If you recall in 2011, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica took a different spin of the magical girl genre focusing on the darker aspects. With that, similar anime series such as Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku and Mahou Shoujo Site followed the leader in the genre, especially the former. I have to admit that I still have to see the Rebellion movie and will do so someday.
Of course, the Madoka Magica franchise had two licensed games such as Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Portable and Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica The Battle Pentagram, which I reviewed. Besides these two games, there are actually a good number of mobile games based off the franchise as well. While they are only available in Japan only and short-lived, mobile gaming has evolved since then.
In 2017, eventually a new mobile game called Magia Record: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Side Story, which released for iPhones and Android smartphones. It features new characters along with other magical girls from other spinoffs. Currently, there is a stage play and manga adaptation with an anime adaptation coming later this year.
Synopsis (Chapter 1-2 spoilers)
Gameplay
Story/Battle System
The gameplay of Magia Record follows a visual novel/role-playing game format. Before a battle begins, you will see a cut scene. There are different story modes and events to choose from. Only the main story has character voice, which focuses on the adventures of Iroha as she finds her little sister in Kamihama City. Another Story, which is unlocked after beating the third chapter focuses the same story, but from the original cast’s point of view. There are also character stories, which focus on the magical girls themselves. Occasionally, there are time-limited events that provide additional stories pertaining to it. Lastly, there is Mirrors mode, which has its own story, which you face off other player’s team of magical girls.
The main gameplay plays like a role-playing game. You have up to five magical girls on the field. The actions you can take are determined by discs that appear at random. There are three different types. Charge attack allows you to increase the power of the next. Accele, which deals damage and increase the Magia gauge. Lastly, there is the Blast disk which attacks multiple enemies in a certain direction.
In addition to those three attacks, you can perform a Connect. This allows a magical girl to team up with another to defeat powerful enemies. In addition, there are skills, which are determined by Memoria that can help you defeat the enemies on the field.
Lastly there is Magia and Doppels. Once the Magia meter is filled, a magical girl can unleash a powerful attack called Magia. Lastly, there are Doppels. Only five-star rarity magical girls with level 5 Magia with the Doppel character story completed can use this skill. This skill allows magical girls to unleash their witch form to deal massive damage.
Gacha
Like with most mobile games, you do not necessarily need to buy in-game currency, Magia Stones to play. In fact, the game is rather generous as you will receive free Magia Stones from completing missions, story mode sections, special events, daily quests and login rewards. These Magia Stones are primarily used for the infamous Gacha, which is where you get new magical girls. You can also receive Memoria, which are cards that can boost stats and allow magical girls to use special skills and receive special effects.
Depending on the roll, you are guaranteed at least a two-star magical girl and a three-star magical girl/Memoria. If you are very unlucky after 100 rolls, you will receive a 4-star magical girl at random. However, this counter does not carry over for time-limited events.
In addition to Magia Stones, certain events will give you free items. These items include those that are required to awaken your magical girls and increase the Magia level. Also, certain enemies will drop items in addition to Crisis Chips. Crisis Chips are used as currency to power up magical girls and Memoria.
Conclusion
While the story is ongoing, the game itself is rather enjoyable and the story is interesting. Sure, the gameplay doesn’t go in-depth compared to the licensed games on the PlayStation Portable/Vita, but it still has some strategy. It’s impossible to defeat player vs player or higher difficulty event battles without the use of Memoria skills, careful usage of connects and so on. Still, it’s nice to see more Madoka Magica content coming out with an anime adaptation coming. After all, it’s been a little over four years since the last installment, Rebellion Story came out.
If you want to follow me, my account ID is hsCazBTX (Japanese only). The game is available on the Japanese iTunes and Google Play store using this guide. Additionally, the game is now available in English for the United States and Canada.
