1UP writes: "When you first see Magician's Quest: Mysterious Times boot up, it's difficult not to make comparisons to Nintendo's supremely popular life sim Animal Crossing. You control a stubby, big-headed character, talk to strange-sounding, anthropomorphic animal-people, collect bugs and fish, and complete daily tasks to enrich your DS life. And to be honest, as a huge Animal Crossing fan who played Wild World to death, I expected some of the familiar activities -- fishing, inventory, decorating my room -- to work just like they did in Nintendo's game. But while Magician's Quest clearly took AC as a jumping point, what I've played of the game so far is just different enough that, against all logic, I find myself enjoying many of the done-to-death-in-AC activities."
Gamertell has posted its DS game recommendations for the 2009 holiday shopping season.
The list is divided by ESRB ratings.
Gamertell has posted a positive review of Konami's Magician's Quest Mysterious Times for DS.
From the review:
"There's only one really bad thing about Magician's Quest Mysterious Times, and that's how hard it is to find it. Unless you're buying it online, you'll experience quite a quest trying to find it in a local store.
It's just a wonderful life simulation game. I'd recommend it most to Harry Potter, Sims and Animal Crossing fans, but really it's the sort of game that all DS owners could enjoy. It has action, RPG, collection and simulation elements, all tossed into a stylish and sweet package. Plus the weekly challenges and multiple spells will keep you coming back every day."
Gamer Limit writes: "Magician's Quest has been likened many times to "Harry Potter meets Animal Crossing." In fact, I watched a video where even a Konami employee made the same connection. You go to a school of magic and learn how to cast spells and stuff, which is its likeness to Harry Potter. And, it's like Animal Crossing in the way that there's a town, and you talk to people…and stuff? Can you tell I've never played Animal Crossing?"
