an affectionate cat who never turns down a fuss. In fact, most of Grat’s feline population give you a warm reception whenever you pet them.

Whitethorn Games

Compared to how roomy the shop becomes once you hit your stride and start upgrading, you begin in a modest sized abode. Much like when you start your new farm in Stardew Valley, there’s a bit of grinding involved before you find your feet and establish yourself. Even so, it never feels like hard work, or at least it didn’t to me.

Instead of being annoyed at needing to forage for more ingredients, I was excited at platforming my way around Grat’s unusual landscape. My keenness to see every detail of this picturesque pixel art world had me forgetting about going to and from my shop regularly. And when I did start to tire of not being able to more easily navigate the town, a form of fast travel opened up to me.

It’s uncanny how often this happened. Whenever I was about to moan that Magical Delicacy had missed the opportunity to incorporate a popular element of gameplay, it appeared before me almost as if I’d willed it into existence. I wanted a means of fast travel – I got two. I wondered if I’d be able to customise Flora’s outfit – several new outfits were unlocked. I wanted a way to predict the quality of the food I was preparing – I was able to purchase it. Every detail has been meticulously considered, which speaks volumes about the developer's passion for this adventure; there’s genuine love woven into its creation.

If you’re struggling to figure out where to go next, you’ve likely not explored thoroughly enough. Trust me on this. There were so many instances that I declared the map fully investigated, only for me to stumble into a secret alcove or dimly lit catacomb. Exploration isn’t just rewarded here, it’s crucial. As such, being comfortable with platforming, even when it feels like a risky jump to make, is key here.

Fortunately, unlike other platforming adventures, there’s no danger – if Flora falls, she simply respawns back to the ledge you were just on. Some may dislike that lack of risk, but personally, I found it incredibly freeing. Without having to worry about how well timed my moves were, I felt emboldened to traverse the gap even if it seemed unwise. So what if that ledge seems a little too far away, what have I got to lose!

Whitethorn Games

The more you progress in the game, the more aids you find to make getting around much quicker. But it takes time, and a certain level of curiosity. Nonetheless, while progress is only made through exploration and interaction with the locals, there will be plenty of times when you “waste” days merely baking, frying, or chopping up a storm in the kitchen. If you want to expand your shop as quickly as possible, utilising every ingredient you find, and selling it whenever you can, will soon become the driving factor. Sure, someone has an order they want fulfilling, but Flora needs to make that dough to... well... make dough.

Narratively, there’s the main story decorated with sub-plots, some of which intersect, and other times remain separate entities. But none of it feels shoehorned in for the sake of it. Every interaction, every NPC, has value. There’s a profundity to this world that’s hard to describe, for it feels so alive without overwhelming you with too many details or lore. You’re the master of your own destiny, choosing to absorb more knowledge or keep it to a minimum. You don’t get penalised for preferring a leaner experience, however, I will say that you’d miss out on some of Magical Delicacy’s charm by keeping conversations short.

Stepping back from the game to look at its accessibility, Magical Delicacy excels there as well. You can turn off reaction minigames, toggle on easy platforming, disable the dialogue effects, and so much more. This is all about tailoring this experience for your optimum comfort. More titles are doing this, especially within the indie scene, but it deserves ample praise all the same. Sadly, accessibility is still regarded as an afterthought by far too many developers. But not here. Here, your accessibility truly matters.

I could continue for another 1,000 plus words describing in poetic prose why Magical Delicacy should be played by everyone, even if platforming isn’t usually your thing. Even so, my words feel so crude and inadequate – they’ll never do this game the same amount of justice as stepping off the ship in Grat for yourselves does. My greatest hope is that this game gets DLC, or, if that’s not possible, a sequel. Flora’s story doesn’t feel anywhere near complete yet, nor am I ready to say goodbye to the enchantment this world offers.

Pros: Stunning pixel art aesthetic, you can pet multiple cats, accessible platforming, vibrant characters, and delicious meals

Cons: Finding ingredients can prove tricky, and the map markers are rather basic

For fans of: Spiritfarer, Stardew Valley, Celeste

10/10: Perfect

Magical Delicacy is available on Steam (version reviewed), Nintendo Switch, and Xbox. Code for review was supplied by the publisher.