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Ikenfell is an endearing tactical RPG that gave me earwormsIt’s showtime
It’s showtime
Magic is weird. And, since an Ordinary (non-magical person) suddenly getting magic is also deemed weird inIkenfell, it stands to reason that it’s practically guaranteed to happen. We can only assume the odds become even higher as the Ordinary ventures closer to the big magical fantasy school, which protagonist Maritte quickly discovers. Upon approaching the gate in search of her missing sister, Safina, Maritte suddenly starts to sling fiery spells.
Those new spells certainly come in handy, as Maritte finds herself fired up (hehe, geddit?) and ready to fight through this Paper Mario-style tactical RPG. Along with some of Saf’s old friends, you explore the titular school and surrounding areas, searching for clues that might help unravel the mystery. Ikenfell has challenging combat and lots of little secrets hidden in its 8-bit world, but it’s the loveable bunch of pals (both allies and rivals) that really made me smile. Oh, and some of them have killer theme tunes that I can’t stop singing.
Ikenfell | Launch TrailerWatch on YouTube
Ikenfell | Launch Trailer
Image credit:Humble Games
There are occasional upbeat notes that fill you with hope, no doubt matching Petronella’s feelings while meeting Saf’s sister for the first time, but it’s always tinged with sadness. Like Petronella, it’s a nervous beat, one that’s unsure about embracing that hopefulness. As Maritte goes to leave, Petronella remains slumped until the last second, when they jump up and sprint after you. Again, a small touch, but that last-second decision to confront their anxieties and join the adventure reiterates why Petronella was an instant favourite.
Ikenfell is full of similarly cosy tunes, warm bops that try so hard to sell that Ikenfell is nice and lovely, that it’s immediately obvious that it’s actually fuckin sinister and should be avoided. And they’re all stuck in my head. Ikenfell has a fantastic soundtrack, and I can’t stop humming along.
Well, just humming would be one thing. But there’s also this. Perhaps the best song ever:
It’s Showtime! - Gilda’s ThemeWatch on YouTube
It’s Showtime! - Gilda’s Theme
This is the theme song for Gilda, a fellow student who has a crush on Maritte and occasionally shows up to swoon over her while they have a duel. Gilda is full of energy, and how can you not feel equally pumped after listening to “It’s Showtime”? It’s been stuck in my head for weeks, popping up at the most inopportune moments. Just as I’m dozing off to sleep, I hear the beat kick in. When I’m trying to write words and make coherent points, the lyrics are just looping around in my noggin. An absolute banger. An all-time classic. A bestest best tune. Someone please help get it out of my head.
