Review by Jon Donnis
Three decades after Simon first insulted a goblin and bumbled through a magical world of sarcasm and spells, Simon the Sorcerer Origins proves that a classic can find new life without losing its soul. Developed by Smallthing Studios and published by ININ Games, this prequel takes us back to the weeks before the 1993 Amiga adventure, showing how the world's most reluctant sorcerer began his journey.
From the opening scene, it feels like coming home. The humour is unmistakably Simon, dry, biting, and perfectly British. Chris Barrie returns as Simon's voice, and hearing him slip effortlessly back into character is a joy. His timing is spot-on, and every line lands with the kind of warmth and wit that made the original such a cult hit.
The hand-drawn art style is gorgeous. It's full of detail and personality, with lush backdrops and expressive characters that look straight out of a storybook. There's something lovely about seeing a modern game embrace traditional animation in this way, and it gives every frame a touch of charm. The world feels alive, packed with odd wizards, talking beasts, and peculiar devices that constantly draw your eye.
In terms of gameplay, this is pure point-and-click comfort. The puzzles are cleverly designed, often testing both your logic and your patience. Some of them are tricky enough to make you question your intelligence for a while, but the sense of reward when you finally figure things out is exactly what you want from this kind of game. The dialogue and item combinations keep things light, and you can tell the team had fun writing all the absurd scenarios Simon finds himself in.
That said, playing on Xbox takes a bit of getting used to. The controls work fine, but it's hard to shake the feeling that this sort of game still feels best with a mouse. Navigating menus or interacting with smaller items can be fiddly with a gamepad, though switching between control options is quick enough. On the positive side, playing on a big TV really shows off the artwork and helps you get lost in the world.
If there's one thing that might test your patience, it's the puzzle difficulty. A few of them border on obscure, and the temptation to reach for an online guide is always lurking. But if you can resist that urge, the satisfaction of solving everything on your own is worth the effort.
Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a fine example of how to revive a classic properly. It doesn't try to reinvent what made the original special. Instead, it leans into its roots with care, delivering a funny, clever, and beautifully drawn adventure that feels both nostalgic and fresh. For fans of the series, it's everything you'd hope for. For newcomers, it's a charming introduction to one of gaming's great comic heroes.
A well-earned 9 out of 10. Here's hoping Simon's next spell isn't too far away.
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