The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the most iconic and beloved gaming consoles of all time. Released in 1985, it brought joy and excitement to millions of people around the world with its vast library of games, innovative controller design, and iconic characters. One of the lesser-known gems in the NES catalog is The Magic Candle series, a trilogy of puzzle-adventure games that were originally released in Japan as "Magic Castle" (, Majikku Kāsuto). In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Nintendo NES version of The Magic Candle series, including its gameplay, features, and age rating.

Gameplay Overview

The Magic Candle series is a collection of three games that follow the adventures of a young girl named Lily as she explores mysterious castles, solves puzzles, and battles enemies. Each game in the series builds upon the previous one, introducing new gameplay mechanics and challenges as you progress through the story.

In The Magic Candle: The First Story, players control Lily as she navigates the castle's twisting corridors, collecting items and solving puzzles to unlock new areas. As she delves deeper into the castle, Lily must confront various enemies, including ghosts and creatures that can only be defeated by using specific items or skills.

The second game in the series, The Magic Candle II: The Crystal of Dreams, introduces a new gameplay mechanic: the ability to control Lily's shadow. By manipulating the light and shadows, players can solve puzzles, unlock hidden paths, and even defeat enemies. However, this power also comes with a cost, as Lily must balance her time in the dream world with her need to return to reality.

The final game in the series, The Magic Candle III: Destiny of an Emperor, takes place in ancient China and features a more action-oriented gameplay style. Players control a young emperor as he navigates treacherous politics, solves puzzles, and battles enemies to claim his rightful throne.

Features

One of the standout features of The Magic Candle series is its attention to detail and immersive storytelling. Each game in the series boasts beautiful hand-drawn graphics, with intricate designs and animations that bring the game world to life. The soundtracks are equally impressive, featuring catchy and memorable tunes that perfectly capture the game's atmosphere.

Another notable feature of the series is its emphasis on exploration and discovery. Players must use their wits and problem-solving skills to uncover hidden secrets and areas within each castle. This approach creates a sense of depth and replayability, making each playthrough feel like a new adventure.

Age Rating

The Magic Candle series has been rated by various organizations for its suitability for children. In Japan, the games were originally rated "All Ages" (, Zenkyū), indicating that they were suitable for all ages, including young children. However, when the games were released in North America and Europe, the rating was changed to "E" (Everyone) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

In terms of age suitability, The Magic Candle series is generally considered suitable for players aged 7 and above. While the games are not excessively violent or scary, they do contain some mild puzzle-solving challenges and occasional boss battles that may be too intense for younger children.

Conclusion

The Magic Candle series is a hidden gem in the NES library, offering a unique blend of puzzle-adventure gameplay, immersive storytelling, and beautiful graphics. With its emphasis on exploration and discovery, this trilogy is sure to appeal to fans of classic gaming who are looking for a challenge that will keep them engaged for hours.

If you're interested in trying out The Magic Candle series, be sure to look for the NES version, which features updated graphics and sound compared to the original Japanese releases. With its "E" rating from the ESRB, this trilogy is suitable for players of all ages who are looking for a fun and challenging gaming experience.

Gaming Platforms

The Magic Candle series has been released on various platforms over the years, including:

• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
• Super Famicom (Japan only)
• PlayStation Network (PSN) as part of the "Classic Games" collection
• Virtual Console for Wii, Wii U, and 3DS

Sequels and Related Media

While there are no direct sequels to The Magic Candle series, fans of the trilogy may also enjoy other puzzle-adventure games from the same era, such as the "Dragon Warrior" series or the "Kid Icarus" series. Additionally, a fan-made remake of The Magic Candle III: Destiny of an Emperor was released in 2016, which features updated graphics and sound.

In conclusion, The Magic Candle series is a must-play for fans of classic gaming who are looking for a unique and challenging experience. With its beautiful graphics, immersive storytelling, and puzzle-adventure gameplay, this trilogy is sure to appeal to players of all ages.

Trivia

• The original Japanese version of The Magic Candle: The First Story was released in 1991 and received positive reviews from critics.
• The game's soundtrack was composed by Yoko Shimomura, who would later go on to become a renowned video game composer.
• The series' protagonist, Lily, was inspired by the creator's own childhood experiences exploring castles and solving puzzles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Magic Candle series is a hidden gem in the NES library that offers a unique blend of puzzle-adventure gameplay, immersive storytelling, and beautiful graphics. With its emphasis on exploration and discovery, this trilogy is sure to appeal to fans of classic gaming who are looking for a challenge that will keep them engaged for hours.

If you're interested in trying out The Magic Candle series, be sure to look for the NES version, which features updated graphics and sound compared to the original Japanese releases. With its "E" rating from the ESRB, this trilogy is suitable for players of all ages who are looking for a fun and challenging gaming experience.

Final Verdict

The Magic Candle series is an underappreciated gem in the NES library that offers a unique blend of puzzle-adventure gameplay, immersive storytelling, and beautiful graphics. While it may not be as well-known as some other classic games from the era, this trilogy is sure to appeal to fans of classic gaming who are looking for a challenge that will keep them engaged for hours.

With its "E" rating from the ESRB, The Magic Candle series is suitable for players of all ages who are looking for a fun and challenging gaming experience. So if you're looking for a new adventure to embark on, be sure to check out this classic trilogy and discover why it's a must-play for fans of classic gaming.