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Magic & Mayhem: The Art of Magic pc Game Reviews
Magic & Mayhem: The Art of Magic
Critic Score
Metascore: 71 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
7.5 out of 10
based on 14 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 4 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

A unique blend of strategy, tactical combat, and role-playing brought to life with full 3D graphics and an epic storyline. As a Wizard, you have the power to conjure terrifying creatures and devastating spells against you opponent. Before each battle, you choose which spells you will bring with you, and then use the spells in real-time tactical combat against your opponent. [Bethesda Softworks]

PUBLISHER: Bethesda Softworks
DEVELOPER: Charybdis
GENRE(S): Real-Time Strategy, Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS: 8
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: October 26, 2001

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

90
TotalGames.net
All things considered, this is one of the best games to try and merge two genres, and it does so very successfully - despite a few minor flaws that don't detract too much from the gameplay.
Read Full Review
80
GamePen
I wasn’t wowed with the graphics or blown away with the gameplay, but it kept me in front of the monitor. If you enjoyed the first you’ll enjoy this one.
Read Full Review
79
GameSpy
If you love multiplayer, have a speedy connection and the horsepower, or if you really enjoy skirmish battles against the CPU, then it's much easier to recommend.
Read Full Review
78
ActionTrip
The simplicity with which you get to choose spells and cast them is really amazing, which is really useful as the scenarios represent combat arenas where two or more wizards try to destroy their opponents with spells.
Read Full Review
78
IGN
A solid game that takes a number of elements from different genres. It doesn't go into a lot of depth on any of them, but nevertheless manages to be fun and entertaining.
Read Full Review
70
Computer Gaming World
Conjures up an engaging mix of tactical combat and RPG gameplay with good replay value thanks to skirmish and multiplayer options. [Feb 2002, p.82]
70
All Game Guide
While gameplay differs in style, developer Climax Group manages to hold the line on the environment and overall fantasy feel of the original title developed by Mythos Games, Ltd.
Read Full Review
70
GameZone
This game had great promise, but wasted it on static gameplay, overwhelming camera angles, time delay between scenarios, and a redundant storyline. All that said, it still is a challenging RPG.
Read Full Review
68
PC Gamer
Aside from the move to 3D graphics and the requisite new spells and characters, changes or enhancement are surprisingly lacking in this sequel. [Feb 2002, p.67]
66
Gamers' Temple
The unevenness of the campaign and awkward interface may prove to be too frustrating for some players. The skirmish mode can be enjoyable, though.
Read Full Review
65
GameSpot
The Art of Magic's uneven presentation is indicative of the game as a whole. The RPG elements don't get as much attention as they deserve, and the gameworld and characters are a mishmash of hackneyed, third-rate Tolkienesque fantasy.
Read Full Review
65
Armchair Empire
The game does present a lot of action and is sure to entertain gamers for at least a week or two, but in the long term, the game will unlikely enter the classic status of vanilla ice cream.
Read Full Review
60
Yahoo! Games
Spookily enjoyable, throwing enough challenges and new creatures at you to prevent boredom setting in.
Read Full Review
60
Computer Games Magazine
The plot isn't thick enough to block candlelight, and the cut scenes that litter each mission are somewhat problematic...Thankfully, the strategic elements are far more engaging.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 7.5 (out of 10) based on 4 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

ULises A. gave it a 10:
It's excellent I like too much and I enjoy the graphics and the story.

Paddy H. gave it a 9:
Story line is great, the 3D graphics are ok and gameplay is fantastic. It brings together all of the game genres that I enjoy. My best gaming buy of the January sales so far!

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