Whimel Academy Early Access has been announced to release on Steam this October 2024!
Indie developer Impossible Home gears up for the release of her much-awaited game, Whimel Academy. The early access of the cozy, witchy game will be available on Steam for PC players starting October 9th, just in time for spooky season. The launch adds to the growing list of cozy games for those looking to relax after a long, tiring day. If you’re looking for a life sim with a twist of magic and mystery, this is the game for you!
All About the Cozy Game Whimel Academy
The game is set in a sprawling academy for witches and wizards. Whimel Academy promises a unique mix of life simulation, spell-casting combat, and a rich story among its characters. Like most sims, the game allows players to take part in quests and decorate their rooms however they like.
Whimel Academy is a famous magic school where students can take a variety of magic classes and meet other people. Through time management, players must find ways to balance their studies and hobbies, while trying to earn some extra cash. Additionally, there’s a line of characters to meet and build relationships with. Through this whimsical fantasy world, players can enjoy the cozy atmosphere and relaxed gameplay after a long day.
Cozy and Casual Gameplay Mechanics
The game starts with your enrollment to Whimel Magic Academy. You need to decide how to make use of your limited time while making the most out of your student life. You also have to pay attention to your health points and income, which can be obtained by taking part-time jobs.
As students, you take magic classes in the academy and interact with your fellow students. By doing this, you can build relationships with other characters and might also romance any of your choice. Characters have deep and interesting storylines which are unlocked through various conversations and interactions. Each NPC has a unique personality and deep narratives ready to be explored. Most of all, you get to have a pet cat!
Players can specialize in different tracks of magic throughout the game. There are different attributes to level and specialize in, such as physical, mental, emotional, and magical attributes. Additionally, players can combine different stats that would ultimately grant one of the 30+ possible endings upon graduation. The game map showcases the dining hall, classroom, shop, and dorms for players to navigate. By taking new classes, players can unlock new locations and meet new characters around the academy.
Aside from its low-stake gameplay, Whimel Academy‘s 2D watercolor art style is a pleasing sight. The elaborate colors and mystical graphics play a big part in categorizing this game as a cozy must-have. The way the characters are drawn easily reminds you of your favorite Ghibli films and characters. Some fans who’ve played the demo noticed the similarity of the character Theodore to Howl Pendragon from the famous Ghibli movie, Howl’s Moving Castle. Theodore is one of the few characters you meet throughout the academy.
A quiet and gentle person, you can find Theo in the library most of the times. 📘He likes to drink black tea when reading, despite knowing the risk XD ☕️#cozygames #visualnovel pic.twitter.com/jhQZ1R72Ay
— ✨ Whimel Academy | Out Now! 🌙🔮 (@whimel_academy) August 13, 2024
Whimel Academy Key Features
Every game that has ever been released has some key features tied to it. In Whimel Academy’s case, here is a list of those features:
• Whimsical Worldbuilding
Enter a fascinating fantasy universe that transports players to a magical dimension with its delightful details, comfortable ambiance, and slice-of-life events.
• Back to Basics
Players need to manage their time well, striking a balance between their personal well-being, friendships, extracurricular activities, and classes.
• An Approachable Adventure
By using pronouns, having a diverse cast of characters, and placing a strong emphasis on individual well-being, Whimel Academy aims to promote inclusivity.
• Get Working
Work part-time to get money, or try making things and selling them to make money. Gain proficiency in cooking, painting, potion-making, and other skills; as you advance, you can access better ingredients and make more money.
• Find Your Own Path
By concentrating on your interests, you may customize your character’s journey and create over 30 different endings depending on your choices and achievements during the game.
• Friendships Await
Develop deep relationships with your classmates and consider love options with Whimel’s many in-game personalities.
Reasons for Whimel Academy Early Access Release
Like any new game release and patch updates, bugs and unexpected crashes are likely to appear. Hence, the developer Impossible Home allowed players to give feedback via test plays, extended demo, and early access release. Upon opening the game, players can see the ‘Bug Report’ button on the title screen where they can give their feedback and evaluation of the game’s technical performance.
The game will be in early access for 12 months with a fully playable storyline, 20 activities, and 5 interactable characters. During this period, the developer expects the community to honestly give feedback and bug reports, as well as their opinion on the balance and quality of life in the game.
Whimel Academy Is a Sure-Fire Banger That We Are Eagerly Waiting For
Not a lot of games offer that cozy yet detailed approach to gaming that Whimel Academy does. I can already see how successful the game will be once it’s released.
In that note, stay tuned and catch the gaming current with GameEels and for more details on Whimel Academy. Be sure to read our other news articles and check back here for the latest news and updates as the game gets closer to its release!