Choice of Magics

Your magic can battle dragons, skyships, and evil Inquisitors, but at what cost?

Your magic can change the world, but at what cost? Battle dragons, skyships, and evil Inquisitors, as you protect your homeland, conquer it, or destroy it forever.

"Choice of Magics" is a 550,000-word interactive, post-apocalyptic fantasy novel by Kevin Gold, author of our best-selling game, "Choice of Robots." It's entirely text-based, without graphics or sound effects, and fueled by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination.

Thousands of years ago, the ancients destroyed civilization with five schools of magic. Each spell comes at a terrible price. Glamor charms your adversaries, rotting your body from the inside. Divination reveals faraway secrets, exposing your own secrets to others. Automation gives objects the spark of life, destabilizing the climate. Vivomancy can heal or change living things, with bizarre side effects. Blast your enemies with Negation energy, forming permanent clouds of deadly fallout.

As a young scrounger of antiquities, you hope to build your ruined world anew with these rediscovered spells. Now you must decide which of these magics can transform your post-apocalyptic society, and what you'll risk to bring hope and light to your kinsmen.

• Play as male, female, or non-binary; straight, gay, bi, or ace.

• Design your own pet, hatch a baby dragon, and build your own golems.

• Win a war, win the crown, or win your best friend's heart.

• Transform an evil Inquisitor into a talking tortoise, out for revenge. (Eventually.)

• Collect magic items: rings of power, an alchemy set, a “light sword” (wink, wink)

• Romance your village's geeky mayor, a goofy swordfighter, or even the queen.

• Help a stuffed monkey to repaint all of the murals in the Cathedral dungeon.

• Test out the mayor's new board game.

• With over 30 different endings, and 100 achievements, there will always be another secret to uncover.

Can you bring the world back from ruin and shape a new society? Use your magics well, and you could become as a god; use your magics poorly and destroy the world all over again.

Choice of Magics is a text-based interactive fiction game where players navigate a world steeped in magic and political intrigue. The game begins with the player character, a young magic user, entering a prestigious magical academy. The player's choices determine their magical specialization, relationships, and ultimately, the fate of the world.

The game offers several distinct magical disciplines, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and ethical implications. Players can choose to specialize in elemental magic, wielding the power of fire, water, earth, and air. This path offers destructive potential and defensive capabilities, allowing players to manipulate the environment to their advantage.

Alternatively, players can delve into the arcane arts of necromancy, commanding the power of life and death. This path offers unique strategic advantages but carries a significant social stigma and moral burden. Players must carefully consider the consequences of their actions, as necromantic practices are often met with fear and hostility.

A third option is the path of illusion, allowing players to manipulate perceptions and deceive their enemies. This path emphasizes cunning and subterfuge, offering a less direct but equally potent approach to conflict. Illusionists can create distractions, sow discord, and manipulate their opponents into making fatal mistakes.

Finally, players can choose the path of healing, focusing on restorative magic and support. Healers are invaluable allies, capable of mending wounds and bolstering the strength of their companions. This path emphasizes compassion and empathy, offering a more benevolent approach to magic.

The choice of magic influences not only combat abilities but also social interactions and the overall narrative. Each specialization opens up unique dialogue options, quests, and relationships. An elemental mage might be called upon to quell a volcanic eruption, while a necromancer might be tasked with investigating a plague outbreak. An illusionist might infiltrate a criminal organization, while a healer might provide aid to a besieged city.

Throughout the game, players face moral dilemmas and difficult choices. They must navigate complex political landscapes, forge alliances, and confront powerful enemies. The consequences of their actions can be far-reaching, impacting the lives of individuals and the fate of entire nations.

The relationships players cultivate also play a crucial role in shaping the narrative. Players can develop romantic relationships, forge strong friendships, or make bitter enemies. These relationships can provide support, guidance, or opposition, influencing the player's choices and ultimately, the outcome of the game.

The game's narrative branches in numerous directions, offering a high degree of replayability. Different choices lead to different outcomes, allowing players to explore a wide range of possibilities. Players can strive for peace and prosperity, or they can embrace power and domination. They can become heroes, villains, or something in between.

The writing in Choice of Magics is engaging and immersive, drawing players into a richly detailed world. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their own motivations, flaws, and aspirations. The dialogue is sharp and witty, adding depth and personality to the interactions.

The game's mechanics are simple and intuitive, allowing players to focus on the story and characters. The choices are presented clearly, and the consequences are readily apparent. The game's pacing is well-balanced, offering a mix of action, intrigue, and character development.

Choice of Magics offers a compelling and engaging experience for fans of interactive fiction. The game's diverse magic system, complex characters, and branching narrative provide countless hours of entertainment. Players can explore different paths, experiment with different strategies, and discover the many secrets of this magical world. The choices are yours, and the fate of the world rests in your hands. Will you rise to the challenge and become a legendary mage, or will you succumb to the temptations of power and plunge the world into chaos? The choice is yours.