Magicka 2 Review

Early confession: I never properly played the first Magicka, and the reasons for that are actually quite closely tied to the reasons this second game exists. The original title, developed by no-longer Paradox residents Arrowhead, was far from a perfect specimen of the initial pitch. It was notoriously buggy (not just on release, either), had surprisingly below-par visuals, and the idea of a perfect co-op adventure just never really fell into place. At least, that’s what I’ve been told over the past few years; my short time with the game was fun, but nothing special. Despite that, there were two elements of the game I remember vividly: the humour, and the magic system. That’s because in reality Magicka hinges on those two features and with Magicka 2 they are back in force - but this time there’s a much better game alongside them.

In short, this is very much the same basic concept. Magicka 2 sees the player, or players, take on the role of a mystical wizard in a fantastic mythical land. The plot line is quite clearly just a tenuous link to drag the player through various locales, but the series’ popular humorous side makes the tale more than just your typical boring affair. There’s really something to be said for the game’s nonchalant tone. The key to a successful co-op game isn’t necessarily complex and diverse mechanics (although they help), it’s in a game’s ability to make a group laugh with, and at, one another. If your in-game antics send your friends into a mass hysteria, then you know that the game is doing something right. On this front, Magicka 2 excels.

It’s not just with untimely deaths and physical comedy that the game provides moments of hilarity though, Magicka 2 is genuinely funny. From the gobbledygook language that actually makes a bit of sense to the brilliant little pop culture and gaming references, this is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously - or seriously at all for that matter. Considering the style and subject of the game, that’s a wise choice. Former developer Arrowhead’s most recent title in the Magicka vein, Gauntlet, suffered from a much too drab and boring overarching theme. In contrast Magicka 2 is fun-filled, jovial and highly inviting - ideal for a co-op game of this nature.

Yet for those who are unfamiliar with the first game, this iteration may still be a tad daunting at first appearance. A helpful tutorial fills players in on how to cast spells by combining the eight different elements and using various buttons to unleash different types of attack. The same system from the first title is in place with pretty much no changes - certain combinations lead to different attacks, and with each enemy having a certain weakness and immunity, skill comes in using the right spells at the right times. See a few crabs coming out of the water? Fry them with a ranged electric attack. Ice-goblins swarming you? An area fire-attack should do the trick. Of course, the fact that you can cast spells on yourself and your friends is still a great feature, and another source of hilarity given some rather mean accomplices (just me?).

This mechanic is still fantastic; there’s a reason it’s now become an often-imitated system. Yet Magicka 2 is by far the best implementation of the combined spell mechanic yet. There are just so many options, and what makes it all the better this time around is the greatly enhanced visual oomph. Fire attacks scorch the earth, death ranged attacks simply look awesome, and the small changes you make to a spell - like adding one drop of water to a death attack - make a fitting difference to the visual effect of said attack. What’s more, the game looks this good across the board. It’s certainly one of the more vibrant and charming isometric 3D action games out there, with a cute but pleasing art style and some amusing animations.

In some ways, those improved visuals are arguably the best new addition to the series, and yes, this is a negative point. While Magicka 2 fixes almost all of the key issues lingering from the first game, especially the tireless bugs and poor network performance, it does very little to add anything truly new to the series. Artifacts are a somewhat tacked-on attempt at creating replayability and originality, with a mixed degree of success. Doing certain tasks during the game’s nine story chapters nets you certain artifacts that essentially change the game. When you start up a new game, or jump into the story with some friends, you can then implement these artifacts.

They’re a mixed bag, with some making simple changes like strange video modes or a ‘sitcom mode’ that adds a laugh track to your slaughtering. You can also tamper with enemy health, the damage power of certain elements, even the strength of friendly-fire, essentially making the game easier or more difficult. It’s definitely a good addition, don’t get me wrong, and a great way to allow the player to customise the experience, but given it was supposed to be one of the main new features, it’s difficult not to see it as a little underwhelming. Still, the artifacts are clearly designed with co-op in mind, so that’s a bonus. Funny changes like kills causing your character to teleport, or an artifact that makes every character a bloated monstrosity, are welcome additions to the fun.

Magicka 2 also features a challenge mode that’s essentially your classic arena battle against waves of enemies. In much the same way as the artifacts, it feels tacked-on, a longer main story mode would have been time better spend, I dare say. At around 6 hours long the core game mode is short, although for the small price Paradox is asking for Magicka 2 it’s easily forgivable. In reality, there’s plenty of game here, especially if you blast through it with your friends. Naturally, it’s best enjoyed with a shared sofa although certainly it’ll be easier for most to connect online. The game’s servers seemed to be working well enough upon release of the game, so it looks like we’ll have none of the same disasters from the first game. Here’s hoping that continues.

More than anything else, Magicka 2 feels like a very ‘safe’ game. It also shows the classic signs of a new developer taking on a popular franchise. There’s a reluctance to mix-up the formula, and while some fans of the series will undoubtedly love that move, there’s no doubt that it makes the game feel less significant, and certainly less original. I can happily recommend it, especially if you’ve got a group of friends who’ll play it with you. On your own, the challenge can be a little daunting at times (in particular the final boss fight!), but it’s still an undeniably fun game with a wonderfully jovial tone.