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You know, it’s been a while since the last time I reviewed an RPG game for TGG. Well, all of that will change as of here and now. You see, I’ve had the pleasure to try out Sirenum Studios old-school-like magic-themed RPG “Sorcerous”.

However, before I jump straight into the actual reviewing part of the said game, I’m going to give you (the reader) a brief introduction of the game’s backstory:

Just before Andraste St Claire first day at Hogwarts… er, I mean Hexengard school, her aunt Minvera disappears…

And that’s just the half of it, as it’s followed by a strange dream in which a cryptic sentence is spoken followed by a mysterious man showing up at Hexengard and reciting the same sentence, pushes Andraste to look for her missing aunt. However, all sorts of creatures and people are looking to stop her.

sorcerous discussions between two people

Voxes appear a lot in the game and are usually discussions between two people.

With that said, “Sorcerous” is very much rooted in magical lore, and is extremely well suited for those who are into “Harry Potter” and such like – there are loads of books and broadcasts with all sorts of information, to be found everywhere. It does become quickly overwhelming, though…As a matter of fact, it ends up being far too much.

Also, there isn’t a lot of humor in the story – it is played straight, so if you’re looking for a laugh, this game won’t provide it.

“Sorcerous” offers the usual fighting system, of which descriptions are magic-based.

By all accounts, everything is pretty much as standard from an RPG Maker game: click somewhere on the screen to move there, or use the keyboard; items can be selected and used, and later on shared amongst your party.

In most of the playing areas, you can move in eight directions. With some parts, though, you are limited to two – so you can only move left or right, for example.

Furthermore, the game’s fights also work in the same manner. Even so, it’s still worth pointing out that there is one tiny little problem on the battlefront, and that’s the fact that most of the sections are given magical names…

So initially at least, you’re hunting around for the correct area to perform an action. As per usual, combat is turn-based, with your enemies and party members taking it in turns to attack.

Yes, “Sorcerous” does indeed offer side-ways scrolling sections here and there in the game.

However, you can, of course die…But, for some reason, the game over screen only takes up a quarter of the screen, as though it was forgotten about. In most of the playing areas, you can move in eight directions. With some parts, though, you are limited to two – so you can only move left or right, for example.

sorcerous there are plenty of choices to make

There are plenty of choices to make in “Sorcerous”, so the game’s replay value is pretty high based on that aspect alone.

As awesome as that might sound though…There is this one slight problem with the game, and that’s that you can’t save the game whenever you feel like it. Yes, that’s right, because you can only do so at specific points and places.

So this means your initial save can’t be performed until you’ve completed a day at school, of which there are many missions to complete. For example, searching for books and attending spell casting lectures. After that, it is at sporadic points.

When it comes to design and visuals, “Sorcerous” offers a pretty standard look and feel on the graphics front. In other words, the visuals get the job done so to speak. but that’s about it. So don’t expect anything fancy in terms of stunning graphics, because then you’re just setting yourself up for a huge disappointment.

Anyways, I think you get the idea. So, what about the game’s graphics then? Well, graphically, “Sorcerous” is pretty much your standard RPG Maker fare: All very cute and twee, and functional, without being overly detailed.

However, as plain as that might sound. What does make “Sorcerous” stand out from other RPG games, is the fact that the dialogue is mostly voiced as well – although usually just the main story. I would also like to mention that the game’s sound quality does vary (especially with the opening story), but it is generally of good quality for the most part.

No well-made and self-respecting RPG would be complete without a handful of boss fights, and “Sorcerous” sure ain’t any exception on that department.

So, all in all, “Sorcerous” is a very dense, serious, and magical RPG that offers a deep world-building lore. In other words, if you’re into retro-like RPGs that got a magic-theme to it (think “Harry Potter”), then “Sorcerous” should be your cup of tea with no doubt.

Pros:
+ The game offers voice acting (although of somewhat variable quality).
+ Nice RPG Maker graphics.
+ Easy controls.
+ Nice title music, and the sound effects are pretty decent for the most part.
+ Reasonably priced.
+ Boss fights!.

Cons:
– You can only save at set points throughout the whole game.
– A few spelling errors here and there.
– Some of the game’s voices are rather weird.
– There is no full-screen mode available.
– For some odd reason, “Sorcerous” doesn’t use Steam Cloud.

Gameplay: 3/5
Graphics: 3/5
Sound and music: 4/5
Controls: 3/5
Replay value: 3/5
Story: 4/5

tgg grade 3 out of 5

Verdict: 3/5
Sirenum Studios’ “Sorcerous” is a long-lasting, dense, and magical RPG that offers a deep world-building lore. So It’s the ideal game for those who are looking for that sort of game, and are willing to overlook it’s flaws. However, for those who want a more humorous game, this wouldn’t really do. As “Sorcerous” is pretty darn dead serious and dark RPG for the most part.

Title: Sorcerous
Developer: Sirenum Studios
Format: PC
Genre: RPG
Resolution: Game default
Release date: 2021-07-23
Difficulty: User-defined
Spent time: + 2.5 hours
Average grade internationally: N/A Metacritic.com
PEGI age rating: N/A
Price: 8.51 Euros (via Steam)