Magic Scroll Tactics is a unique 2D side-scrolling, turn-based tactical RPG developed by オートリ電子 and published by Mediascape and オートリ電子. The game follows a summoner named Nash as he attempts to stop a group of evil mages from reviving an ancient witch.
What immediately separates Magic Scroll Tactics from many other tactical RPGs is its side-scrolling battlefield design. Instead of fighting across a traditional top-down grid, battles take place from a 2D perspective where vertical elevation can have a major impact on positioning, attacks, and overall strategy.
It is an interesting concept that gives the game its own identity and makes the tactical combat feel noticeably different from many other games in the genre.
Graphics 7.5
Magic Scroll Tactics uses a charming retro-inspired 2D pixel art style that fits its side-scrolling tactical gameplay well. The character sprites are colourful and easy to read during battles, while the overall presentation gives the game a nostalgic feel.
That said, the graphics are only okay overall. The environments in particular could have used much more detail, as some areas feel too simple and lack the visual depth needed to make the world stand out.
The art style works for what the game is trying to achieve, but a little more polish and environmental variety would have made the presentation much stronger.
Gameplay 7.9
Magic Scroll Tactics has a unique combat system that helps it stand out from more traditional tactical RPGs. Battles take place on side-scrolling maps where positioning and vertical elevation matter just as much as the units you bring into battle.
Taking the high ground can give you a major advantage, while flying units can bypass obstacles and reach elevated positions more easily. This creates a different kind of tactical puzzle compared to the usual top-down grid system and forces you to think carefully about where each character should be placed.
The progression systems also add a good amount of depth. You can switch classes, spend level-up points on ability trees, use elemental magic such as fire, ice, and lightning, and build a party made up of both human characters and customizable monsters.
Overall, the gameplay is one of the strongest parts of Magic Scroll Tactics. Its side-scrolling battlefields and emphasis on elevation give the combat a fresh feel, while the class and recruitment systems provide plenty of room to experiment.
Audio 7.4
The audio in Magic Scroll Tactics is good overall and fits the game well. The soundtrack includes original tracks such as "Lore" and "Frozen Forest," which help give the different areas and battles some atmosphere.
The game also supports English and Japanese audio, with subtitle options available as well. Nothing about the sound design feels particularly weak, but at the same time, it rarely stands out as something truly memorable.
Overall, the audio does its job well and complements the experience, even if it never reaches the level of being one of the game’s strongest features.
Value 6.8
The value in Magic Scroll Tactics is decent, but it is not one of the game’s strongest areas. Completing the main story along with a selection of side content takes around 11.5 to 12 hours, while players aiming for full completion can expect roughly 20.5 hours.
Individual missions usually last around 10 to 20 minutes, which helps keep the pacing quick and makes the game easy to play in shorter sessions. However, once the main campaign and optional battles are finished, there is not a huge amount of replay value.
Overall, there is enough content to make the experience worthwhile, but more optional missions, modes, or long-term progression would have helped improve the value considerably.
Pros
- Unique side-scrolling tactical combat that helps the game stand out from other strategy RPGs.
- Strong emphasis on elevation and positioning adds real strategic depth to battles.
- Class switching and skill trees give you plenty of ways to customize your characters.
- Elemental magic and different unit types create a good amount of variety in combat.
- Flying units and monster recruitment add more options when building your party.
- Quick mission lengths help keep the pacing moving.
Cons
- The graphics are fairly basic and the environments could have used much more detail.
- The audio is good but rarely feels memorable or outstanding.
- Overall value is only average, with the main experience lasting around 12 hours.
- Limited replay value once the campaign and optional battles are completed.
- More missions, modes, and additional content would have made the overall package feel more complete.
Verdict
Magic Scroll Tactics is a solid tactical RPG that stands out because of its unusual side-scrolling battlefields and strong emphasis on elevation and positioning. The class system, elemental magic, flying units, and monster recruitment all add welcome variety and give the combat enough depth to stay interesting.
The biggest drawbacks come from the presentation and overall value. The graphics are fairly basic, the environments could use much more detail, and the audio, while perfectly fine, never becomes especially memorable. The relatively short campaign and limited replay value also keep the game from feeling as complete as it could have been.
Overall, Magic Scroll Tactics is a good choice for strategy fans looking for something a little different. Its combat ideas are clever and enjoyable, but better visuals and more content would have helped turn it into a much stronger experience.
7.4
GOOD