As a visual novel based on a popular media franchise, some might assume that mebius and Bushiroad Games’s The Ancient Magus’ Bride Midsummer Pilgrimage is only for fans of the manga or anime. However, the introduction of new characters, an original story, and a helpful glossary make the game quite approachable as a standalone work, regardless of whether you’re familiar with the source material.
The tone of The Ancient Magus’ Bride Midsummer Pilgrimage is a mix of slice-of-life and dark fantasy. While there are sections (including the beginning) that delve into topics such as abandonment, depression, and loneliness, these are explored within a context of a magical world. For every somber subject discussed, there generally follows a period of rest and reflection, during which the player and the characters can take a breather to collect themselves.
Much of Midsummer Pilgrimage’s accessibility can be attributed to its two new protagonists, Sol, a four-legged faerie shunned by his peers, and Letty, an amnesiac human. Forced to flee London, they cross paths with several of the series’ main characters. Letty’s amnesia serves as the primary driving force of the narrative, with familiar faces such as Chise Hatori and Elias Ainsworth lending their aid.
Due to Letty’s amnesia and Sol’s unfamiliarity with human behavior, the game introduces the world of The Ancient Magus’ Bride in a way that feels natural to them and the players. Characters who are more knowledgeable on certain topics will give slight context to Sol and Letty. These topics come with expounded entries, which can be read at leisure from the “Glossary” tab in the pause menu.
The inclusion of new characters also lets players see the main cast from a new perspective. Chise, for instance, seems more mature and confident, as she goes out of her way to aid the two newcomers whenever possible. Though many of the original anime voice actors return, Midsummer Pilgrimage isn’t fully voiced. Apart from a few spoken words that signal the start of their dialogue, you’ll spend most of the game listening to the stellar classical soundtrack as you immerse yourself in the story. That said, there are some errors in the English translation which can detract from the overall experience.
Gameplay-wise, Midsummer Pilgrimage is primarily a linear visual novel. While there are some choices to be made, they aren’t too important and do not deviate from the overarching plot. There isn’t a tutorial when you first start the game, so be sure to pause it when you can (right click on PC) and open the “Guide” tab to view the controls.
As you progress through the main story, you will unlock side stories, which can be viewed from the “Side Story” tab in the main menu. These short, slice-of-life events delve deeper into the world and characters of The Ancient Magus Bride.
While the idea of two new protagonists might turn longtime fans off, their story is closely tied to the main cast. It can be slow at times, but The Ancient Magus’ Bride Midsummer Pilgrimage offers a refreshing look into the cohabitation between humans and faeries that anyone can learn to appreciate.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride Midsummer Pilgrimage is out now for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
