MADO MONOGATARI: Fia and the Wondrous Academy review

MADO MONOGATARI: Fia and the Wondrous Academy is the latest entry in the mostly Japan-only dungeon-crawling franchise. Of course, savvy Western players might have some familiarity with the lighthearted property. Beyond the 2013 localization of Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God, Madō Monogatari characters have also made an appearance in SEGA’s Puyo Puyo spin-off series.

Echoing the blithe tone of previous outings, Wondrous Academy opens with protagonist Fia arriving at the prestigious Ancient Magic Academy. Unfortunately, the ever-cheerful apprentice soon discovers that she’s missed the entrance exams entirely.

A Comedy of Clumsiness and Dumb Luck

But the school reveals that the mere act of reaching the academy, with all the obstacles along the way, was the true test of Fia’s potential. This playful plot twist sets the tone for an adventure that embraces whimsy over high-stakes drama. So, if you appreciate quirky characters and magical-themes misadventures, you’ll likely find Wondrous Academy to be an entertaining setting.

There’s something comforting about witnessing a protagonist repeatedly struggle, yet enduringly through a combination of goodwill and luck. Accompanying Fia is the obligatory cast of quirky secondaries, who channel most of the prevalent tropes. Occasionally, Academy flirts with tenderness when it offers a bit of backstory, but mostly the trek in the interactive equivalent of cotton candy.

Mildly Fun Dungeons

Unmistakably, Fia and the Wondrous Academy’s gameplay draws inspiration from classic dungeon crawlers like the Mystery Dungeon series. From the randomly generated floors, loot-centric progression loop, and relaxed pace, you’ll likely find familiarity. But unlike more punishing roguelikes, the dungeons here are short, easy to navigate, and forgiving.

Monsters on each procedurally-generated map are visible on the map and can often be avoided, making this accessible for newcomers or younger audiences. But the down of this accessibility is that Wondrous Academy’s crawl to grow tedious. Although the game does challenge you with new foes, dangers, and bosses, don’t expect the rigor of Shiren the Wanderer’s item management or navigational treachery. This is meant to be a cute and breezy experience that’s free of annoying adversity.

Conjoined Combat Can Be Clunky

Fia’s hybrid combat system melds melding turn-based and real-time elements. While it’s functional, encounters are underwhelming. From awkward controls for aiming ranged spells, a lack of challenge, to the inability of your allies to consistently provide healing, battles are more of a repetitive hurdle than a highlight.

Outside of battle, Wondrous Academy tries to diversify its gameplay by incorporating crafting, gardening, fishing, and taking classes to unlock new skills. These school-life systems add a bit of variety, allowing for activities like planting seeds and cooking. Meanwhile, the ability to change Fia’s role affects her equipment and stat growth. While the system provides a bit of players flexibility, the progression mechanics are simplistic. Leveling and skill acquisition are mostly a result of grinding and following a linear skill path.

Academy’s Uneven Visual Performance

Visually, Fia employs vibrant, anime-stle aesthetics, with chibi-style characters when dungeoneering and well-drawn portraits during dialog. But environments and monster designs can be bland and repetitive, with unremarkable visuals that neglect to give modern hardware a challenge. On the upside, Wondrous Academy sonic accomplishments are solid, with first-rate Japanese voice acting and a soundtrack that evokes a cheerful mood with violin-led melodies and high-spirited instrumentation.

Largely, MADO MONOGATARI: Fia and the Wondrous Academy is more of a comforting throwback rather than a bold reinvention. It’s a game that’s best suited for fans of character-driven fantasy, or anyone craving a more forgiving take on the dungeon crawler formula. It might not summon the most powerful spell, but Wondrous Academy casts a familiar enhancement.

MADO MONOGATARI: Fia and the Wondrous Academy was
played on Switch with review code provided by the publisher.