Simon the Sorcerer Origins Review: Classic British Adventure Revived for Nintendo Switch
Simon the Sorcerer Origins marks the long-awaited return of one of Europe’s signature point-and-click adventures, now available on Nintendo Switch.
Originally debuting in 1993, the Simon the Sorcerer series from Adventure Soft built a dedicated following across Europe with its witty humor, memorable characters, and inventive puzzles.
While the franchise didn’t make as significant an impact in North America, Simon the Sorcerer Origins aims to bridge that divide, offering a prequel storyline designed to entertain nostalgia-driven fans and fresh newcomers alike. Simon the Sorcerer Origins acts as a narrative precursor to the original game, set just weeks before Simon dons his iconic robes or confronts his arch-nemesis, Sordid.
For new players, it serves as an accessible entry point, untethered to previous knowledge of Simon’s world.
Meanwhile, veteran fans will appreciate the cleverly woven references and signature fourth-wall-breaking humor throughout the adventure.
Notably, the story takes on a more earnest tone than its predecessors, but it’s balanced by the self-aware, comedic spirit the series is known for. A major highlight is the return of Chris Barrie, known for his role in Red Dwarf, who reprises the voice of Simon.
Barrie’s performance brings a sardonic wit to Simon’s dialogues and asides, injecting humor even as the game explores more serious themes.
According to statements from ININ Games, Barrie was enthusiastic to rejoin the project, helping rekindle the ‘snarky wizard’ persona fans fondly remember. Gameplay remains true to the classic point-and-click formula, with intuitive controls on Nintendo Switch supporting both docked and handheld modes.
Players can choose between traditional controller inputs and the touch screen in portable mode, offering flexibility for varied playstyles.
Modern quality of life improvements, such as quick hotspot cycling, reduce pixel-hunting frustrations; however, navigation and inventory puzzles retain an old-school challenge.
The game rarely holds the player’s hand—missed clues or dismissed text can mean backtracking or testing every possible combination to progress.
Players seeking more contemporary hints may find Simon the Sorcerer Origins refreshingly traditional, if occasionally demanding. The puzzle design largely avoids the more outlandish logic leaps of older adventure games, instead focusing on fair, context-driven challenges.
While a difficult endgame sequence may recall classics of the genre, the majority of puzzles are manageable for both newcomers and experienced fans.
The game’s audiovisual presentation is another standout, replacing the series’ late-90s foray into awkward 3D with crisp, expressive 2D art and a lively soundtrack that enhances the magical atmosphere of Simon’s world. Although the Simon the Sorcerer franchise has weathered ups and downs over the decades, Origins demonstrates a respectful and heartfelt approach to reviving classic British interactive storytelling.
Whether you’re a long-time devotee or just discovering Simon’s adventures, the Nintendo Switch version offers a compelling journey filled with humor, nostalgic nods, and challenging puzzles.
Fans of genre staples like Broken Sword or Monkey Island will find much to appreciate in this latest entry. Simon the Sorcerer Origins is available now on the Switch eShop, published by ININ Games.
For anyone interested in the legacy of European adventure games or seeking a whimsical, puzzle-driven experience, Simon’s comeback is well worth a look.
Originally debuting in 1993, the Simon the Sorcerer series from Adventure Soft built a dedicated following across Europe with its witty humor, memorable characters, and inventive puzzles.
While the franchise didn’t make as significant an impact in North America, Simon the Sorcerer Origins aims to bridge that divide, offering a prequel storyline designed to entertain nostalgia-driven fans and fresh newcomers alike. Simon the Sorcerer Origins acts as a narrative precursor to the original game, set just weeks before Simon dons his iconic robes or confronts his arch-nemesis, Sordid.
For new players, it serves as an accessible entry point, untethered to previous knowledge of Simon’s world.
Meanwhile, veteran fans will appreciate the cleverly woven references and signature fourth-wall-breaking humor throughout the adventure.
Notably, the story takes on a more earnest tone than its predecessors, but it’s balanced by the self-aware, comedic spirit the series is known for. A major highlight is the return of Chris Barrie, known for his role in Red Dwarf, who reprises the voice of Simon.
Barrie’s performance brings a sardonic wit to Simon’s dialogues and asides, injecting humor even as the game explores more serious themes.
According to statements from ININ Games, Barrie was enthusiastic to rejoin the project, helping rekindle the ‘snarky wizard’ persona fans fondly remember. Gameplay remains true to the classic point-and-click formula, with intuitive controls on Nintendo Switch supporting both docked and handheld modes.
Players can choose between traditional controller inputs and the touch screen in portable mode, offering flexibility for varied playstyles.
Modern quality of life improvements, such as quick hotspot cycling, reduce pixel-hunting frustrations; however, navigation and inventory puzzles retain an old-school challenge.
The game rarely holds the player’s hand—missed clues or dismissed text can mean backtracking or testing every possible combination to progress.
Players seeking more contemporary hints may find Simon the Sorcerer Origins refreshingly traditional, if occasionally demanding. The puzzle design largely avoids the more outlandish logic leaps of older adventure games, instead focusing on fair, context-driven challenges.
While a difficult endgame sequence may recall classics of the genre, the majority of puzzles are manageable for both newcomers and experienced fans.
The game’s audiovisual presentation is another standout, replacing the series’ late-90s foray into awkward 3D with crisp, expressive 2D art and a lively soundtrack that enhances the magical atmosphere of Simon’s world. Although the Simon the Sorcerer franchise has weathered ups and downs over the decades, Origins demonstrates a respectful and heartfelt approach to reviving classic British interactive storytelling.
Whether you’re a long-time devotee or just discovering Simon’s adventures, the Nintendo Switch version offers a compelling journey filled with humor, nostalgic nods, and challenging puzzles.
Fans of genre staples like Broken Sword or Monkey Island will find much to appreciate in this latest entry. Simon the Sorcerer Origins is available now on the Switch eShop, published by ININ Games.
For anyone interested in the legacy of European adventure games or seeking a whimsical, puzzle-driven experience, Simon’s comeback is well worth a look.
