Simon the Sorcerer: Origins – What We Know About The Prequel

Hello and welcome back to Rivalsector.com, your home for all things gaming and Marvel Rivals! Today, I want to talk about something a little different, a throwback to a classic point-and-click adventure game that’s getting a fresh coat of paint. I’m talking about Simon the Sorcerer, and more specifically, the upcoming prequel, Simon the Sorcerer Origins. If you’re a long-time fan like me, you probably have a soft spot for the sarcastic, grumpy, and utterly charming teenage sorcerer. The original game, released back in 1993, was a comedic masterpiece, a brilliant parody of fantasy tropes that cemented itself as a cult classic. Its witty dialogue, clever puzzles, and memorable characters created an enduring legacy. For years, fans have been hoping for a true return to form, and now, it looks like we might finally get it. But what exactly do we know about this new installment? Let’s dive in and see what the developers have been brewing up in their cauldron.

It’s been a long journey for Simon and his creator, Mike Woodroffe. After the first two games, which are widely considered the series’ golden age, the franchise saw a decline in quality with later entries. The magic, both literally and figuratively, seemed to fade. But a few years ago, we got the first whispers of a new project, a prequel that would take us back to the very beginning. The idea of an origin story for Simon is fascinating. How did this average kid end up in a magical world, thrust into the role of a hero? Simon the Sorcerer Origins promises to answer those questions and more, all while maintaining the snarky charm that made the original so special. The developers, Smallthing Studios, have been very transparent about their goal: to recapture the spirit of the 90s classics while giving the game a modern feel. This isn’t just a simple remake or a remaster, it’s a brand-new adventure that respects the past but looks to the future.

The Story So Far: A Prequel’s Premise

The plot of Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a bit of a mystery, but we’ve pieced together some intriguing details. We know the game takes place before the events of the original Simon the Sorcerer. This is a fresh slate, a chance to explore a time before Simon became a reluctant hero. The official synopsis tells us that Simon, a regular teenager in his own world, finds himself pulled into a fantasy realm through a magical portal. This is a crucial detail because it puts us right in Simon’s shoes as he experiences the wonder and weirdness of this new world for the first time. We’ll see how he gets his sorcerer’s robes and what exactly sets him on the path to confronting the evil wizard Sordid. The game’s trailer and promotional material hint at a journey filled with classic fantasy creatures and locations, all seen through Simon’s cynical, yet curious, eyes. It’s an interesting narrative choice. By going back to the beginning, the developers can reintroduce Simon’s character and his unique brand of humor to a new generation of gamers while also giving a deeper backstory to the fans who have been with him from the start.

One of the key things to understand is that this isn’t a direct sequel. It’s an exploration of how a simple kid from our world reacts to a truly magical one. I love this idea because it allows for a lot of comedic moments based on the culture clash. Simon’s modern, almost apathetic attitude will undoubtedly be hilarious when confronted with medieval knights, talking squirrels, and grumpy trolls. The game’s title, Origins, is a clear indicator of its purpose. It’s a foundational story that will hopefully set the stage for more adventures in the future. The development team has been careful not to reveal too much, but what we’ve seen so far suggests a narrative that is both faithful to the original’s tone and expansive in its world-building.

A Visual and Auditory Overhaul

For long-time fans of the series, the biggest change will undoubtedly be the visual style. The original Simon the Sorcerer was a 2D, pixel art game, a product of its time. Origins, on the other hand, is being built with modern graphics. The developers have opted for a charming, hand-drawn 2.5D style that looks absolutely gorgeous. The characters and environments have a distinct, illustrated feel that perfectly fits the whimsical, albeit sarcastic, world of Simon. The 2.5D perspective means we’ll get a sense of depth and scale that wasn’t possible in the old games, making the world feel more alive. The character models are expressive and the animations look fluid, which is crucial for a game that relies so heavily on character interactions and dialogue.

Let’s take a look at the key differences between the original and the new game’s aesthetics:

The sound design is also getting a major upgrade. While the original game had some iconic tunes and voice acting, the new game will have a fully voiced cast, with professional actors bringing the characters to life. The music is being composed to fit the fantasy setting, but I’m hoping they’ll include some nods to the classic soundtrack, a sort of nostalgic Easter egg for the fans. A key point of contention for some fans has been the voice of Simon. The original’s voice actor, Chris Barrie, is a legend in the community, and his portrayal of Simon is iconic. While the new voice actor has big shoes to fill, I’m confident that the developers will find someone who can capture that same sarcastic, dry wit that we all love.

Gameplay: Classic Puzzles, Modern Sensibilities

At its core, Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a point-and-click adventure game. This means we’ll be spending our time exploring environments, picking up items, and solving environmental puzzles. The developers have promised to stick to the classic formula, which is great news for fans of the genre. We can expect to see the return of the classic verb-based interface, where we’ll have a set of actions like “look at,” “pick up,” and “use” to interact with the world. This is a beloved mechanic that many modern games have moved away from, so it’s a welcome return.

However, the game won’t just be a carbon copy of the past. The developers are looking to innovate with a few modern touches. They’ve mentioned a new “crafting” system of sorts, where Simon can combine items in his inventory to solve puzzles. This sounds like a logical evolution of the classic adventure game formula. I’m also hoping for a hint system, a modern necessity for these kinds of games. Let’s be honest, getting stuck on a puzzle for hours is not fun for anyone, and a gentle nudge in the right direction can make all the difference.

Here are a few things I’m hoping to see in the gameplay:

• Diverse environments: From dark forests to bustling medieval towns, I want a variety of locations to explore.
• Witty dialogue: The most important part of a Simon the Sorcerer game is the writing. The jokes need to land, and the conversations need to be memorable.
• Challenging but fair puzzles: The puzzles should make sense within the game’s logic. No “combine the rubber chicken with a pulley” moments, unless it’s a really good joke.
• Dynamic character interactions: Simon’s relationship with other characters is key to the humor. I hope we get to see his friendships and rivalries develop.
• Easter eggs for long-time fans: A nod to the past, a reference to a character or a location from the older games, would be a great way to reward the dedicated fanbase.

The game is being developed with both PC and consoles in mind, which means the control scheme will likely be streamlined for controllers while still feeling natural with a mouse and keyboard. The goal is to make the game accessible to a new generation of players while staying true to its roots.

Release Date and Platform Availability

The moment we’ve all been waiting for, the release date! The news is out, and it’s official. Simon the Sorcerer Origins is slated for release on October 28, 2025. This is fantastic news for fans who have been patiently waiting. The game has found a new publisher, ININ Games, who has been instrumental in solidifying the release schedule. This gives me a lot of confidence that the game is on track and will be a polished experience.

Once it does release, the game will be available on a wide array of platforms, including PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. This is great news for accessibility, as gamers on all major platforms will be able to experience the return of this classic franchise. Pre-orders for physical special editions are already available for some platforms, and digital versions will be announced at a later date, giving players plenty of options to get their hands on the game.

My Take on What’s to Come

I am cautiously optimistic about Simon the Sorcerer Origins. The developers at Smallthing Studios seem to understand what made the original games so special. They are committed to recapturing the humor, the spirit, and the core gameplay that we all loved. The move to a prequel is a smart one. It allows them to tell a new story without the baggage of later games in the series, and it gives them the freedom to re-introduce the world and its characters in a way that feels fresh.

I believe this game has the potential to be a real comeback for the franchise. The art style is beautiful, the premise is solid, and the commitment to classic point-and-click gameplay is exactly what fans have been asking for. My main hope is that the writing is as sharp and witty as the original. If they can nail the dialogue and the humor, then Simon the Sorcerer Origins will be a worthy addition to the series and a fantastic adventure game in its own right. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this one, and you can be sure that once it’s out, I’ll have a full review for you right here.