SokoMage Xbox Series X Review

SokoMage Xbox Series X Review – Amageing?

The classic Soko-Ban has inspired many programmers to create their own version of its box-sliding puzzles over the years. Originally based around a warehouse worker moving crates, homebrew creators have devised many variations such as Sokobanana and Force Bot for the NES. This time we have a cute little wizard solving the levels – but does it cast a spell over the player?

Originally released for PC in 2022, the Xbox version has a caveat attached. Like other games from the same publisher, a title update has added extra Achievements to the game – giving a total of 2000 Gamerscore and a reputation for being a straightforward way to gather points. Rightly or wrongly, this review is not judging the players that take advantage or the publisher for that action.

Our little mage in his pointy hat finds himself trapped in a series of 30 levels, where the goal in each is to simply reach the large jewel. However, he cannot cross the large black holes standing in his way. The solution? To push around the ice blocks with his magic staff, filling a hole in with each moving ice block. The ice will keep moving in the direction it is hit until it hits another ice block, wall, or small bush. The wizard can also do some gardening and cut down the bushes, clearing a route through the level and helping him access more blocks. But it is the crucial order and direction you push the blocks in that determines your success. You can undo a single move at any time by hitting X, or you can reset the whole level with Y. The only change to the game mechanics arrives in later levels; the red X’s will stop an ice block at that point, while the blue arrows will push an ice block in the direction they are pointing. These do add a little complexity to the solutions.

The presentation of the game is quite simple, with pixel art graphics including the small red wizard. Objects are clear but uncomplicated, and there is little variety between levels. The background music is average and repetitive with limited sound FX. Early puzzles are confined to a single screen and do not get significantly larger than a couple of screens in size (flicking between screens but with little reason to backtrack unless the solution demands you move ice blocks across). The puzzle design itself is clever, especially with the added challenge of cutting down bushes strategically. With the game already having appeared on other platforms, the temptation to look up walkthroughs is strong. There is nothing in the way of plot or story to explain what is happening or to enhance the experience.

ADDENDUM: Since this review was completed, a second Title Update with five new Achievements has dropped. That is now 3000 total Gamerscore for very little effort…

SokoMage Xbox Series X Review Summary:

Puzzle game players will enjoy taxing their brains, but the appeal will melt long before the 30 levels have been completed. SokoMage is another short and simple game from Afil Games.