Madou Monogatari: Tower of the Magician

About

Madou Monogatari: Tower of the Magician is a first-person dungeon-crawler from Compile that blends exploration with turn-based combat. You play as Schezo, a power-hungry mage climbing a towering labyrinth in search of cosmic energy. The game emphasizes methodical progression through shifting rooms and puzzles, with battles resolved via strategic button mashing and spellcasting. Key encounters include a rivalry with a smirking demon named Incubus and a climactic showdown against a resurrected evil spirit. The story follows Schezo’s moral ambiguity as he balances ambition with fleeting moments of hesitation, all while navigating a structure that feels less like a traditional dungeon and more like a character in itself. Released in 1997, this title predates many modern dungeon-crawlers but remains a cult favorite for its tight mechanics and eerie atmosphere. The tower’s ever-changing layout and the simplicity of its combat system have aged well, offering a raw experience that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly modern. Though it lacks the series’ usual charm, fans of retro RPGs often cite its influence on later entries in the Madou Monogatari lineup. Its underdog status and unpolished edges make it a curiosity for players seeking something offbeat.

Storyline

After coming across a book in a library that recounted Wish's triumph over the evil mage Dark Matter, Schezo resolves to absorb her cosmic powers and begins his ascent up her tower. Upon arriving he finds Witch, Wish's granddaughter, who is taking her certification exam under her grandmother's supervision. However due to Schezo's presence, her certification comes to a halt. He encounters Incubus, who flirts with Witch and tries to gift Tenori Zoh to her as a romantic gesture. Under the assumption that Schezo is competing for Witch's attention, the two fight and Schezo wins, claiming Tenori Zoh for himself. Schezo, Witch, and Tenori Zoh continue their trek up the winding tower and find a dark energy overflowing near its peak. At the top, they find the spirit of Dark Matter who had returned from the dead to haunt Wish. Witch lends Schezo some of her magic power, and he duels Dark Matter, and then Wish under the influence of Dark Matter. Once defeated, Dark Matter's spirit explodes and Wish is left unconscious. Schezo promptly returns the borrowed magic power to Witch and she verifies that her grandmother is alright, only for Schezo to challenge Wish once again in an attempt to take her power. Wish, to his surprise, does not protest and merely hopes that when he takes her power, he will make it even stronger. Schezo, regrettably, decides not to take Wish's power as Dark Matter had already consumed so much of it. He opts to take Tenori Zoh with him and promises to challenge Wish to a fair fight once her power returns.