50
A frustrating case of style over substance, Near-Mage dazzles with its art direction and whimsical Eastern European charm but fails to back it up with compelling storytelling. What begins as something that looks it will turn into a heartfelt journey into a world of wonder, fizzles into a predictable plotline with shallow characters and gameplay that rarely requires more than clicking and walking from A to B. This is undoubtedly a passion project, but passion alone can’t save what can be described as an impressive spell full of sparkle and colour that’s barely potent.
70
Near-Mage is an intriguing story in a stunning Transylvanian setting that doesn’t quite live up to its potential due to its underutilised magick mechanics and lack of difficulty. Some adventure fans may appreciate Near-Mage’s simplicity, while others will wish it had more of a challenge.
70
Near-Mage is a missed opportunity. By no means is it a bad game: it has enough content, good ideas and a nice story. However, the low difficulty level of the puzzles and the minimal need to use the (even predefined) spells constitute an average overall experience.
5
In classic adventure games fashion a lot of locations are available right of the bat, and that is great and the best part of three game. Maybephasing them out a bit and you know actually having things todo in them would have been nice. Also the customizable main character hints at bigger ambitions or a missed opportunity to add light rpg element. Will be following the developer, their next offering could be both innovative and great.
2
Although the visuals were very very dreamy and amazing and the story had a looottt of potential there is 1 thing which completly ruined the experience. You get introduced to like 15 different locations in one go. And I could not remember any one of them. Whenever quests were given you were expected to figure out whom to go to, where to go. Since I could not remember anything there was no puzzle solving and 100% guessing. So had to quit this game. But I wish some hint system was incorporated into this game because visually this was absolutely stunning!!
0
Unsufferable main character, no puzzles at all (we were led to think it were a Point & Click Adventure), no freedom, can't rebind the keyboard. I liked Gibbous but this is BAD.
Near-Mage
Released On:
May 27, 2025
Metascore
Mixed or Average
72
User score
Generally Unfavorable
2.0
My Score
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Metascore
Mixed or Average
40% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
60% Mixed
3 Reviews
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0% Negative
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0 Reviews
May 28, 2025
90
Near-Mage will cast a powerful spell on fans of narrative-driven adventures. While it may not challenge puzzle wizards, it will enchant players with its beautifully vibrant locales and heartfelt tale of finding one’s place in the world.
Jun 2, 2025
80
Ultimately, Near-Mage is a likable game that doesn’t quite realize its full potential. The foundations are solid: the magical setting is imaginative, the art is appealing, and the premise holds promise. But much like Gibbous, it’s a case of style over substance. The narrative unfolds slowly and lacks urgency early on, the gameplay rarely challenges, and the moral choices — while present — lack meaningful weight. This leaves Near-Mage feeling more like an interactive storybook than a deep or dynamic adventure. Still, if you enjoy whimsical fantasy worlds, Eastern European folklore, or just want a light magical journey with a touch of humor, Near-Mage is worth the trip. Especially if Gibbous didn’t fully click with you, this spiritual successor presents a very different flavor of storytelling and world. Even if you may find yourself briefly enchanted, don’t expect it to cast a lasting spell.
User score
Generally Unfavorable
0% Positive
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
25% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
75% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Jun 25, 2025
5
In classic adventure games fashion a lot of locations are available right of the bat, and that is great and the best part of three game. Maybephasing them out a bit and you know actually having things todo in them would have been nice. Also the customizable main character hints at bigger ambitions or a missed opportunity to add light rpg element. Will be following the developer, their next offering could be both innovative and great.
Jun 18, 2025
2
Although the visuals were very very dreamy and amazing and the story had a looottt of potential there is 1 thing which completly ruined the experience. You get introduced to like 15 different locations in one go. And I could not remember any one of them. Whenever quests were given you were expected to figure out whom to go to, where to go. Since I could not remember anything there was no puzzle solving and 100% guessing. So had to quit this game. But I wish some hint system was incorporated into this game because visually this was absolutely stunning!!
Jun 19, 2025
70
Near-Mage is an intriguing story in a stunning Transylvanian setting that doesn’t quite live up to its potential due to its underutilised magick mechanics and lack of difficulty. Some adventure fans may appreciate Near-Mage’s simplicity, while others will wish it had more of a challenge.
Jun 2, 2025
70
Near-Mage is a missed opportunity. By no means is it a bad game: it has enough content, good ideas and a nice story. However, the low difficulty level of the puzzles and the minimal need to use the (even predefined) spells constitute an average overall experience.
Aug 22, 2025
50
A frustrating case of style over substance, Near-Mage dazzles with its art direction and whimsical Eastern European charm but fails to back it up with compelling storytelling. What begins as something that looks it will turn into a heartfelt journey into a world of wonder, fizzles into a predictable plotline with shallow characters and gameplay that rarely requires more than clicking and walking from A to B. This is undoubtedly a passion project, but passion alone can’t save what can be described as an impressive spell full of sparkle and colour that’s barely potent.
May 30, 2025
0
Unsufferable main character, no puzzles at all (we were led to think it were a Point & Click Adventure), no freedom, can't rebind the keyboard. I liked Gibbous but this is BAD.
SummaryYou have been invited to stay in Transylvania for the summer... Only to find out that you come from a long line of witches. Meet your new vampyre and strigoi classmates, embrace your destiny, and enroll in the Transylvanian Institute for Magick! A supernatural adventure made in Transylvania.
