izigame.me

Felt obliged to write a quick review on the differences between Lilies and Magnolia. I loved Ender Lilies, and this game is shaping up already to be better or at least, just as good. Magnolia doesn't seem to be completely different, but there are many things it has done which has made it shine brighter than Lilies already. Here's a list of very nice changes:
(The early access version gives us access only to the first 2 - 2.5 hours of gameplay)
- There is no contact damage. Meaning you now only have to dodge the attacks the enemies make, you can walk through enemies safely now.
- Instead of 6 total abilities, between 2 "pages". You now have 4 total abilities on 1 page. Makes combos easier, but slightly reduces your variety of abilities.
- Abilities no longer have a set amount of uses. Instead they are defined by different categories. Main, Encore, Continuous, Cool down and Parry. I won't go into the specifics, as they are kind of self explanatory, the only difference to Lilies being that Encore-type is an ability that continuously activates as long as you hold down the button.
- Not all boss enemies become available to use as abilities. A stark difference as all boss enemies became your spirits in Lilies. Now some give enhancement materials that can be used to enhance and expand your other "Homunculi".
- You get your enhanced dodge very early into the game (Same time as double jump). In comparison you only got your enhanced dodge in Lilies at the 4th main boss. A small change, but makes it early game slightly easier (imo). You also get the QoL that is running as a default ability which is much appreciated. Considering we didn't really have a "running" ability in Lilies.

- We now have Equipment, alongside Relics. Equipment is another way to boost your abilities, and we have 4 slots total. The equipment found in early access is only bracelets which only increases defence in different areas. Expected that further on, and other types of equipment will do different things.
- THE MAP. It is much easier to read, and to navigate and backtrack using it. The rooms are now detailed and you are now told your position in the room. Any items or doors are now marked on the map as well. Rooms are connected with no mini loading screen between each one, with the exception of significant moves to other areas. (Still quite a few, but now each area feels like 1 big room) Fast travel is also now initiated anywhere using the map. instead of just returning to respite -> rest -> fast travel.
- We now have NPCs we can interact with to gather information and lore from. Lilies only provided lore through Memories, Notes and Flavor text. NPCs are now a different way to get lore.
These are all differences I took note of. Tried to not spoil much of anything, but there isn't much TO spoil in the first 2 hours anyway. I think Magnolia is already very well done, and excited for updates to come. I didn't encounter any bugs either.
P.S The axe, that the axe throwing enemies use doesn't hurt you when it returns to them, unlike the wheel throwing enemies in Lilies. Not sure if that is a bug or not.