Master of Magic

This article is about the 1994 video game. For the 1985 video game, see Master of Magic (1985 video game). For the 2022 video game, see Master of Magic (2022 video game).
Master of Magic
Developer(s)Simtex
Publisher(s)MicroProse
Producer(s)Douglas Kaufman
Designer(s)Steve Barcia
Programmer(s)Steve Barcia
Ken Burd
James Cowlishaw
Artist(s)Jeff Dee
Composer(s)George Sanger
David Govett
Platform(s)MS-DOS, PC-98, PlayStation, Windows
Release
September 1994
  • September 1994 (DOS)[1]
    • JP: December 6, 1996 (PC-98)
    • JP: January 17, 1997 (PS1)
    • JP: December 12, 1997 (Windows)
Genre(s)4X, turn-based strategy
Mode(s)Single-player

Master of Magic is a single-player, fantasy turn-based 4X strategy game[2] in which the player plays as a wizard attempting to dominate two linked worlds. From a small settlement, the player manages resources, builds cities and armies, and researches spells, growing an empire and fighting the other wizards.

The game was developed by Simtex and published by MicroProse for MS-DOS in 1994. Sometimes described as a fantasy-themed spin-off of classic Civilization or sci-fi themed Master of Orion, it has proven to be quite enduring, becoming a cult classic in its niche of fantasy-themed 4X strategy games. While it never received a direct sequel, a number of other games published since have been described as inspired by it, and reviewers and players remain divided on whether any has succeeded at recapturing the feeling and gameplay of the original.

Master of Magic's early versions had many bugs, and were heavily criticized by reviewers. The last official patch version 1.31, released in March 1995, fixed many of the bugs and implemented updates to the AI. The patched version was received more positively by reviewers.[3] The game was re-released in 2010 with Windows support on GOG.com. Slitherine Ltd. now owns the IP from Atari[4] and has added a DLC, as well as releasing the game on Steam.[5]

  1. ^ "Top-selling 'Master of Orion' and 'Master of Magic' Now Available on MS-DOS Disk and CD-ROM" (Press release). MicroProse. 1995-01-06. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  2. ^ Tom Chick (2002-01-17). "Insider: PC Retroview: Master of Orion II". IGN. Archived from the original on 2007-12-18. Retrieved 2007-11-19.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference ign was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Master of Magic on GOG.com". www.gog.com. Retrieved 2019-08-06.
  5. ^ Chalk, Andy (2020-02-26). "A 25-year-old strategy game just got new DLC and a Steam release". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2020-03-25.