Developer: Smallthing Studios
Publisher: ININ Games
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Tested on: PC
Simon the Sorcerer Origins – Review
Simon the Sorcerer is a classic point-and-click adventure from the nineties. After a long hiatus, this release introduces us to the prequel of Simon the Sorcerer. Although this is set before the first two games, there are plenty of references to the originals. This origin story brings fresh visuals and cleaner scripts, making it feel like a reboot for modern times. Although it certainly doesn’t stray from the original’s affection for fourth wall breaks and dry British humor. It features characteristic puzzles from the series and recognizable characters. However, playing the previous games isn’t necessary to enjoy this new release.
Story
You play as a young boy, Simon, who has just moved to a new house with his family. He is introduced with familiar sarcastic humor, although certainly more family-friendly compared to the originals. On exploring his new home, he is transported into an unknown world. Simon meets Calypso, an old wizard who takes on the role of his mentor. He retells a prophecy involving a child from another world who finds the tomes of the first wizard. Immediately, Simon is tasked to explore the world, although he is focused on finding a way to return to his idyllic life. As you take Simon on his journey, you are expected to figure out clues to help you move through areas of the map, finding items to aid your quest and quirky ways to use or combine them.
Graphics
The animation style is clean and soft. A modern, almost Disney-like, update when compared to its pixelated counterparts. This has taken away a lot of the edginess the originals had, making it feel like the game has been directed towards a younger audience. It isn’t a negative, but it has created a different world-feel throughout the game. Instead of dark goblins and detailed, creepy areas, it has been replaced with a very light-hearted animated style. It does look well-made, but it somehow lacks the detail the originals upheld.
Sound
The soundtrack has a retro feel, with familiar music, and does well to keep a part of the previous games throughout. It feels like you are playing the classics with a refreshed look. With the original voice actor, Chris Barrie, returning to his role as Simon, this added to the sense of nostalgia. His lines are far more family-friendly, but the cheeky, dry, and sarcastic British humor remains.
Gameplay
Simon the Sorcerer Origin is a point and click adventure, released as a modernized prequel to the nineties classic ‘Simon the Sorcerer’. The new style has created a slightly negative impression, as going into the game, you already have expectations of how it should be. This is a common issue seen with releases related to older titles. Having a dedicated fanbase for a new release is positive, although there is pressure of expectation to fulfil the previous games’ metaphorical shoes. It doesn’t take away the effort and passion the developers have put into this release, with all the references to previous titles, it feels like they were fans themselves. They’re looking to re-spark the classic games in a modern way.
With a total of twelve chapters throughout, it can be finished quickly in roughly eight to ten hours. Each chapter introduces you to new areas and problems to solve. As you explore each area, Simon meets and talks to a variety of characters. The dialogue options are straightforward, although some unique choices offer references to the previous games, as well as other classic titles. The most notable being Chippy, Simon’s dog. After meeting Calypso, you are given a magical outfit, most importantly, a hat that allows you to store items and a magical journal that keeps notes of the quests you have done and unlocked in each chapter.
The controls for the game are very straightforward. The first part of the game is set up as the tutorial, showing you how to double-click to move Simon faster throughout the map, as well as the ability to press Tab to see where clickable points are. These additions added ease and simplicity to the gameplay and streamlined the general point-and-click mechanics seen in the genre.
The puzzles were a lot easier than the predecessors, but this has increased the playability, aiming to attract younger players with its family-friendly content filter and straightforward problem-solving. This is a good way of enticing new players to get involved with classic titles and the point-and-click genre in a more accessible way. As you progress, the puzzles do increase in difficulty, requiring the player to consider how items can be combined to aid their tasks. They have also added a newer mechanic that allows Simon to learn and cast spells. This addition opens the ability to unlock different versions of Simon’s magical hat, leading to your inventory and the items within, changing.
Conclusion
Simon the Sorcerer Origins can’t be faulted. It’s understandable that with new releases of known titles, there will be comparisons and expectations, but the effort and care put into this origin story are very noticeable. The art style isn’t incredibly impressive, but that could be attributed to personal preference, as it is well-made. When including the exceptional puzzles and story, you can easily overlook the animation style. There were some concerns that the original witty and rude character comebacks from Simon would be missed due to a desire to fit into modern expectations of content filtering. Thankfully, Simon’s characteristic attitude remained strong throughout, and the constant sarcastic muttering from him or at other characters added to the story and gameplay. Overall, this release has brought back childhood nostalgia and is worth a play. Hopefully, this won’t be the last release and could be the start of a continued series.
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