ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist

Developer: Adglobe
Release: Jan 22nd 2025
Platforms:
Action
RPG
Polished
Atmospheric
Customizable
Story Weakness
Boss Frustration
ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist Poster

" Dark fantasy action RPG with refined combat and art, but linear story and tough boss fights "

ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist Review

ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist is a visually stunning Metroidvania sequel that refines and expands upon its predecessor's gameplay mechanics while introducing a distinct steampunk aesthetic. Players control Lilac, who commands purified Homunculi spirits in fluid, rhythmic combat that rewards strategic loadout customization. The game features a well-designed map system, quality-of-life improvements like fast travel, and challenging boss fights that emphasize timing and adaptability.

While the gameplay and exploration receive widespread praise, the story and atmosphere divide players. Many find the narrative less immersive and emotionally resonant compared to Ender Lilies, citing a more linear plot and reduced worldbuilding depth. The soundtrack, composed by Mili, remains haunting but is considered uneven by some. Difficulty spikes and boss attack patterns occasionally cause frustration, particularly due to the lack of invulnerability frames after hits. Nevertheless, the game is lauded for its polish, art direction, and satisfying combat, making it a recommended play especially for fans of the original.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the refined and flexible combat system, allowing diverse builds with unique Homunculi abilities. The art style and hand-drawn environments are consistently described as breathtaking, with atmospheric lighting and detailed backgrounds enhancing immersion. The map design and quality-of-life features like instant fast travel improve exploration and reduce backtracking frustration. Boss fights, while challenging, are engaging and require tactical use of abilities. The soundtrack by Mili is often highlighted for its emotional depth and fitting mood, contributing significantly to the game's haunting ambiance.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the storytelling and narrative depth, which many find weaker and less compelling than the predecessor's melancholic and immersive world. The plot is seen as more linear with less worldbuilding, and some character development is deemed superficial. Boss difficulty spikes and enemy attack patterns can feel unfair due to poor telegraphing and lack of invulnerability frames, leading to frustrating deaths. Some players note balance issues with health upgrades and damage scaling, and the combat abilities occasionally feel underpowered or awkward to manage. The soundtrack, while good, is considered inconsistent compared to the first game. Lastly, the abundance of currencies and upgrade materials can be confusing and cumbersome.

Pros

  • Refined combat system allows diverse and customizable playstyles with unique Homunculi abilities.
  • Stunning hand-drawn art style creates a rich, atmospheric world full of detail and mood.
  • Well-designed map with quality-of-life features like instant fast travel enhances exploration.
  • Engaging and challenging boss fights that reward strategic thinking and timing.
  • Haunting and emotional soundtrack by Mili complements the game's tone perfectly.
  • Improved movement mechanics including aerial mobility and dash add fluidity.
  • Flexible difficulty settings make the game accessible to a broad range of players.

Cons

  • Storytelling is more linear and less immersive compared to the predecessor’s rich lore.
  • Boss attack telegraphs are sometimes unclear, causing frustrating and unfair deaths.
  • Lack of invulnerability frames after taking damage leads to unavoidable hit combos.
  • Health upgrades insufficient against late-game boss damage spikes, causing balance issues.
  • Combat abilities can feel underpowered or awkward to manage during intense fights.
  • Multiple currencies and upgrade materials complicate progression and inventory management.
  • Soundtrack quality is uneven, lacking consistent memorable tracks compared to the first game.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation?

Release Date Jan 22nd 2025
Publisher Binary Haze Interactive
Developer Adglobe, Live Wire
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (3,354)
98% Positive 2% Negative