After Ender Lilies exited early access in June 2021 and promptly captured my heart, Ive been eagerly anticipating Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist. Unlike its predecessor, which almost came out of nowhere to deliver a traditional yet emotional Metroid-style experience, there are some pretty hefty expectations. Could developers Adglobe and Live Wire recreate the atmosphere and magic of the original? Would Mili return to deliver another incredible soundtrack?The answer, unsurprisingly for those who bought into early access last year, is yes to both. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist doesnt stray far from the same design model, and its narrative beats will be appreciated much more by those who played Ender Lilies. Nevertheless, its a finely honed Metroid-style experience, presenting yet another somber tale of a fallen world."The pacing is strong throughout the story doesnt get long-winded with its dialogue exchanges. Furthermore, the memories of various Homunculi hit the right emotional notes while progressing the story."Like its predecessor, the story begins with its protagonist, Lilac, awakening in a laboratory with almost no memories. Teaming up with the also mysterious Homunculus, Nola, the duo set out through the Land of Fumes to discover who they are. Its easier than done due to the various Homunculi who have become mutated by the toxic fumes emanating from the lands depths.Of course, Lilac is special, possessing an Attuners skills and being able to cleanse those afflicted by the mysterious sickness. She doesnt attack directly, instead harnessing the powers of various Homunculi to fight in her stead.Though she starts with Nola, it isnt long before other Homunculi join the fray, like Lito, a test subject with a powerful elemental arm; Yolvan, a gun-slinging product of animal fusion whos close to the happy-go-lucky Levy; the Shackled Beast who relies on brute strength; and more. They quickly become a motley crew of sorts, exchanging pleasantries (and digs) at rest spots when theyre not coming to terms with their own horrific pasts.Thematically, Ender Magnolia offers some familiar ones greed, discrimination, classism, hubris. However, the overall direction is compelling, as you gather notes and unravel the connections between them, Houses Frost and Milius, Lilac, and more. The pacing is strong throughout the story doesnt get long-winded with its dialogue exchanges. Furthermore, the memories of various Homunculi hit the right emotional notes while progressing the story. Other characters add some additional layers to the goings-on, assisting Lilac when necessary, though it feels like some could be fleshed out a bit more."The controls are responsive and feel great. Perhaps my only nitpick with the environments is wanting some variety with the secret areas beyond finding a hidden wall that leads to some materials or a Relic with little else."When it comes to the gameplay, Ender Magnolia makes some fundamental shifts from its predecessor. There are multiple Homunculi, but the number is significantly lower than Ender Lilies. Instead, each has different abilities to unlock and equip. Nola can attack quickly with a saber, break out a scythe for more area or double-hand an axe, while Yolvan can alternate between single shots from a distance, a buzzsaw with a slower fire rate and more power, or a drill-like vortex that ignores enemy defenses. As you collect materials, each ability can be upgraded into more powerful and slightly different versions.Most lack multiple uses, instead relying on cooldowns, which is a relief during basic exploration and boss fights. It feels nice to have the Shackled Beasts roar as a defensive option or Litos burst damage to use almost whenever instead of having to carefully ration them. There are also Attuner Arts powerful, Ultimate-like skills for each equipped Homunculus. Youll need to build the SP gauge to unleash them, but theyre fairly potent.Ender Magnolia features equipment, with bangles offering stat increases, Carapaces allowing for additional skills (like counters), and Totems providing passive benefits to go with the Relics system of old. The amount of options is pretty good, and even if you stick with certain Relics for most of your playtime, theres plenty of incentive to change things up. You can also improve Relics with Scrap, having them take up fewer slots or offer flat boosts to their benefits.Otherwise, if youve played any major Metroid-style title in the last five years, youll know what to expect. Explore various interconnected environments, including hidden alcoves and caves, with your standard platforming tropes like double-jumps, air dashes, diving, wall-climbing, and even a grappling hook. Cut down opposing threats and there is a wide variety, making each new area as mystifying as it is dangerous. Eventually come across a dead end which requires a future ability to explore. Repeat.Ender Magnolia doesnt mess with this formula, delivering on every single other aspect that matters. Level design is well done, with each area offering unique hooks without disrupting the overall flow, though the Crimson Forest can get confusing if you dont pay attention to the map. The controls are responsive and feel great. Perhaps my only nitpick with the environments is wanting some variety with the secret areas beyond finding a hidden wall that leads to some materials or a Relic with little else. Nevertheless, it caters to that desire to explore and see what the next area holds."The harrowing tones of the Subterranean Testing Site, the calming ethereal vocals of Old City even the battle music, like the Shackled Beast with its fast-paced piano keys and guitar riffs is simply outstanding."While the boss fights dont quite have the intricacy of some of gamings more challenging encounters over the years, theyre still well-designed. Their discernible patterns are offset by how easily they could annihilate you if you get caught out once or twice. It may feel annoying at times, but there are thankfully difficulty options to tweak things on a granular level. For example, if youre fine with enemy damage but feel like they have too much health or dont stay stunned for long enough after depleting their break gauge, then change them.Despite some occasionally rough subject matter, the journey through the Land of Fumes is a stunning one. If Ender Lilies deserved attention for its ruined beauty aesthetic, Ender Magnolia one-ups in pretty much every way. The steampunk aesthetic, characterized by ever-present fumes and architecture that calls old London to mind, is gorgeous. Each area feels perfect in its tone and color palette, whether youre venturing through the dingy Subterranean Waterway or basking in the fantasy-leaning Crimson Forest. The mix of 2D and 3D in places is also great, like when admiring the water in places without feeling overdone.All of this is further aided by Milis soundtrack. The harrowing tones of the Subterranean Testing Site, the calming ethereal vocals of Old City even the battle music, like the Shackled Beast with its fast-paced piano keys and guitar riffs is simply outstanding. It fits the series overall vibe and atmosphere yet feels completely suited to the Magnolias setting. The attention to detail, with separate versions of tracks for the respites, is just the cherry on top of some truly stellar work."This is an arresting experience backed by excellent platforming and combat which comfortably scratches that exploration itch."In many ways, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mists is a work of art, but the development team transcends the beauty of its visuals and music with genuinely compelling gameplay. Its a bigger adventure, for sure, yet never plods nor feels padded out. Fans of Ender Lilies are doubtless already on board, but if you were waiting for the full version to see if it delivers, rest assured.As for Metroid-style fans who havent played the original, I would still recommend starting with that first, if only to appreciate the lore and references. Either way, this is an arresting experience backed by excellent platforming and combat which comfortably scratches that exploration itch.This game was reviewed on PC.