Dear reader wondering if this game is worth it: it is. Everybody talk about how great the game is in the other comments, you can go and read those instead. I myself can't wait to start

But can we talk for a second about the layout? Light text on dark and evocative pictures, a bold choice of colors and fonts, and it WORKs. Seriously, this game makes a cliche gothic font just... work like it's nothing.
The destructurated page layout makes me think of mork borg -OK, which destructurated page layout wouldn't? - and I love it.
And here comes the best part: the credit section informs you that IT. WAS. MADE. ON. POWERPOINT.

I'm truly in awe, both at the game desing and at the tenacity and spite needed to pull this of.
Dear author, congrats.

Great game! I played some months ago a session and I found it deeply touching. My unnamed magus even had a happy ending, although he left behind all his magic. You can read the actual play (in spanish) in my blog: The Magus, review and actual play. Yes, in a blog, not in a video; I'm a traditionalist ;)

A deep and tragic game about ambition and isolation. Magus tempts you twice fold with impossible odds. First, embark on the path of power without ever losing control. Second, to be strong without ever being vulnerable.

My first session felt like a marathon of blood. From the beginning, Magus plays the clever trick of presenting you an out: "Perhaps the best course of action you could take is to never play". The text clearly shows how dangerous your journey of power can be. The world could be pummeled to dust if you made one simple mistake. But your path as a Magus almost feels too simple to fail. Make a compromise here, stay the path once in a while there and grab power when it's safest. What could ever go wrong with you at the helm?

Then you do make a mistake. And sacrifices must be made. But it's okay. You have power. And there are plenty of people to take the blow for you. You took on a debt for them. Now would be their turn. When the dominoes finally start falling in front of you, you will have already convinced yourself you still hold all the cards.

I really recommend taking a weekend to play this. If not give it a read.

The Magus was my first solo RPG and it was so fun. I'm a writer trying to defeat a writer's block and similiar exercises like these are perfect for that! If the physical copy ever released outside of italy I would love to buy it! 

The Magus is an indescribable experience. As a writer and huge RPG fan, I was surprised by both the quality of the game and the creativity behind the prompts. In general, I had a lot of fun playing it (it took me just one day, since I was so involved with my characters and the overall experience of the game that I lost track of time). 

As it turns out, a few kind people left reviews but unfortunately Itch does not display them. I hope it is alright I share them here.

@ClaytonNotestine says:

The Magus casts serious design magic. In addition to being a phenomenal solo rpg that makes you feel like a ruminating mage, it's also a feat in visual and graphic design. Momatoes has taken ethereal, moody artwork and made it crackle on the page. 

If you're looking for a reason to write and want it to linger ages after, I can't recommend this game enough

@PaulCzege says:

Beautiful and impactful! Solo games are so much fun!

5 Stars!

A great solo game. The layout is immersive and brings its own kind of tone transmission. The prompts are great and the spiralling sensation of having to sacrifice something (control or bonds) in order to gain power is really well designed.

Even the world building phase is well thought and helped me build the backbone of my story.

A kinda review in french : https://www.gulix.fr/blog/2021/05/22/lecture-de-role-de-la-diversite-du-jeu/

A fantastic journaling game that balances naked ambition against the need for others. Very apt themes for people who are developing skills in our current climate.

Spell creation is a delight, as is the disconcerting art and madness layout. It's all a very tight, fun package!