Inti Creates has long been a force in 2D action games, but not every game they have made has landed well. Yes the Gal Guardian games have been great, but there have been some games that have given people pause. When Inti Creates announced its first Switch 2 game, Majogami ( Also on Switch 1 and Steam), I was interested, but also a bit concerned the developer was losing its touch. I should not have worried though, as Inti Creates knocked it out of the park with one of its most polished and refined action games yet.
Majogami is a 2D hack n slash action game following a young swordswoman named Shiroha, who has lost her memory. She is venturing alongside her father Shiori who was turned into paper and journeying through a strange world, wielding her katana, Kamikiri, and her Setsuna ability. Shiroha’s Setsuna ability sends her flying and strikes at whatever has been locked onto, and is the main gimmick draw this time around for Inti Creates.
Shiroha’s Setsuna can also be used consecutively on both enemies and environmental elements, which can be used to access different areas, move around more quickly, and deal damage with a back-and-forth chain. The Setsuna can be moved horizontally, vertically, and diagonally, depending on the directions of the enemies and their shields. Majogami does add in mechanics to prevent you from spamming the Setsuna by tying it to a meter that requires refilling, which is done by attacking, picking up items or simply waiting.
Sometimes though, the Setsuna ability is just not enough. Enemies will sometimes have a shield that is too strong for you to break through with the Setsuna, and you will need something stronger. This is where the Triple Setsuna comes in, a super version of the ability that will use all the directional stances at once, but must be charged up and you will leave yourself open to attack while charging. This creates a need for strategy with your movements or you will find yourself wiped out.
You will also activate some stage gimmicks using the Setsuna, and get through gaps and access distant areas to find secrets. There is a surprising amount of catharticism in how it is used, and figuring out how to use it to advance, or defeat a tricky enemy, is just so satisfying. And wow can some enemies be tricky in Majogami.
Inti Creates did not hold back with enemy design and the bosses in Majogami, which stand as some of the best the developer has created. The standard enemies are no pushovers, and the stage designs will constantly throw new hurdles at you to keep you on your toes. You will die over and over again, but keep coming back because Majogami is just that good. It is no surprise either, as the game has been in development much longer than some major releases lately.
The boss fights, as mentioned, are amazing with each providing a deep challenge that requires you to plan properly, memorize enemy patterns and try again and again. You need to use your full moveset, and not rely on a single strategy, but once you overcome the bosses, you will feel a deep sense of accomplishment. I would even go as far as to say that Majogami has surpassed the Gunvolt series in terms of memorable boss battles.
It is not all about the action either, as Inti Creates developed the characters well, with some great NPCs and well developed stories. It really feels like the team Inti Creates went all out with Majogami to create something special, and that they wanted to surpass their previous works. If that is the case, then I think they succeeded. From the shopkeeper to Shiori and more, the NPCs are great, and I just wanted more of the story because it was so satisfying.
If there is any criticism, it is that a couple of bosses do feel a little over-designed, and some have visual effects that are a bit unnecessary. Still, this is not too bad and the blend of 2D and 3D visuals in Majogami overall comes off well, with some excellent visual effects. It also helps that Inti Creates delivered a fantastic soundtrack this time around and it really helps create a full package experience for Majogami.
Inti Creates spent years perfecting and polishing Majogami and it was clearly a labour of love. This is a fantastic experience and an action title that is fun to play, with a deep combat system that feels extremely satisfying. If you were developing doubts about Inti Creates, then let those doubts be allayed, as Majogami is a fantastic experience very much worth playing.
