Developed by Skinny Frog and ClaudiaTheDev, and published by Top Hat Studios, Ova Magica is a captivating blend of JRPG, life simulation, and creature – raising elements.
Released in Early Access for PC in July 2024, with console versions on the horizon, Ova Magica promises a relaxing and engaging experience inspired by classics like Stardew Valley and Pokémon
An Inheritance That Needs Some Work
Inheriting a dilapidated farm in Clover Town, a quaint village where humans and magical creatures, the blobs, coexist harmoniously, players must restore the property, raise blobs, and integrate into the community. While the plot is simple and predictable as many farm sims, it creates a welcoming context that invites exploration.
Being still in Early Access, some aspects of the game may change in the final version. However, based on the current experience, the game offers an engaging experience that blends elements of famous titles like Stardew Valley and Pokémon.
The game recalls Stardew Valley and Wylde Flowers for its farming sim mechanics. However, Ova Magica introduces a distinctive element: the influence of Pokémon on the growth and evolution of blobs.
Ova Magica presents many features common to farming games
- Cultivation: Players can cultivate a variety of plants and harvest crops.
- Breeding: In addition to blobs, other animals can be raised.
- Exploration: The game world offers various areas to explore, with dungeons and treasures to discover.
- Social interaction: Players can interact with villagers, participate in events, and build relationship
What’s New in Ova Magica
Despite its many similarities, Ova Magica offers some interesting novelties:
- The Blobs: The magical creatures called blobs are a distinctive element of the game. They can be raised, trained, and used in combat.
- The Combat System: Ova Magica features a more developed combat system compared to some farming games.
- Customization: The player can customize their character and farm.
Breeding Your Own Blobs
One of the most interesting aspects is undoubtedly the breeding of blobs. These creatures can be raised to create unique combinations and personalize your adventure companions. The ability to influence the appearance and abilities of blobs adds a level of depth to the gameplay, encouraging experimentation.
Simple Yet Effective Combat
While combat is not the main focus of the game, it is a present element. Blobs can be trained to face small challenges and dungeons. The combat system is simple and immediate, perfect for those seeking a relaxing experience. Ova Magica is reminiscent of titles such as Stardew Valley and Moon Harvest. Compared to Stardew Valley, Ova Magica offers a more developed combat system and a greater focus on creature breeding. When compared to Moon Harvest, we notice a greater variety of activities and a more relaxed atmosphere. However, both Moon Harvest and Stardew Valley feature more detailed graphics and a larger game world.
Final Thoughts
Ova Magica is a promising title that offers a relaxing and engaging gameplay experience. The breeding of blobs and the ability to customize one’s world are very positive aspects. The graphics, while cute, may appear a bit simplified compared to other titles in the genre. Despite this, Ova Magica has the potential to become a benchmark in the farm sim genre, especially if the developers continue to work on it and add new content. If you are a fan of life simulation games and appreciate a simpler, more colorful aesthetic, Ova Magica may be right for you.
In a nutshell, Ova Magica is: A relaxing and engaging game, perfect for those seeking an escape from daily routine. A customizable experience, thanks to blob breeding and the ability to build your own farm. A promising title with great potential for growth.
Ova Magica
PRO
- Relaxing and Engaging: A peaceful escape from the daily grind.
- Deep Customization: Create a world entirely your own.
- Genre-Bending: Combines the best of various gaming worlds.
CON
- Simplified Graphics: A bit too “mobile game” looking.
- Repetitive Gameplay: Daily routines can become tiresome.
- Shallow Story: The plot is linear and predictable.
6/10
