Game Details
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  • $29.99
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Magician's Quest Mysterious Times (Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi)

common sense media says

Real time used in wizard sim; shows consequences of gossip.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a game meant to be played over a year's time with kids checking in to play a little bit each week. The gameplay is tied to the internal clock of the DS, with certain events activating once a day or once a week. Some of the characters talk about cheating in school, and gossiping is a theme in the game. There are consequences for bad actions in the game so that depending on how much you gossip and how snarky you are to others, your status in the game may be impacted. There is mild flirting between the characters and some magic is performed in a bathroom. One spell can force another to pass gas. This game can be played with others over Nintendo Wi-Fi or the Internet but only if both own the game and "Friend Codes" have been exchanged offline.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: In this life simulation, gossiping is a theme in the game, and some characters talk about cheating in school. But bad behavior has consequences.You will meet many characters that you can choose to befriend by talking to them, giving them presents, doing things with them, and/or sending them telegrams. If you aren't nice to others or if you gossip too much, your status in the game will change in a negative way.
Violence: You must fight one character using your wand while he uses a sword. But no one is hurt and there is no blood shown. One magic spell can make another pass gas.
Sex: There is mild flirting including gossip about getting dumped, going on an "adult" date, and being unfaithful. You can use magic to make someone fall in love with you.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Magician's Quest Mysterious Times

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about how this game is tied to real time. Do you like that you can only take certain classes per day and that a mystery only occurs once a week? Are you tempted to turn forward the clock so that you can see the new content or are you willing to wait? Is gossip in this game like it is in real life?

What's the story?

What's the story?

There is a new wizard-in-training and it is not Harry Potter. It's you -- if you check out Konami's MAGICIAN'S QUEST MYSTERIOUS TIMES. In this life simulation game, you enter the game as either a girl or boy student enrolled in Magic School. As a magician-in-training, you attend classes in the school, talk with your fellow students, shop in the town, and explore the lands surrounding the school while perfecting your magical abilities. Once a week, a "Mystery Time" occurs in which a new creature appears who needs your help and other strange and wondrous things occur.

This game plays differently from most because it is tied to real time and is designed to be played slowly over a year. For example, you can only take one class in each subject per 24-hour period. Also, only one of the game's 52 mysterious events appear per week. The real time aspect also shows up in the details of the game; so that, if you are playing at night, it will be dark in the game. You will notice that the weather varies, as do the seasons.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The game is quite charming with its colorful graphics that span both of the DS screens, and constantly changing music. While the game's content unfolds slowly over time, there is always plenty to do including collecting mushrooms, seedlings, flowers, and insects to turn in for money; fishing; practicing magic (including doing incantations that change the way other characters feel about you); creating clothing designs; and talking (and gossiping) with others to make friendships. You can even play with friends if you both own the game and you have exchanged "friend codes" in person.

But this isn't a good fit for kids who like action in their games. There is a fair amount of wandering around waiting for mysterious events to occur.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
Available online
Genre: Adventure
Developer: Konami
Released on: May 5, 2009
Price: 29.99
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Comic Mischief, Mild Suggestive Themes

This review was written by Jinny Gudmundsen
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

pinkybrian
teen, 15 years old
 
love it

qriel
teen, 15 years old
 
Fun game with harry-potter like magic
Well it's basically Animal Crossing with magic. You start the game as a student in a magic school. Then you go around catching bugs and fish, collecting mushrooms and buying furniture to decorate your dorm. There are also mysteries you have to solve, none of them are very puzzle-ish though, the closest any of them get to puzzles is when you have no idea what to do. You can talk to your "neighbors" just like in animal crossing, but in this game you can "date" them too. Dating doesn't really go far- it's not like harvest moon where you can get married and have kids. The farthest dating goes is they say stuff like "you're the nicest girl/boy i ever met" and "i'll always protect you" lol. Gossip is another new feature they added, but it's not really gossip.. Most of it is like, "Oh ma goodness, Cindy was hangin' out with Stella in the courtyard!" And so far as consequences, nothing really happens except sometimes after class they'll confront someone about their scandalous activity. It's not a very realistic confrontation either, i'm sure IRL they'd be much meaner. xD not really education but it's still a fun game to play. I'd suggest waiting for the sequel instead of buying this game, though, it looks a lot better.

ELLi3212
teen, 15 years old
 
Safe for all ages, but annoying gossip, and it's a Time-Sink.
Well, it's a great game, and it has a lot more than animal crossing, but the gossip is annoying... And DON'T PLEASE smirk and say, "oh, it's just gossip... have some tougher skin..." but 85% of the time, the conversations will be "Oh, i saw Michael playing in the courtyard" like SO WHAT?? Oh, and Animal Crossing is better for those who can't spend TWO HOURS playing this game. try AC first.

SuperGameReviewer
kid, 11 years old
 
OMG
There making a sequel in japan!!!!!

soanz
teen, 16 years old
 
Perfect for fantasy fans who love to solve mysteries and enjoy casting spells!
This wonderfully crafted game is ideal for those who love magic, wizards and fantasy in general. Very much like Animal Crossing with a magical twist it has a lot of exciting puzzles and mysteries to solve. With shops for clothes, furniture for your dorm room, and ingredients for spells and icantations. A perfect game for those Harry Potter fans!

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age