MADO MONOGATARI: Fia and the Wondrous Academy

I didn't know what to think before trying this game, as it looked very different from the older Madou Monogatari games I had played and I was a little disappointed from the screenshots and trailers, and the mixed reviews on steam didn't really help my weariness, but! I absolutely loved every second I have played so far. Fia and the Wondrous Academy is more of a sequel to Curse of the Curry God which it self is apparently based on Waku Waku Puyo Dungeon instead of the original Madou Monogatari games which I find a little sad, I love the first person dungeon crawler that specifically avoided the use of number stats only using visuals and words. But the gameplay loop here is very fun, it's very like Atelier Annie. This game makes a bold choice to have a mostly new cast, which sadly means the best character Draco is missing but I love the new cast a lot, they work well together and if they suddenly were put into a puyo puyo game they'd fit very very well with the current cast. I'm really happy they didn't do a Curry God thing and just made a bunch of mirrors of the original cast. there is no real huge story going on so far but the cute slice of life stuff works really well. I ador…

[b]Wondorous Magic Academy Life? Guu Guu...[/b] + interesting writing of plot (like classic anime trope) + good localisation + chibified characters + lightweight dungeon crawler + action and tactical combat + funny conversation skits + interaction with things and changing options + classic troupe comedy + expressive chibi characters + monsters are well designed + dungeons are random + interesting mechanics in dungeons + cook, fish, synthesize, plant, grow fruits, punching walls + destroy school proberty + easy dungeon crawling - some missing QoL features - some inconsistence in artwork - much grind - lackluster sidequests - much to run and search Conclusion: As the game has much to explore on schoolground, where certain switches, pots etc. awaits you to be manipulated, thrown, destroy and otherwise. And while the comedy parts are fun. The game has some serious boring loop in dungeons, paired with quests where you will run for eternity in the huge dungeons. While the base story is pretty much entertaining, it unfolds pretty much always the same storyloop with longer gaps filled with boring quests. Characters and interactions are interesting, but when you go postgame, the grind …

The game is cute and the characters are fun, but the battle system is atrocious an just not fun at all. At least at the beginning of the game, there seems to be constant interruptions of the dungeon crawling for scenes (not just dialog while you are walking or fighting, but actual scenes that break up the action). In short, the battles suck and the game flow just isn't there.

Not a groundbreaking game by any means, but a delightfully whimsical experience with a mix of mechanics reminiscent of the experimental JRPG era. Definitely worth trying, even if the game systems aren't fully realised. Hopefully it can be refined and expanded upon in a future title. Also only 2GB install size.

MADO MONOGATARI: Fia and the Wondrous Academy breathes new life into a long-running RPG franchise by combining classic dungeon exploration with an inviting school-life adventure. Developed by Idea Factory, Compile Heart, and STING, and published by Idea Factory International, the game introduces players to Fia, an energetic young girl whose dream is to become a respected mage. Her enrollment in a renowned academy of ancient magic serves as the starting point for an adventure filled with discovery, friendship, and magical challenges. Instead of relying on an overly serious narrative, the game embraces an uplifting tone that celebrates curiosity, personal growth, and the excitement of learning, making it an enjoyable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. The academy is much more than a narrative setting, acting as the central hub that ties together nearly every gameplay system. As Fia progresses through her studies, players attend classes, interact with classmates and instructors, complete assignments, and gradually unlock new magical abilities. This educational structure gives the story a natural sense of progression, as every lesson and milestone reflects Fia's journey …

A dungeon crawling game with a comedic plot. If you're looking for a slightly grindy game with a silly story featuring silly personalities, then this game is for you.