Ender Lilies, the standout indie Metroidvania released in 2021, is set to receive a sequel, much to the delight of its devoted fanbase, myself included. Even if you haven’t experienced the first installment yet, the prospect of the upcoming sequel is undeniably enticing.
Titled Ender Magnolia: Blood In The Mist, the sequel was recently unveiled during the Nintendo Partner Direct. Despite being overshadowed by major announcements such as former Xbox exclusives going multiplatform, a revamped Star Wars Battlefront collection, and the Elden Ring DLC trailer, this visually stunning indie gem managed to capture attention.
While Ender Magnolia is confirmed for release on the Nintendo Switch later this year, details regarding its availability on other platforms remain undisclosed. Considering its predecessor’s launch on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, speculation suggests a possible timed exclusive strategy. Additional information about the game is slated for release on February 26, as indicated by a countdown on the official website.
The latest trailer showcases the sequel’s intriguing setting: an underground, desolate city inhabited by peculiar adversaries. A unique mechanic introduced allows players to recruit defeated enemies to their side, summoning them akin to a Persona emerging from the depths of one’s psyche. This twist promises to add depth to both combat and exploration.
The original Ender Lilies garnered widespread acclaim upon its release three years ago, earning a “Very Positive” rating based on over 28,000 Steam user reviews. Praised for its haunting atmosphere and cleverly concealed secrets, anticipation for its sequel is palpable. With its expected release later this year, I eagerly anticipate diving into the melancholic world of Ender Magnolia.
