Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Slightly Magic follows the classic platform-adventure formula, blending action stages with inventory-based puzzles reminiscent of Codemasters’ beloved Dizzy titles. Players navigate a series of interconnected screens, jumping over hazards, avoiding roaming dragons, and collecting objects scattered throughout Bigwiz’s castle. The core mechanic revolves around picking up items and using them at the right place or moment to progress—whether it’s bargaining with a guard or unlocking a secret passage.

Where Slightly Magic distinguishes itself is in the incorporation of a rudimentary but charming spellcraft system. Rather than merely combining keys or tools, you often need to fuse multiple ingredients—such as a feather and a vial of water—to cast a spell. These magical effects range from fear-inducing bursts that send minor enemies fleeing, to transformations that let you pass through otherwise impassable sections, like slipping under a grate in fish form. This layering of puzzles and spell mixing adds depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward platformer.

The difficulty curve is noticeably gentler than its Dizzy or Seymour counterparts. Encounters are forgiving, with generous respawn points and minimal instant-death traps. Beginners will appreciate the low barrier to entry and the forgiving nature of enemy hits, while more seasoned players might finish the game in a few sittings. Although the short length may leave those craving extended challenge wanting more, the pacing ensures you rarely feel stuck for long.

Graphics

Visually, Slightly Magic sports a colorful, cartoon-like aesthetic that captures the lighthearted spirit of its premise. Character sprites are well-defined, with Slightly himself featuring a jaunty wizard hat and expressive animation frames. Each screen is decorated with unique backgrounds, from torchlit dungeons to winding castle corridors, giving a sense of genuine exploration.

The sprite work excels in its clarity, even on older hardware where color clash and flicker were common. Animation loops—such as Slightly’s walking cycle or a dragon’s wing flaps—are smooth and free of jarring frame skips. Enemies and NPCs are easily distinguishable, ensuring you never confuse a harmless bat for a threatening foe.

While modern standards may find the resolution and palette limited, the game’s charm transcends technical constraints. Subtle environmental details, like shimmering potions on tables or flickering wall sconces, add atmosphere. The visual design reinforces the magical theme without overwhelming the player with unnecessary complexity.

Story

The narrative of Slightly Magic is straightforward yet engaging. You play as Slightly, the mischievous nephew of the eminent wizard Bigwiz, who has departed on mysterious errands, leaving the castle in utter chaos. Dragons roam freely, causing havoc, and the princess has been snatched by one of these winged beasts. Your quest is clear: restore order and rescue the damsel in distress.

Storytelling unfolds through brief text scrolls and the occasional animated cut-in, lending a fairy-tale vibe rather than deep lore. Dialogue is sparse but often humorous, highlighting Slightly’s cheeky personality—he’s more inclined to prank monsters than dole out heroic monologues. The simplicity works to the game’s advantage, keeping the focus on exploration and puzzle-solving.

Although there’s no sprawling narrative arc, each new area offers fresh bits of world-building: a library of enchanted tomes, a laboratory full of bubbling concoctions, and a throne room strewn with the wreckage of past battles. This patchwork of set pieces provides enough context to keep you invested in the journey, if not in a grand, multi-layered plot.

Overall Experience

Slightly Magic delivers a breezy, enjoyable platform-adventure that feels tailor-made for players seeking a relaxed, low-stress gaming session. Its approachable difficulty and bite-sized playthrough make it ideal for newcomers to the genre or veteran players looking for a nostalgic trip back to ’90s Codemasters design philosophies.

The magic-combination mechanic elevates the formula just enough to keep puzzles from feeling repetitive, though some may yearn for a longer campaign or more intricate challenges. The replay value is moderate—once you’ve rescued the princess and mastered every spell recipe, the game’s brevity becomes more noticeable. Still, it’s the kind of title you might revisit for the sheer delight of tossing a feather-bomb at a unsuspecting goblin.

Ultimately, Slightly Magic succeeds as a charming, lighthearted platformer with a touch of alchemical flair. It might not redefine the genre, but its polished visuals, playful story, and accessible gameplay ensure that it remains a memorable stop for anyone exploring retro-inspired adventures. If you’re in the mood for a short but sweet magical quest, this title is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10