“Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist” is scheduled for a full release on January 22, 2025, across PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This follows an early access period on Steam that began in May 2024.
The final version of the game will feature around 35 hours of content, a significant increase from its predecessor, “Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights,” which has an estimated 12-hour main story length. Players often completed it in approximately 14 hours, including forays into new game modes.
The anticipation for “Ender Magnolia” has been high, particularly after the enjoyable experience with “Ender Lilies.” Released in 2021, this game was a notable entry on the best Metroidvania games list and was acquired through PlayStation Plus. The engaging gameplay led to an extended play session, resulting in the decision to order a physical PS4 copy, demonstrating a strong appreciation for the game’s style and mechanics.
“Ender Lilies” is often compared to “Hollow Knight,” described as a more somber variant of the acclaimed Metroidvania. The game featured fast-paced 2D action, a compelling narrative, and RPG elements that allowed for flexible gameplay. Despite some minor flaws, the overall experience was so positive that there was a clear demand for more content, making the announcement of “Ender Magnolia” particularly exciting.
Typically, modern Metroidvanias have a playtime range of 10 to 20 hours. “Hollow Knight” stands out with its longer duration, averaging around 27 hours and more for full completion. The upcoming “Ender Magnolia,” with its expected 35-hour playtime, is poised to exceed its predecessor significantly and become one of the more extensive recent titles in the genre.
Initial reception of “Ender Magnolia” has been favorable, with over 3,700 “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews on Steam. The game continues the thematic and gameplay approach of “Ender Lilies” but introduces refined features, including upgrades to the map and difficulty settings. These improvements suggest that “Ender Magnolia” will enhance the successful elements of its predecessor while delivering a more polished experience.
