Simon the Sorcerer: Origins Bring Classic Magic Back to Life

The spellbook has reopened! Simon the Sorcerer: Origins officially launched on October 27 for Xbox, with other platforms, including **Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, Linux, and Steam Deck, **joining the adventure on October 28, 2025. This prequel rekindles one of the most iconic 90s point-and-click franchises, weaving nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt storytelling into a hand-drawn fantasy world.

For fans of classic adventure games, this release feels like a reunion with an old friend, one who still knows how to crack a joke while wielding a wand.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present

The new chapter dives deep into Simon’s early days, exploring how the sarcastic apprentice we knew from the original game became the sorcerer fans remember. Developers have treated the legacy with care, preserving the witty tone and magical charm while infusing it with modern animation, voice acting, and interactive depth.

It’s both a love letter to retro gaming and a fresh entry for newcomers who never experienced the golden age of point-and-click adventures.

Star Power Brings the Magic to Life

The casting is one of the biggest highlights. Chris Barrie, best known from Red Dwarf, returns as the voice of Simon in the English version, while Erik Borner reprises his classic German dub. Adding a surprise twist, Rick Astley joins the cast with a special musical cameo, giving the game a delightful pop-culture spark that fits perfectly with its tongue-in-cheek humor.

These performances elevate the narrative, giving the characters a vibrant, animated energy that bridges generations of fans.

A World Drawn by Hand and Heart

One of the game’s most striking features is its hand-drawn art style, crafted with over 15,000 individual animation frames. Each scene looks like it leapt from a Saturday-morning cartoon, full of expressive motion and bold color.

Accompanied by an original soundtrack by Mason Fischer, the visuals blend with whimsical sound design to create a timeless atmosphere, nostalgic for veterans yet fresh for today’s audiences.

Gameplay: Classic Foundations, Modern Feel

Simon the Sorcerer: Origins stays true to its point-and-click roots, featuring clever puzzles, witty dialogue, and magical exploration. The developers have fine-tuned the interface, making inventory management, movement, and puzzle tracking smoother than ever.

The story focuses on Simon’s origins, weaving humor with emotion as he learns magic, meets eccentric mentors, and faces his first true challenge as a sorcerer. Long-time fans will spot countless nods to the earlier titles, while newcomers will find an accessible, well-paced adventure full of laughs and charm.

Simon the Sorcerer: Origins – Editions and Launch Details

To celebrate the release, the game arrives with multiple editions, including a Standard Edition and a Limited Special Edition featuring the exclusive “Pony” DLC. Pre-orders opened across all platforms, and early impressions from players highlight the game’s heart, humor, and authenticity.

Here’s a quick summary of availability and content:

Edition	Content Highlights
Standard Edition	Full game with base story and voice acting
Limited Special Edition	Includes “Pony” DLC, digital art content, and collectible items
Platforms	Xbox (Oct 27), Switch, PlayStation, PC, Mac, Linux, Steam Deck (Oct 28)

Community Reactions

Early feedback has been mostly positive. Fans love the return of Chris Barrie, the art direction, and the nostalgic humor. Some purists have mixed feelings about Simon’s slightly older design and the prequel storyline, but most agree that Origins captures the heart of the original games.

It’s being praised as a respectful and lovingly crafted revival that bridges the gap between classic adventure design and modern expectations.

Simon the Sorcerer: Origins – FAQ

Is Simon the Sorcerer: Origins a remake or a new story?

It’s a prequel, exploring Simon’s early years before the events of the classic games.

Does the game feature original voice actors?

Yes, Chris Barrie returns as Simon, and Erik Borner reprises his German dub role.

What makes this version unique?

The blend of hand-drawn visuals, modernized puzzles, and classic humor creates a bridge between retro and contemporary adventure gaming.

A Retro Revival Done Right

In a time when many reboots lose their soul, Simon the Sorcerer: Origins proves that nostalgia can evolve. It’s a heartfelt return to an era where every puzzle had personality and every line of dialogue carried a smirk.

Whether you’re meeting Simon for the first time or revisiting your youth through his sarcastic wit, this magical adventure stands as both a tribute and a new beginning.