Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a sequel to Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, but I must admit that I didn’t play the first game. I knew that it was a bit of a cult classic back in the pandemic, but I never got around to playing it. It was the game though that people wouldn’t shut the hell up about so when the sequel was announced to be hitting 1.0, I knew that I wanted to check it out. So how is Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist? Does the sequel live up to the hype that the first one amassed? Should you play Ender Magnolia: Bllom in the Mist?
Let’s Dive into it.
Gameplay
You take on the role of Lilac, an “Attuner” with the ability to purify Homunculi who have succumbed to a mysterious, corrupting toxin. The game offers an open-ended Metroidvania structure, allowing you to explore various biomes in any order, uncovering secrets, upgrades, and formidable bosses. This freedom can be overwhelming at times, but it also fosters a strong sense of discovery.
Movement and combat are fluid, with new traversal abilities like double jumps and air dashes adding depth to both exploration and combat. The game also excels in quality-of-life features, including generous fast travel and a color-coded map that highlights fully explored areas, making backtracking far less tedious.
Combat shines in its boss fights, where precise timing, strategic thinking, and mastery of attack patterns are key to survival. The customizable Homunculus abilities let you tailor your playstyle, and I personally loved the parry-based counterattack, which added a satisfying rhythm to encounters.
Presentation
The game is a visual and auditory treat. The art style beautifully contrasts haunting, desolate environments with stunning bursts of color, making each area distinct and memorable. From eerie crystal mines to magical academies, every biome tells a story through its design.
The soundtrack, composed by Japanese indie group Mili, is equally impressive. With a blend of somber piano pieces, whimsical string arrangements, and melodic vocals, the music enhances the game’s sci-fi mystery atmosphere in a way that’s truly immersive.
Difficulty & Accessibility
One standout feature is the flexible difficulty system, allowing players to tweak enemy health, damage, and attack frequency through sliders. This customization makes the game accessible to both hardcore Metroidvania fans and those looking for a more forgiving experience.
Negatives
Despite its strengths, Ender Magnolia has a few drawbacks. The narrative, centered around Homunculi descending into madness, didn’t fully resonate with me. While there are moments of depth, I often found myself lost in the lore rather than engaged with it. Additionally, the absence of voice acting is a missed opportunity—strong vocal performances could have elevated the emotional weight of the story.
Another minor issue is the heavy-handed melancholic tone. Nearly every NPC is cynical, self-loathing, or in despair, which can make the game feel a bit one-note emotionally. Lastly, progression can be frustrating due to vague map guidance—I spent a good chunk of time wandering aimlessly before stumbling upon a critical item by pure luck.
Overall, Should You Play Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist?
Despite minor gripes with the story and navigation, Ender Magnolia delivers an exceptional Metroidvania experience. The tight controls, satisfying ability progression, and breathtaking presentation make it one of the standout indie titles of the year. If you’re a fan of the genre, don’t sleep on this one like I did with the first game—it might just be 2025’s best indie release.
