• Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Oct 23, 2006
Metascore
69 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. 83
    Magical Starsign does an excellent job at taking the classic Turn-Based RPG formula and turning it into something fun for Nintendo's new handheld device.
  2. It may not have the production values of Final Fantasy III, but Magical Starsign combines a superb and intriguing battle system with a genuinely fresh look at how to control this kind of game on the DS.
  3. Despite being simple to pick up and play, Magical Starsign hides a complex game underneath. No doubt part of this simplicity is intentional in order to entice the younger audience that this title seemingly wants to attract. However, there is more than enough here to keep RPG enthusiasts of all ages entertained.
  4. Greater than the sum of its parts, it's eventually hard to feel anything but sheer joy when playing Magical Starsign.
  5. It keeps the basic formula that keeps 2D RPGs at the top if their class, but adds in some interesting elements as well. The ease of the touch screen also makes this game accessible to almost anyone.
  6. Magical Starsign’s presentation is cheerful, the battle mechanics have a few wrinkles and the story is passable. Although it’s not the deepest RPG, the game is a solid offering on the Nintendo DS.
  7. Role-playing fans will get a good 30 hours of quality gaming out of Magical Starsign. It has its hitches, but if you can work with them there's a great adventure to be had. [Feb 2007, p.66]
  8. 75
    The game has a great battle mechanic with some strong diversity and strategy elements, though it’s a bit too linear in its story. The overall presentation is amazing though, and anyone looking for a true classic RPG should look no further.
  9. An RPG that lacks originality but offers a neat package of nice and cute gameplay. [Mar 2007]
  10. Magical Starsign is a lighthearted role-playing adventure that partially makes up for a lack of gameplay depth with its quirky, oddball world.
  11. Flawed combat hinders a light-hearted story with stars in its eyes. [Mar 2007, p.71]
  12. Magical Starsign offers nothing particularly original or special to appeal to the RPG fan that doesn't have a particular interest in this cute eastern subgenre, but for the casual gamer and RPG newbie it is a gentle and well-crafted introduction to a rich and complex area of gaming.
  13. If you have the patience to see it through, Magical Starsign is fairly satisfying, especially if you value good writing and compelling characters over deep gameplay. [Dec. 2006, p.104]
  14. 70
    A competent RPG that has a very well written storyline within, as well as a robust battle system and enjoyable soundtrack. It's certainly not the best role playing game I've ever played, but it's one of the better ones on the Nintendo DS.
  15. A sweet and simple RPG that moves a bit slowly at times. Some neat ideas - but a lack of depth means that while you'll want to keep playing, you'll be a bit annoyed. [Mar 2007, p.79]
  16. The story is mediocre and the game gets off to a slow start, but the imaginative character designs, epic boss fights, a unique battle system and a cool six person multiplayer mode keep it from being a disaster.
  17. In the end, it's difficult to determine which would be worse; a day with this game or a day back in sixth grade. [Nov. 2006, p.142]
  18. Magical Starsign is the role-playing equivalent to bubblegum. It's a fun diversion, but far from substantial, instead resigning itself to being an interesting holdover until something more worthwhile comes along.
  19. In the end, that’s what Magical Starsign really is; a glorified GBA game with Touch Screen controls tacked on as an afterthought.
  20. A throwback to the bygone days of the RPG genre - whether that's a good or a bad thing depends on your tastes. But even players who aren't retro-fans will be hard-pressed to consider Magical Starsign a truly bad game.
  21. While Magical Starsign offers a bit of amusement, and more than its share of chuckles, the actual game mechanics keeps it from being too engrossing.
  22. The biggest problem, however, is the wonky stylus control. [Nov. 2006, p.140]
  23. At the end of the day, Magical Starsign is your average, run-of-the-mill JRPG with some touch screen gameplay thrown in, hoping to disguise an old horse as a new pony.
  24. 60
    Magical Starsign should be looked upon less as an RPG and more as a warning to potential DS and Wii developers: Yes, these new systems offer exciting, different possibilities. But please don't sacrifice old-school playability for unnecessary control schemes.
  25. 60
    The graphics are basically ripped from the previous release on the GBA with some slap dash 3D affects thrown in. Top it off with a cliche storyline, and melodramatic characters that need to stick to day time television and you have a formula destined for failure.
  26. No, it won’t replace "Final Fantasy XII" or "Twilight Princess," but for some role-playing on the go, Magical Starsign isn’t a bad choice. Just don’t tell your friends.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. 8
    I love this game, it is fun, crazy and magical. The names of the characters are often funny and there are many worlds and strange creatures. The pyrites are so much fun! Full Review »
  2. 7
    A fine RPG. Story is pretty low and the combat is simple. Still its a fun and easy game. If you like Paper Mario and like your RPG without too much story, its perfect. Full Review »
  3. Tijntje
    9
    Some reviewers wrote it didn't have much special, but I wasn't waiting for something special, I was waiting for a nice an light RPG to play.
    Simply one of the best Nintendo handheld RPGs I've seen in times, becouse what else was there besides Final Fantasy and Golden Sun? Be fair...
    Full Review »