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Chris Barrie AND Rick Astley?! Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a Bizarre Adventure

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Simon the Sorcerer Origins Keyart Launch
Simon the Sorcerer Origins – out now

Thirty years after his first magical misstep, one of the most sarcastic wizards in video game history is back to reveal secrets from his past.

Simon the Sorcerer Origins, the official prequel to the cult classic 1993 adventure, has launched today. This beautiful new hand-drawn adventure from developer Smallthing Studios and publisher ININ Games is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, with the Standard Edition priced at ÂŁ22.99.

Prepare for a journey full of heart, humour, and a hat, as you discover what Simon was up to just before his first magical misstep into the fantasy world.

A Magical Misstep We’ve Been Awaiting

The road to Simon the Sorcerer Origins has been a long and magical one, and we’ve been following it every step of the way.

We’ve been tracking this one for a good old while. Our first reports on the game came way back in 2022, with updates in 2023, pointing to a 2024 launch. After a patient wait, the curtain has finally opened on this new adventure.

You can be sure that the hype for this release has been building, especially since we had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with the developers for an exclusive interview with Smallthing Studios to discuss the huge challenge and honour of bringing such an iconic and beloved character back to life for a new generation.

A Story With Heart, Humour, and a Hat

This is the story of Simon before his first adventure. Set just weeks before the original game, you’ll find out what Simon was up to long before he started insulting talking doors. Between motherly love, a forced move, and a healthy dose of chaos, Simon’s journey to becoming an (unwilling) hero begins as he’s drawn into a foreign world by an ancient prophecy.

This is a classic point-and-click adventure at its heart, but with modern mechanics. You’ll solve quirky puzzles, crack ancient mechanisms, and collect (as always) way too many items. You’ll also tinker with spells, fiddle with alchemical contraptions, and dabble in questionable recipes, like a few disgusting stews!

Check out the beautiful hand-drawn world in the official launch trailer…

A Symphony of Nostalgia and Newness

In a huge move for fans, the game features the return of Simon’s original English voice actor, the legendary Chris Barrie (Red Dwarf), and German voice actor, Erik Borner. This is all set to a beautiful hand-drawn art style and a new soundtrack by Mason Fischer.

And, in a truly bizarre and wonderful twist, music-icon Rick Astley makes a surprise appearance in a special role!

A Word from the Creators

The excitement from the developers and publishers is palpable. Massy Calamai, Game Director & Founder of Smallthing Studios, summed up the journey:

“We are thrilled and moved to officially announce the collaboration between Smallthing Studios and ININ Games for Simon the Sorcerer Origins, in all formats, over thirty years (1993) after its first appearance on Amiga and PC! A heartfelt thanks to all those who have and are working behind the scenes and all those who have waited in the stands. The curtain is opening.”

Ronald Kaulbach, Head of ININ Games, added:

“The Simon the Sorcerer series holds a special place in the history of adventure games and has been instrumental in shaping the genre. It’s a true honour to work alongside Smallthing Studios on a title that not only pays tribute to the legacy of the original games but also invites a whole new generation of players into this magical world.”

Your Magical Spellbook: Editions Explained

You can start your new magical misstep today with a variety of digital editions:

Your Wizard’s Inventory

Here’s what you can expect from this prequel adventure:

  • The Official Prequel to the cult-classic point-and-click series.
  • Iconic Voice Acting: Features the return of Simon’s original English voice actor, Chris Barrie.
  • A Special Guest Star: Music icon Rick Astley makes a surprise appearance.
  • Beautiful Hand-Drawn Art Style and cinematic sequences.
  • Classic Point-and-Click Gameplay meets modern mechanics.
  • A Story of Sarcasm and Slapstick: Encounter bizarre characters and revel in Simon’s unmistakable “very British” wit.

A magical world of sarcastic wizards and strange creatures is waiting to be explored (again). If you’re a fan of classic point-and-click adventures with brilliant writing and a unique sense of humour, Simon the Sorcerer Origins is ready for your quest on the Xbox Store right now. It’s also on the storefronts of PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Game Description

In this new adventure, Simon, the most sarcastic wizard in video game history, returns to reveal secrets and stories from his past!

Neil Watton
Neil Wattonhttps://www.thexboxhub.com/
An Xbox gamer since 2002, I bought the big black box just to play Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee. I have since loved every second of the 360's life and am now just as obsessed with the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S - mostly with the brilliant indie scene that has come to the fore. Gamertag is neil363, feel free to add me to your list.
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