Simon the Sorcerer Origins: A Magical Return to Sarcasm and Spellcraft

When I first played Simon the Sorcerer back in the early 1990s, it was unlike anything else on my PC. Adventure Soft’s quirky point‑and‑click title stood out because it didn’t take itself too seriously. Instead of a noble hero, we got Simon: a sarcastic teenager who stumbled into a magical world and spent most of his time mocking it. That blend of irreverent humour, eccentric characters, and clever puzzles made the game unforgettable. So when I heard that Smallthing Studios was developing Simon the Sorcerer Origins as a prequel, I was both excited and nervous. Could they capture the spirit of the original while updating it for modern consoles like the Nintendo Switch? After playing it, I can say they’ve managed to do just that and in some ways, they’ve even surpassed expectations.

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a prequel that explores how Simon’s adventures first began, pulling him from his ordinary teenage life into a bizarre and magical world. Summoned by forces he doesn’t understand, Simon quickly discovers that his arrival is tied to an ancient prophecy, one that could decide the fate of this enchanted realm. At first, he’s a reluctant hero, sarcastic, skeptical, and more interested in finding a way home than saving anyone but as he journeys through twelve puzzle-filled chapters, he begins to embrace the strange responsibilities thrust upon him.

From the opening moments, it’s clear that this isn’t just a cash‑in revival. The developers have treated the source material with respect, while also giving it a fresh identity. The environments are lush and colourful, brimming with detail that makes the magical world feel alive in a way the pixelated original could only hint at. Chris Barrie’s voice work as Simon adds a whole new dimension to the character; his dry delivery perfectly matches Simon’s sarcastic personality, and it often made me laugh out loud. The writing is sharp, poking fun at fantasy clichés while weaving in plenty of references that long‑time fans will recognize. It feels like the developers understood that Simon’s humour was the heart of the series, and they’ve doubled down on it.

Simon the Sorcerer Origins plays like a love letter to classic point‑and‑click adventures, but with a modern polish that makes it approachable today. You’ll guide Simon through colourful, hand‑drawn environments, poking at objects, collecting odd trinkets, and figuring out how they fit together in delightfully unexpected ways. Beyond item‑based puzzles, Simon dabbles in spellcasting and potion brewing, adding magical twists to the problem‑solving. Conversations with eccentric characters are just as important as exploration, with witty banter often hiding clues or simply delivering a laugh. The result is gameplay that stays true to the series’ irreverent spirit while welcoming newcomers into Simon’s mischievous magical world.

The puzzles are another highlight. Unlike some of the more obscure logic leaps of 90s adventure games, Origins keeps things fair, rewarding experimentation and exploration. Even when I tried something ridiculous, the game often responded with a witty line or gag, which made the process enjoyable. The pacing is slower than modern action titles, but that’s part of the charm and it encourages you to soak in the world, talk to characters, and enjoy the humour rather than rush through it.

What struck me most was how Origins manages to expand Simon’s backstory without losing the essence of what made him great. This isn’t just a re-tread of old jokes; it’s a genuine attempt to flesh out Simon’s reluctant journey into wizardry. The humour is unapologetically British, which may not land for everyone, but for me it’s exactly what makes the game stand out. It’s rare to see a modern title embrace that kind of wit so wholeheartedly, and it reminded me why I loved the original in the first place.

By the time I finished, I felt a mix of nostalgia and satisfaction. Simon the Sorcerer Origins isn’t just a prequel, it’s a celebration of the franchise. On Nintendo Switch, it runs smoothly, with crisp visuals and responsive controls for a handheld game. For those of us who grew up with Simon, it feels like reconnecting with an old friend who hasn’t lost his edge. For new players, it’s a witty, charming introduction to a genre that thrives on imagination and humour that everyone should experience.

Pros

• Faithful to the humour and charm of the original

• Excellent voice acting from Chris Barrie

• Vibrant visuals that bring the world to life

• Clever puzzles that balance challenge and accessibility

• Nostalgic callbacks blended with fresh storytelling

Cons

• Pacing may feel slow for players used to fast‑paced games

• Humour is very British, which may not appeal to everyone

• Occasional interface quirks

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is more than just a revival, it’s proof that point‑and‑click adventures still have a place in modern gaming. It’s a love letter to fans who grew up with Simon, but it’s also a welcoming entry point for newcomers curious about the genre. By combining sharp writing, clever puzzles, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, Smallthing Studios has delivered a game that feels both timeless and fresh. For me, it was a magical reminder of why I fell in love with Simon all those years ago, and I couldn’t be happier to see him back in the spotlight.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is Available Now!