Ender Magnolia: Bloom In The Mist is a Metroidvania game where you embark on an adventure with Lilac, an Attuner, aimed at restoring her memories while navigating the hazardous Land of Fumes. To thrive in this world, you’ll need to rely on both your allies and your own skills.
For newcomers to this genre, the game can be quite challenging, and it’s important to learn some key strategies early on to ensure a smoother late-game experience. Here are some helpful tips to get you started, allowing you to tackle the various obstacles encountered in the Land of Fumes.
Explore Every Nook and Cranny
In Ender Magnolia, you’ll find that there are often secrets hidden throughout each map section. When you check your map, it indicates whether you’ve fully explored an area, so remember to pay attention to those details.
Moreover, keep an eye out for invisible walls in certain zones—these walls can be challenging to spot, so exploring every corner of each section is a smart strategy to uncover hidden areas.
If you notice a portion of the map displayed in blue, it signifies that you’ve completed that section. Conversely, a gray section indicates that there are still secrets waiting to be found.
Sometimes you’ll encounter sections that can’t be fully completed until you acquire specific powers. Therefore, it’s a good idea to regularly glance at your map to ensure you haven’t overlooked anything and to return later when you’re better equipped.
Break Everything That Can Be Broken
While breakable objects might not be plentiful, it’s always worthwhile to attack them when you spot one. These objects can yield various forms of currency or even rare items. Just be cautious as some enemies may disguise themselves as breakables.
Even though these objects will respawn, giving you multiple chances to collect items, it’s beneficial to aim for any that seem like they could be interactable.
To identify objects that you can break, look for sparkling surfaces. These often indicate that a hit will yield something valuable.
Embrace the Challenge of Dying
If you find yourself repeatedly dying while facing tough opponents, don’t get discouraged. The game imposes minimal penalties for death in regular modes, requiring you only to return to the last respite and make your way back to the fight.
This feature is particularly useful against bosses. With respites generally located nearby, you can afford to learn the enemy’s patterns and improve your skills without severe consequences.
Invest in Magic Vials
Magic Vials are crucial items that expand your relic slots. You can discover them through exploration or purchase them at the Craftory. Given that you can equip multiple relics—many of which require more than one slot—it’s wise to invest in Magic Vials to maximize your gear setup.
When you buy Magic Vials from the Craftory, keep in mind that their price increases with each purchase. Despite the rising costs, the benefits they provide make them worthwhile, so don’t hesitate to spend generously.
Learn Enemy Attack Patterns
Every enemy in the game gives off visual signals before attacking. Learning to read these cues can significantly reduce the number of times you die.
If you opt for a custom difficulty setting, note that the visual cues can be turned off, but if you’re playing on standard mode, take advantage of the indicators. Generally, you’ll notice that enemies’ eyes may glow shortly before they strike, although some may display different cues depending on their type or attack.
Use Dashing to Enhance Mobility
To reach seemingly unreachable platforms, try executing a dash right after each jump. A typical double jump may not suffice, but combining jumps with dashes can maximize your distance.
If you’re having trouble with mobility, wait until you gain access to the Attuner’s Cloak, which will enhance your jumping and dashing abilities further.
Fast Travel Is Always an Option
While playing, you can’t change equipment or abilities unless you’re resting at a respite. However, fast travel is an exception—you can access it from nearly anywhere.
This ability unlocks as you progress through the main story, allowing you to return to respites you’ve previously visited easily. This feature is helpful for backtracking to explore areas you haven’t fully cleared.
Utilize Your Surroundings
The environment in Ender Magnolia offers various ways to assist you in both exploration and combat. For instance, use lifts to gain height, enabling you to reach platforms that might otherwise be out of reach.
You can also use water strategically—if you knock an enemy into it during combat, they’re often defeated instantly. This tactic works for foes that are airborne as well.
Keep an eye out for enemies positioned near edges. Instead of jumping directly, consider luring them away from the ledge or waiting for a better opportunity to leap safely. Utilizing ranged attacks can also be a smart approach in these situations.
Remember, adaptability and thoroughness are key in navigating this intriguing world filled with secrets and challenges. So gear up, keep these tips in mind, and dive into your adventure!