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Review of Magic Carpet on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Jan 1996
Cover image of Magic Carpet on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 01 Jan 1996
Genre: Action
Developer: Bullfrog Productions & Krisalis Software
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Introduction

Once upon a time, in a world of mystical carpets and rogue wizards, *Magic Carpet* flew its way onto the PlayStation, making us question the last time we vacuumed our floors. Released in 1996, this game promised adventure, danger, and a whole lot of floating around like it was your daily yoga practice. So, fasten your seatbelt (or rather, your carpet), as we dive head-first into the whimsical world of magical flying shenanigans.

Gameplay

Imagine being a wizard-not a cuddly, wise old one, but a magic-slinging, spell-casting powerhouse zooming across a vibrant, textured world on your very own carpet. Who needs airplanes anyway? Your mission is as clear as your vision (if you wear bifocals, that might be a challenge). Gather 'mana'-a fancy term for magical energy-through balloons and the wreckage of defeated enemy wizards and their castles. Yes, I said 'defeat'; it's not all about making friends. Once you've gathered enough mana, you pop it into your castle to help grow your dominion. Forget Tinder; this is how you build relationships in *Magic Carpet*. Each world is like a small sphere of chaos, with enemies popping up faster than your ex at a party. There are over 45 worlds filled with rival wizards and more creatures than Harry Potter could handle. Spoiler alert: winning battles means leveling up your castle, summoning defensive balloons (which oddly punch above their weight in protection), and unleashing magical spells that make firework displays look like sparklers. What's cool? The flying mechanics! Navigate in a 3D space with a carpet that handles like a helicopter. You'll soar over mountains, glide above oceans, and occasionally slam into the invisible walls of video game engineering. No crashing-this carpet magically rises when it approaches obstacles. Now, if only it could help us avoid social awkwardness too. Not to mention, if you ever die (don't worry, there's no real permanence), you respawn at your castle. It's like having your own personal fairy godmother, minus the sparkles and glitter (unless you cast that spell, of course).

Graphics

Looking back, *Magic Carpet* pushed the graphical boundaries of the day like it was trying to bench press a small car. The 3D environments were stunning for the '90s, with colors brighter than your mom's hope for grandchildren and textures that tried (and mostly succeeded) to create a fulfilling visual experience. The maps are varied and teeming with life, chaotic colors, and spell effects that light up the area like a disco party on a Monday night. While today's graphics might laugh at its pixelation, it was cutting-edge for its time. If you were to craft a therapy carpet for nostalgia therapy, this would be the pad you'd plop down on. Just avoid the stains.

Conclusion

*Magic Carpet* may not have made its mark as a top-tier title in the gaming pantheon, but it deserves a trove of respect. It is a whimsical, spellbinding journey that offers a cocktail of strategy and arcade-style action that'll keep you coming back for more. Sure, playing it today may elicit some chuckles at its quirks, but isn't that the charm? Whether you're a wizard at heart or just someone looking for a good laugh while riding high on your golden carpet, *Magic Carpet* delivers a joyride worth taking. So, do yourself a favor-grab a controller and prepare for takeoff on this magical adventure where the skies are yours! And remember: no flying carpets were harmed in the making of this game!

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