by The world would be so much more entertaining if a trip to the local cafe could be interrupted by goblins, and if chests of loot were stored around every corner. Life is Magic seeks to augment the real world by introducing location-based RPG elements, but in the process replaces our everyday grind with another kind of grind entirely.
Life is Magic’s location features are visually impressive, overlaying a fantasy filter over real-world maps wherein local stores become equipment warehouses and restaurants turn to taverns. You’ll recognize your own street, gain influence over an area, and team up with other locals to form a battle party. Picking traveling companions that complement your class of choice (Machinist, Monk, or Mage) is necessary to be prepared for any eventuality.
The bulk of time will be spent in dungeons, full of beautifully animated monsters to vanquish and loot to plunder, but these are more a series of battles than an opportunity for exploration. Life is Magic features a clever risk-reward mechanic with an opportunity to retreat or press on after every battle. You could rely on basic attacks, but casting simple spells builds up a mana pool to cast stronger attacks. This pool persists between battles, so preparing your pool for an impending boss can turn the tides.
As beautiful and smartly designed as the battles may be, the dungeons suffer from a bizarre sense of limbo. By the time my Machinist reached level 5, I could pass through Level 1 dungeons with one (robotic) arm tied behind my back. Assuming this meant I was ready for Level 2 dungeons, I approached one and was promptly beaten before even reaching the halfway point. I quickly learned that the game doesn’t really offer a proper outlet for this point in the game, forcing lengthy grinding sessions. Those attracted to the game’s (free) price tag also might be disappointed to discover that crystals (premium currency) are needed for purchasing higher-level spells, which are all but required to emerge from tougher battles. They also serve other basic functions, like reviving or continuing a dungeon once you’ve run out of energy (MP).
It’s hard to shake the feeling that some as-yet unmade game will come along and outdo Life is Magic. Its rough edges make it more proof-of-concept than a truly fulfilling attempt at bringing role-playing to the real world. It’s worth trying, though, since at the very least the world will be a little more magical until the novelty wears off.
The bottom line. Life is Magic is a novel approach to mobile role-playing, but repeating dungeons to slowly advance in levels can easily break the spell.
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