The fascinating world of gaming is populated by a myriad of titles and genres. One such intriguing title is Mado Monogatari, a long-standing series of dungeon-crawling RPGs. Introduced in 1990, it has since yielded a plethora of spin-offs, including the much-loved Puyo Puyo puzzle games. One might be surprised to learn that Puyo Puyo’s roots lie in the realm of dungeon-crawling, but it is undeniably part of the Mado Monogatari lineage.
Later this year, the newest addition to this series, Mado Monogatari: Fia And The Wondrous Academy, is set to receive its official English release on various platforms including Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, and Steam. While we eagerly anticipate an exact launch date, fans can already ensure their copy by pre-ordering the game for $50 on Amazon.
The original versions of Mado Monogatari, first released on the MSX and PC-98, commenced the series’ journey as a first-person dungeon crawler closely related to well known classic RPGs like Wizardry and Shin Megami Tensei. Over the years, the series broadened its approach, incorporating varied styles of dungeon-crawling gameplay. Notably, Fia and the Wondrous Academy integrates the top-down Mystery Dungeon-style gameplay, adding another layer of novelty to this long-standing gaming series.
As with many seasoned franchises, Mado Monogatari has an illustrious history spanning over three decades. However, Fia and the Wondrous Academy is only the second game from this series to be localized for an English-speaking audience. Its predecessor, Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God, which also featured a top-down rogue-like mystery dungeon with randomized dungeons, was launched in North America for Vita in 2014 before receiving a PC port four years later.
Both Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God and the upcoming Fia and the Wondrous Academy are built around the Mystery Dungeon framework. These games draw players in with rogue-like gameplay mechanics paired with a captivating design – a randomized maze full of surprises to explore.
Despite the shift to Mystery Dungeon-style gameplay, Mado Monogatari still maintains its unique dungeon-crawling DNA. Players get to delve into meticulously crafted worlds, fraught with unpredictability and suspense. Its core challenge lies within the mazes’ inherent randomness, requiring gamers to strategize on the fly as they navigate through the game.
The expansion of Mado Monogatari to English-speaking audiences marks a significant moment in the franchise’s history. Its trajectory displays a unique blend of embracing change and retaining essential elements that have contributed to the series’ cross-generation appeal. With the forthcoming release of Mado Monogatari: Fia And The Wondrous Academy, a new chapter in the ongoing narrative of the series is set to begin, inviting both seasoned fans and newcomers to partake in another intricate web of exploration and adventure.
Overall, the Mado Monogatari series is a testament to the evolution of gaming genres, from classic dungeon-crawling to modern Mystery Dungeon-style gameplay. Its enduring prowess proceeds from its ability to transform and adapt over time, while consistently delivering memorable gaming experiences.
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