Shout out to the team at Smallthing Studios and ININ for providing a copy of this game for me to check out. Before diving into my thoughts on Simon the Sorcerer Origins, let’s rewind a bit to bring you up to speed on the franchise and why this new release carries the subtitle Origins.
🧙 Who is Simon the Sorcerer?
Back in 1993, the very first Simon the Sorcerer game introduced players to a sarcastic, teenage wizard who stumbled into a magical world full of puzzles, humor, and eccentric characters. While the series became a cult classic in the UK—spanning eight games (that include spinoffs)—many players in the States never crossed paths with Simon.
That’s where Origins comes in. Released on October 27, 2025, this vibrant entry takes place just weeks before the events of the original 1993 adventure, serving as both a prequel and a fresh + entertainment entry point for new audiences. For me, this was my very first time stepping into Simon’s shoes, and I can see why the franchise has endured for three decades.
🎨 First Impressions: Hand-Drawn Charm
What immediately caught my eye was the hand-drawn animation style. As an artist, I always appreciate when developers take the time to craft visuals that feel alive and personal. The game’s look is a refreshing change of pace in today’s market, and it pairs beautifully with the point-and-click puzzle adventure format.
Playing on Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch will feel natural, especially with touchscreen support. The humor is sharp and sarcastic—true to the series’ roots—but I do wonder if younger players (10 and up) will catch all the jokes and punchlines throughout your adventure.
🎮 Gameplay: Puzzles, Patience, and Payoff
In my first 30 minutes of gameplay, I quickly realized that Origins is unapologetically a point-and-click adventure. That means:
- Puzzle-solving is the core mechanic. You’ll need to think creatively, combine items, and pay attention to dialogue to progress.
- Patience is rewarded. Unlike fast-paced action games, this genre teaches players to slow down, observe, and problem-solve. For parents, that’s an underrated perk—kids can build patience and critical thinking while still having fun.
- The payoff feels earned. Solving a tricky puzzle and unlocking the next step in Simon’s journey delivers a genuine sense of accomplishment.
The story sets you against the villainous Sordid, whose sinister ambitions you’ll work to foil—all while enjoying the game’s witty banter and gorgeous art.
🕹️ Accessibility and Play Options
Whether you prefer touchscreen, keyboard and mouse, or controller, the game adapts well. If you’ve never played a point-and-click before, the pacing may feel slower than other genres, but if you enjoy games that challenge your inner detective, Origins is a great entry point.
💰 Price and Value
At $24.99, this is a solid pickup for fans of narrative-driven adventures or anyone curious about the genre.
- Nostalgia - The intro alone feels like a time capsule. Having original voice actor Chris Barrie return is a huge win for longtime fans.
- Art Style - Hand-drawn animations shine, even if some backgrounds feel less fleshed out. The style intentionally nods to the past, which older fans will appreciate.
- 33 Hidden Achievements - For achievement hunters, you will have to get your search on to nab these achievements because they're not easily presented to you.
👨👩👧 Passing the Torch
To me, Origins feels like it’s designed for parents who grew up with Simon and now want to introduce their kids to a game from their childhood (in a new way that they'd also want to partake in). That’s not a bad thing—it’s a tried-and-true approach. Just keep in mind that the humor leans older, and the pacing may test younger players’ patience.
Still, if your kids enjoy movie franchises like Harry Potter and shows like The Investigators, and you want them to flex their problem-solving skills, Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a fun and affordable way to do so.
Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a lovingly crafted indie adventure that balances nostalgia with accessibility. It may not be for everyone, but for those willing to shift and embrace the puzzles, it’s a rewarding journey worth taking. There are a number of point-and-click games being made today, so there is an audience and one feather I can put into the wizard's cap of this game is that some don't allow you to use controllers.
Overall, I recommend giving different genres a whirl, because you never know what you’re missing out on—or the skills they can ultimately help you develop. I also believe it can work in the USA because more gamers from the States have watched enough content from the UK to understand more of the comedy. If you have children who enjoy shows like The Investigators, or you want to encourage them to think more critically and challenge themselves to figure things out (a great skill for life overall), then a game like Simon the Sorcerer Origins can help with that while delivering a solid experience at the same time without breaking the bank.
