Settings: For the most part, anyone should be able to run this pixel-platformer, so the settings, while extant, are not extensive, and they don't really need to be. The one thing players need to ensure they have before purchase is a good, stable internet connection if they intend to play online; however, the game also offers local co-op which works just as well. A controller is highly recommended, and it is important to note that some bindings serve multiple functions, although in practice this does not tend to cause any issues.
Content: Blagmoz is a PVP platformer that offers a multitude of spells, potions, and various buffs to players in a multitude of fast-paced environments, each offering unique challenges and different map designs. The primary mechanical boosts rely on the controls, which are surprisingly tight in online play, and easy to pick up, even for players not familiar with platformers. The boosts themselves are based around sacrificing the corpses of your fellow wizards at altars that can be found on most maps, where each map constitutes a round of play. Wizards win a round by first eliminating others, and then escaping the ever-encroaching ooze; sometimes these must be done simultaneously. The game ends when one wizard achieves the set amount of round victories, allowing them to commune with the great frog itself.
The game may certainly prove challenging to new players, as most attacks, potions, and buffs are shrouded in intentional mystique. Wizards that emerge victorious maintain their buffs through the next screen, which may sometimes force players to band together to ensure that the playing field stays levelled. Otherwise, newer players may struggle to learn hidden mechanics or other secrets as more experienced or skilled players continuously succeed and maintain their streak. While there is a comeback mechanic in the form of a one-hit protection, it may prove difficult for the shielded player to ensure they have adequate resources to defeat the legendary wizard. The game does not, at the time of writing, offer a per-player handicap, and the comeback mechanic- while consistent- is only offered to the player who dies first most often.
That being said, exploring the various maps is a lot of fun. Each map is not only a different platforming environment and challenge, but also a unique arena, with each map requiring different tactics and offering multiple opportunities for players with various skillsets. For example, where one map may contain only sword and shield spells in relatively open terrain, another may require semi-precise platforming to achieve a special potion, and one other map might award players for eschewing battle entirely in favor of exploration, offering a large reward that will allow them to swiftly destroy whoever remains at the end of a skirmish. As such, while a lot can be experienced in the basic skirmish mode, especially given the potential discovery of secrets, mechanics, and particularly unique weapon tactics; the game seems like it would benefit from some variety of game modes, and it would be interesting to see team options for those that want to take on a wizard that continuously outshines the competition. This would allow the variety to flourish, and would offer new scenarios in which wizards could test their existing knowledge of what they learned through previous matches.
The game, in fact, already has a progress log and unlockables, and adding game modes to the list of content obtainable through play would give players large goals- potentially visible in the lobby- to work towards while they learned the basics and some more advanced tricks in the default skirmish mode.
In conclusion, it is important to mention that, in addition to the tight platforming controls and discovery aspect offered, Blagmoz's round-to-round variety is strengthened by the interesting weapons, potions, and, of course, the sacrifice/streak mechanic. For the low asking price, like similar titles in the genre, Blagmoz offers a lot for players to discover and unlock, making it a stand-out title in a relatively underappreciated list of games.
