Info about Master of Magic:

Official game description:
INCLUDED CONTENT
================
About the Game
==============
Master of Magic is a combination of an RPG and a strategy game, a remake of a classic from the 90s.  
In Master of Magic you take up the role of one of 14 unique and diverse great wizards who compete with each other to dominate the worlds of Arcanus and Myrror.  
Choose from different schools of magic and fantasy races to command, then lead your minions and expand your influence and power across the land.  
Recruit and command mighty armies of elves, dragons, dwarves, orcs and many more. Support them with powerful spells. Fight tactical turn-based battles and affect the outcome with your magic.  
Research new spells, engage in alchemy, perform rituals and use your arcane powers to change the world around you.  
Always beware of the machinations of your rival wizards, who seek to reach your same goals. But in the end, remember: there can be only one Master of Magic.  
**Features:**  
*   14 unique playable powerful wizards  
*   5 schools of magic and 18 traits to customize your wizard  
*   Over 60 special abilities  
*   Over 200 spells to research  
*   14 fantasy races to command, including elves, dwarves, trolls, draconians, orcs, klackons, gnolls and many more  
*   196 unique unit types  
*   Over 250 unique magical items, as well as custom crafting  
*   Two parallel dimensional planes, Arcanus and Myrror

Release date: 13 Dec, 2022

Categories: 4X, Turn-based Strategy, Tactical Combat, Character Customization, Resource Management, Research and Discovery, Spell-based Combat, Exploration


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Faithful and Improved Remake (weight 0.99): Players highly praise the game as a faithful and improved remake of the original Master of Magic. It successfully captures the essence and magic of the classic while introducing modern graphics, quality-of-life features, and bug fixes, making it appealing to both veterans and new players.
- Modernized Graphics and Audio (weight 0.9): Reviewers appreciate the upgraded graphics, which provide a clean, polished look while retaining the original's charm. The improved visuals, along with enhanced sound effects and an atmospheric soundtrack, contribute to a more immersive and visually appealing fantasy experience.
- Reduced Bugs and Better Balance (weight 0.75): The remake has successfully addressed many bugs that plagued the original game, leading to a much smoother experience. It also introduces balance changes and quality-of-life improvements, making the gameplay more stable and enjoyable.
- Nostalgic Appeal (weight 0.69): For long-time fans, the game effectively evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, faithfully recreating the magic and feel of the original. It allows players to relive cherished memories while enjoying a modernized version of a beloved classic.
- Strategic Depth and Replayability (weight 0.61): The game offers substantial strategic depth, combining empire management, spellcasting, exploration, and combat. With customizable wizards, diverse races, and a vast spell system, players find immense replayability and varied playstyles, ensuring each game feels unique and engaging.
- Improved Game Pacing (weight 0.05): Updates have significantly improved the game's pacing, with reduced load times and faster unit movement. These changes make the gameplay quicker and more fluid, addressing a common concern with older strategy titles.
- Valuable DLC Content (weight 0.05): Players note that the available DLCs, both paid and free, add significant depth and variety to the game. This additional content is well-received and further enhances the overall gameplay experience.

Common complaints:
- Unfinished and Unbalanced Gameplay (weight 0.46): Many players find the game to be boring, unbalanced, and feeling like an unfinished product, even years after release. It's often compared unfavorably to older titles and feels overpriced for its current state.
- Poor Graphics and Presentation (weight 0.39): The game's graphics are frequently described as poor, outdated, and lacking flair compared to the original. Many animations and visual effects are missing or feel static, contributing to a bland and unengaging presentation.
- Clunky and Unintuitive UI (weight 0.3): The user interface is widely criticized for being clunky, unintuitive, cluttered, and poorly designed. Specific issues include small, unadjustable fonts, scattered buttons, and a lack of quality-of-life features, making the game frustrating to navigate.
- Weak and Annoying AI (weight 0.29): The AI is consistently described as poor, unintelligent, and not challenging, even on higher difficulties. Its war strategies are often tedious, and the auto-resolve system is unreliable, leading to frustrating and unrewarding combat experiences.
- Slow Pacing and Performance Issues (weight 0.2): The game suffers from slow pacing, especially in early turns, and significant performance issues. Players report long turn times, sluggish operations, and lag even on high-end machines, hindering the overall experience.
- Broken Diplomacy System (weight 0.13): The diplomacy system is widely considered shallow, non-existent, or completely broken. It offers little strategic depth, often leading to inevitable betrayals and lacking the functionality of the original game.
- Frustrating Spellbook and Spell Effects (weight 0.11): The spellbook UI is criticized for being poorly organized, slow, and lacking features like sorting or remembering the last used spell. Additionally, many spell effects are missing or visually underwhelming.
- Poor Unit Movement and Pathfinding (weight 0.09): Unit movement is often buggy and tedious, with issues like units randomly moving, entire stacks being selected instead of individual units, and unreliable pathfinding that can reveal unexplored map areas.
- Annoying Map and Camera Issues (weight 0.09): The game has several frustrating map and camera issues, such as the map shifting to the last clicked city, difficulty dragging the map, and the camera centering on new units in combat, requiring constant manual adjustment.
- Limited Wizard and Race Options (weight 0.09): Players express disappointment with the limited number of pre-made wizards and races, desiring more customization and variety. The four-player limit is also seen as a downgrade from the original's capacity.
- Developer Neglect and Reliance on Mods (weight 0.06): Players feel that developers have abandoned the game, focusing on DLC instead of fixing core issues. There's frustration that basic playability often requires community mods, which are not always officially supported.

Gameplay feedback:
- Classic Fantasy 4X Strategy (weight 0.15): The game is a turn-based 4X strategy title set in a fantasy world, blending empire-building with deep tactical combat. It's often compared to classic Civilization with fantasy elements like Dungeons & Dragons or Might & Magic.
- Faithful to Original Mechanics (weight 0.12): The game largely retains the core mechanics, races, units, buildings, spells, and land features of its predecessor. This provides a familiar experience for fans while offering high replayability due to diverse races and magic schools.
- Engaging & Customizable Gameplay (weight 0.11): Players find the game's mechanics interesting and challenging without being overly complicated. It offers various optional new mechanics and high customizability, allowing for diverse playstyles and unique experiences across different games.
- Long & Customizable Game Pace (weight 0.1): Games are lengthy, often spanning hundreds of turns and taking a while to build an empire. The pace can be adjusted through new game settings, offering strategic depth and different play styles.
- Wizard Personalities & Customization (weight 0.08): The game features numerous pre-made AI wizards with distinct personalities and magical focuses, offering variety for multiple playthroughs. Players can also design their own wizards, selecting from various spell books and classes.
- Hex-Based Movement & Maps (weight 0.08): Both the overland and combat maps utilize a hex-based grid for movement. Units generally move two hexes at a time, and entire armies can cover significant distances in a single turn.
- Tactical Battle System (weight 0.08): Tactical battles occur on separate hex-based maps, featuring units with varied movement, attack ranges, spell abilities, and terrain modifiers. Heroes and summoned creatures play a significant role, though battles can be quickly decided by spells.
- Dual-World Exploration (weight 0.08): A unique aspect is the dual-realm gameplay, featuring two interconnected worlds: Arcanus and the more dangerous Myrror. Players start as a powerful wizard and can customize their character, spells, units, and races.
- Improved Spellcasting & Magic (weight 0.07): Spellcasting has been enhanced with mid-battle tactical options, quick slots, and a dynamic spellbook. New magic types, like Chaos, require different strategic approaches, adding depth to combat.
- Flexible Combat Resolution (weight 0.06): The game includes an auto-resolve feature for battles, allowing players to choose between manual control or AI-driven combat. Players can also switch between manual and automatic control mid-battle, which is useful for late-game.
- Micro-Management & UI Issues (weight 0.04): Some players find worker road building to be overly micro-intensive, requiring hex-by-hex placement. There are also minor UI issues, such as units deselecting when exiting city build mode.
- City Specialization & Resources (weight 0.03): Cities can be specialized for military or economic development, similar to Civilization. Building certain structures requires specific resources, adding a layer of strategic planning.
- Balance Issues with Races/Spells (weight 0.03): Some players feel there are balance issues, with certain races or magic schools being dominant while others are underpowered or have ineffective spells due to high unit resistances.
- New Events & Choices (weight 0.03): The game introduces new overland and city events that present players with choices, adding variety and allowing for different outcomes based on player decisions.
- Unit & Spell Adjustments (weight 0.03): Some fundamental game mechanics have been altered, including changes to unit speeds, spell effects, and unit balance. For example, rock-hurling units have added functionality.
- Improved Trading System (weight 0.02): The trading system has been significantly improved, allowing for bartering of not just spells but also mana, gold, and equipment, making for more complex and fair trades with the AI.
- Turn Order for Actions (weight 0.02): Actions such as completed units appearing or spells finishing now occur at the beginning of the AI's turn rather than the player's turn, which is a change from some expectations.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes and instability (weight 0.08): Many players report frequent game crashes and general instability, especially after installing DLC or during extended play sessions. This significantly disrupts the gameplay experience.
- Long loading times (weight 0.04): Players are experiencing unusually long loading times, from initial boot-up to starting a game. This issue is noted even when compared to other games with higher system requirements.
- Optimization issues (weight 0.03): There's a general consensus that the game requires significant optimization to improve performance and reduce lag, which is contributing to a poor user experience.
- Steam Deck control issues (weight 0.03): Default controller settings on Steam Deck are reported to be unintuitive, with the right trackpad controlling the cursor and trigger buttons used for confirmation and backing out.
- Save file bug (weight 0.02): A specific bug related to save files has been identified, particularly when players frequently reload within the same turn, potentially corrupting progress.
- No crash reports (limited feedback) (weight 0.01): One player reported not experiencing any crash reports. This point is based on limited feedback and contrasts with other reports.

Recommendations:
- Mixed reception for fans (weight 0.25): Many players recommend the game primarily to fans of the original Master of Magic, especially those seeking an updated look. However, a significant portion of these fans also suggest sticking with the original or its enhanced versions, indicating a mixed sentiment even among the target audience.
- Consider other 4X games (weight 0.14): Several players advise potential buyers to consider other established 4X fantasy strategy games like Age of Wonders or Warlock instead. This suggests that the game struggles to compete with existing titles in the genre.
- Wait for fixes/discounts (weight 0.13): Many players recommend waiting for bug fixes, performance improvements, or significant discounts before purchasing. This indicates that the current state of the game, particularly its price-to-quality ratio, is a major deterrent.
- Good for specific niches (weight 0.09): Some players recommend the game to fans of Civilization-like turn-based strategy games or those looking for a classic, old-style 4X experience. It's seen as a decent, cheaper alternative to some modern titles for specific preferences.
- Refunds are common (weight 0.04): A notable number of players have refunded the game, even after purchasing it on sale. This highlights significant dissatisfaction with the product's value or quality.
- DLCs are considered (weight 0.02): Some players are considering purchasing DLCs or recommend them if the base game is enjoyed. This indicates a potential for continued engagement for those who do like the core game.

Other player notes:
- Strong modding support (weight 0.17): The game offers good modding capabilities, including workshop content and an in-game editor. Players are excited about the potential for user-created content and hope developers continue to support and learn from the modding community.
- Suggestions for new content (weight 0.08): Players suggest adding a full-fledged story, truly different races, challenging AI, deeper RPG elements for heroes, richer maps, and more engaging tactical battles to enhance the game experience.
- Mixed feelings on updates/DLC (weight 0.07): While some players appreciate free updates and DLC that make the game feel new, there are concerns about the direction of some content, such as a Sci-Fi DLC, and hopes for future corrections or specific DLC to restore original character designs.
- Classic turn-based appeal (weight 0.06): The game successfully delivers a 'one more turn' experience, appealing to players who prefer turn-based strategy games.
- Bug reporting and issues (weight 0.04): Players have reported bugs, and the constant 'Hit F8 to report bugs!' button indicates ongoing issues. There were also complaints about game events.
- Review bombing mentioned (weight 0.02): One comment suggests that review bombing could negatively impact the perception of the IP's viability in the modern market, indicating awareness of potential external factors influencing reviews.
- Concerns about monetization (weight 0.01): One reviewer expressed strong negative sentiment, labeling the game as 'cash cowism at its worst,' suggesting dissatisfaction with its monetization strategy.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.24): Players are largely disappointed by the game's perceived lack of polish, numerous bugs, and poor performance, especially for a turn-based title. Many feel it fails to live up to the original's legacy, citing issues like a clunky UI, unbalanced gameplay, and an uninspired AI, leading to a sense of a missed opportunity and an unfinished product.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.21): Conversely, many players express satisfaction with the game's faithfulness to the original's core gameplay and its improved graphics and UI. They appreciate the quality of life enhancements, strategic depth, and replayability, finding it a competent and enjoyable modern adaptation of a beloved classic.
- Frustration (weight 0.19): Frustration stems primarily from persistent technical issues such as frequent crashes, freezes, and long loading times. Players are also annoyed by the poor AI, clunky and unintuitive UI, and repetitive or tedious gameplay mechanics like slow unit movement and micromanagement, which hinder the overall experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.07): A strong sense of nostalgia is evident among players who fondly remember the original game. The remake's close adherence to the classic's gameplay and world evokes warm memories, making it a pleasant walk down memory lane for long-time fans.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Players feel excitement due to the game's variety, replayability, and strategic depth, considering it a fun and engaging turn-based experience. The potential for future content, modding, and the 'one more turn' addictive gameplay loop also contribute to this positive emotion.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Appreciation is shown for the developers' efforts in creating a faithful homage that improves upon the original, particularly regarding art style, music, and modding capabilities. Players value the ongoing support, patches, and quality of life improvements that enhance the classic experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Players find enjoyment in the game's addictive nature, strategic depth, and the fun of learning and combining spells. Despite its flaws, the game provides a casual yet engaging fantasy 4X experience, with many appreciating the replayability offered by different magic schools and races.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom arises from slow gameplay progression, long build times, and repetitive combat, leading to a feeling that the game becomes a chore. Players find the experience tedious due to a lack of engaging features and repetitive AI behavior, offering little reason to continue playing.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is directed at the perceived 'cash grab' nature of the game, its high price for an unfinished product, and the developers' perceived abandonment of it. Players are particularly incensed by the atrocious AI, broken systems, and abysmal UI, which suggest a lack of care.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Players express hope for future updates to address existing issues like diplomacy and animations, and for the game's potential to improve through modding. There's a desire for localization and new features to enhance the overall experience.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game stems from its status as a favorite old game, with players appreciating the new version's faithfulness to the original Master of Magic. This deep affection is rooted in personal history with the title.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy is experienced through the game's addictive and enjoyable gameplay, offering real pleasure for fans of turn-based fantasy. The classic fun derived from the game contributes to this positive emotion.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from the game being initially overwhelming for new players, particularly in the early game. Some players also express bewilderment at how a remake could be perceived as worse than its original.
- Acceptance (weight 0.01): Players show acceptance by overlooking minor personal preferences and acknowledging that, despite their own issues, the game can still be a good experience for others. This indicates a pragmatic view of the game's appeal.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Gratitude is expressed simply for the existence of the remake, indicating an appreciation for the opportunity to revisit a classic title in a modernized form.
- Delight (weight 0): Delight is felt by players who approached the game with skepticism but found it surprisingly enjoyable. This positive surprise enhances their overall experience with the title.
- Patience (weight 0): Players acknowledge that the game requires patience to truly appreciate, suggesting it needs time to 'grow on' the player. This implies a learning curve or a need to adjust expectations.
- Affection (weight 0): Affection for the game is tied to its connection with players' personal history, highlighting the emotional bond formed over years of playing the original and its impact on their gaming journey.
- Exhaustion (weight 0): Exhaustion is experienced when players struggle to decipher information on-screen, indicating issues with the UI's clarity or presentation that make the game mentally taxing to play.
- Desire (weight 0): Players express a desire for more achievements, indicating a wish for additional in-game goals and rewards to enhance replayability and engagement.}