RPGs With The Best Elemental Magic

As a seasoned RPG enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the mystical realms of fantasy, I must say that my personal favorite when it comes to mastering the elements is none other than the enchanting gem called Magicka. Now, let me tell you why this game casts such a powerful spell on me.

In many role-playing games (RPGs), battles can be categorized into three main styles: melee, magical, and stealth. Given that magic plays a significant role in contemporary RPGs, it’s not unusual for players to pay close attention when searching for a magic system that aligns with their preferences. Fortunately, fresh games that introduce novel magic systems and push the boundaries of the genre are becoming increasingly common. However, crafting an enjoyable magic combat experience can be tricky, and it’s easy to fall short of expectations.

Elemental magic refers to the most fundamental form of magic, where users manipulate basic elements such as fire, air, water, electricity, and earth for their spells. Although it’s not unheard-of, this type of ‘straight-from-the-source’ magic is relatively scarce, especially in well-rounded magical systems. This scarcity arises because many role-playing games present magic as a predefined set of spells that players can cast, with elemental magic being just one aspect among others.

5 Mages of Mystralia

A Colorful Blend Of Might And Magic

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Genres: Puzzle, Action-adventure, Indie
Developers: Borealys Games, Borealys Games Inc.
Release date: May 18, 2017

As an enthusiast, I’d say I’m captivated by “Mages of Mystralia”, a role-playing game (RPG) that puts me in the shoes of Zia, a budding mage on a global adventure to refine her magical abilities. This game boasts vibrant, low-poly graphics, and its art style is nothing short of breathtaking. The campaign, while not too long, offers a decent challenge and typically takes about 14 hours to complete.

One of the standout features in the game Mages of Mystralia lies within its spell customization system. This feature empowers players to modify their fundamental fire, frost, and lightning spells, altering their functions. For instance, extending the range of a fire spell transforms it into a long-range projectile, but there’s much more to explore. Players can tailor their spells to induce chain reactions, construct protective shields, escape to safety, introduce homing capabilities, and even multiply the effects. The end result is an engaging, intricate system that encourages creative experimentation. While combat and AI in this game could be improved, the magic crafting is truly exceptional.

4 Outward

Indie RPG With An In-Depth Magic System

As a fan, I’d say it’s refreshing to see the unique approach Outward takes in open-world action-adventure games when it comes to spellcasting. Unlike many RPGs that follow a standard formula, Outward encourages players to mix and match spell effects for devastating results. For instance, a simple Spark spell might not cause much damage on its own, but if you cast it while standing on a Fire Sigil, it transforms into a powerful Fireball that can wipe out most common enemies with just one hit.

Furthermore, Outward stands out by providing players with six diverse magic systems to master, each functioning independently from the others. For instance, the Rune Sage manipulates rune alphabets to create unique spell effects, while the Kazite Spellblade infuses their weapons with various elemental powers. The Philosopher is a traditional mage who wields fire, ice, and chakrams for damage output. Each magic tree offers its own set of universal skills (skills accessible by all) and specialization skills (Breakthroughs), making it possible to blend different schools of magic to suit varying situations.

3 The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

The Ultimate Mage Experience

In the “The Elder Scrolls” series, players have often debated about spellcasting, as some fans feel that Bethesda has made it less powerful and complex over time. The most sophisticated mage gameplay is found in “Morrowind,” where players can create custom spells to handle various scenarios, giving potential Wizards the ability to adjust the range, impact area, and power of their spells.

In Morrowind, you’ll find a challenging mage gameplay that offers the possibility of spell failure and scant Magicka recovery. The classes and birthsigns significantly influence the effectiveness of your build, making it an intriguing choice for players who persevere through the initial level hurdles. Regrettably, one aspect where Morrowind lags behind its successors is the absence of spell charging for enhanced damage or dual-wielding two-handed spells. Despite this limitation, the exhilarating interplay between difficult-to-cast but incredibly potent spells makes mages in Morrowind an immensely rewarding class to master, particularly for those who push through the early-game grind with determination.

2 Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Elemental Power and Arcane Mastery Combined

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is a computer role-playing game (CRPG) modeled after the first edition of the Pathfinder tabletop game, much like Dungeons & Dragons. Created by Owlcat Games, Pathfinder WotR offers an intricate gaming experience that heavily emphasizes variety in classes and subclasses. Players can select from over 25 different classes, each boasting multiple archetypes that significantly alter the class’s gameplay style. These classes span a wide spectrum, from straightforward melee fighters like Barbarians to more nuanced roles such as Alchemists, and even summoners like Rangers.

Indeed, Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous doesn’t shy away from magic-based classes such as Wizard, Sorcerer, Cleric, and Paladin. However, what sets it apart in the realm of Elemental magic is its expansive class variety. Skalds blend melee combat with arcane magic, Witches specialize in hexes, Oracles are divine, spontaneous spellcasters, Magus imbue their weapons with spells on the fly, Bloodragers channel arcane power through their life force, Arcanists master both Sorcerer and Wizard abilities within a single class, and lastly, Kineticists harness pure elemental energy to obliterate entire battlefields using their inherent talents. For those seeking to embody a mage in harmony with the elements, Kineticists are a long-cherished dream realized.

1 Magicka

Pure Spellcrafting Joy

In a simple and engaging manner, no other game captures the sensation of mastering the elements quite like Magicka. This game allows you to manipulate the elements as easily as breathing air, creating custom spells that feel intuitive and natural. Immersed in a fantasy setting, players assume the role of a mage, possessing eight fundamental elements at their disposal. These elements can be used individually or combined for stronger effects. The narrative, though sufficient, takes a back seat. The primary appeal of Magicka lies in its magic, using it to annihilate enemies, traverse landscapes, and accomplish objectives. The sheer pleasure derived from spellcasting in this game is unparalleled.

In the game Magicka, the spellcasting follows a logical system where contradictory elements like fire and cold don’t interact, but compatible ones such as fire and earth produce a Fireball or a powerful flamethrower if cast in their pure form. The spells are categorized into various types including Beam, Area, Self, and Boost, each with unique effects. The variety of elemental combinations in this game is immense, making it one of the best in its genre.

In the game Magicka, there are two primary play styles: Campaign and Arena. The campaign follows a relatively straight-forward narrative where players learn to blend elements together to create powerful spells for defeating adversaries. On the other hand, in Arena mode, hordes of enemies relentlessly attack the arena, requiring players to fend them off without being overrun themselves. Interestingly, both modes in Magicka can be played cooperatively, making the game less challenging but more enjoyable.

2024-09-29 16:33