Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Simon the Sorcerer I & II compilation brings together two of Adventure Soft’s most beloved point-and-click adventures, offering hours of puzzle-solving and exploration. Players step into the shoes of Simon, an everyman turned reluctant hero, navigating a whimsical fantasy world brimming with oddball characters, hidden items, and brain-teasing riddles. Interaction is straightforward: click to move, examine, or use inventory items, making it instantly accessible for both series veterans and newcomers.

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Simon the Sorcerer (1993) introduces classic inventory puzzles that often require lateral thinking—combining seemingly unrelated objects or conversing with NPCs in just the right way. Simon II: The Lion, the Wizard and the Wardrobe (1995) refines this formula with more logical puzzle chains, a context-sensitive cursor, and contextual hints if you get stuck. While both titles reward patience and experimentation, II eases some of the more obscure leaps present in the original.

Dialogue choices and comedic banter form another core pillar of the gameplay. Simon can trade quips with villagers, trick villains with witty retorts, or even break the fourth wall for a meta laugh. These scripting flourishes keep the momentum brisk and inject personality into every interaction, ensuring that even backtracking feels like an opportunity for a new punchline.

Graphics

Graphically, both Simon adventures shine with hand-drawn backgrounds and colorful sprite art that capture the quirky fantasy aesthetic of early ’90s PC gaming. The original Simon the Sorcerer sports a cartoon-like style, with bold outlines and a saturated color palette that emphasizes its fairy-tale satire. Although it runs at a modest resolution by modern standards, the charm of each scenic backdrop remains instantly recognizable.

Simon II enhances the visual fidelity with smoother animations, richer textures, and more detailed environmental flourishes—think dancing trees, animated shop signs, and character portraits that reflect Simon’s sarcastic expressions. Cutscenes, though brief, are delightfully over-the-top, giving each chapter a sense of theatrical whimsy and reinforcing the parody elements that define the series’ humor.

Neither title aims for photorealism, but that’s precisely where their strength lies. The intentionally exaggerated proportions, playful color contrasts, and cartoon-style special effects (poofs, sparkles, and magical swirls) work in harmony to keep the tone light. On a modern display, scaling options preserve crisp lines and maintain the original aspect ratio, ensuring that every visual gag remains perfectly framed.

Story

In Simon the Sorcerer, the titular protagonist tumbles through a portal from our mundane world into a magical realm, only to discover that an evil sorcerer named Sordid has turned the once-renowned wizard Calypso into a cat. Tasked with reversing the curse, Simon embarks on a quest through enchanted forests, enchanted villages, and quirky castles, encountering talking mushrooms, wannabe heroes, and an assortment of pun-loving denizens.

Simon II: The Lion, the Wizard and the Wardrobe parodies C.S. Lewis’s famous series while weaving its own time-bending narrative. After rescuing Calypso, Simon journeys through a wardrobe into a parallel version of his hometown—where everyday items have taken on magical significance and a new threat looms. The story cleverly balances nostalgia for the first game with fresh set pieces, offering fans both continuity and surprising twists.

Humor remains the beating heart of the narrative. Fourth-wall breaks, pop culture references, and absurd scenarios—like holding a tea party for a cranky troll—ensure that each plot beat carries a comedic payoff. Though neither story aspires to epic drama, their tongue-in-cheek approach and well-timed punchlines create an engaging narrative rhythm that keeps you clicking to see what hilarity awaits next.

Overall Experience

The Simon the Sorcerer I & II compilation is a treasure trove for fans of classic adventure games and newcomers seeking a humorous, puzzle-driven journey. Together, these titles offer 20+ hours of gameplay, with a satisfying balance of challenge and comedy. The transition from the original’s slightly obtuse puzzles to the sequel’s more guided approach makes for a well-rounded experience that caters to different skill levels.

Technically, the compilation runs smoothly on modern PCs, with simple launch options and windowed/fullscreen modes. The iconic MIDI soundtrack and original voice acting have been faithfully preserved, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for long-time players. Occasional pathfinding hiccups or pixel-hunt moments feel quaint rather than frustrating, thanks to the games’ overall lighthearted tone.

Ultimately, Simon the Sorcerer I & II stand the test of time as witty, inventive adventures that shine through their clever writing and imaginative worlds. Whether you’re rediscovering Simon’s journey or experiencing it for the first time, this compilation offers a delightful escape into a realm where magic, mayhem, and mirth reign supreme.

Retro Replay Score

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