The Lost Magic
By Vortale - 32 Maps
Format: Boom
[Download]
Started: January 25th 2026
Finished: January 27th 2026
Status: Completed
An absolute banger that just barely misses the mark right before the finish line. Much like Machete, The Lost Magic was made as part of NaNoWADMo, and for a full megawad made in just a single month its astonishingly impressive. Every map is short and punchy, it keeps the visual theme varied throughout, and Vortale does a fantastic job of creating a real sense of adventure throughout the entire thing. Every map starts right where the previous one ended, and within each episode it really feels like you're organically traveling through each realm. Maps here rely a lot more on incidental combat than big locked room fights, which not everyone will enjoy but it helps with that adventure-y vibe at the core of the whole thing. The final episode is a bit weak in terms of visual theming though, and the final map is just a complete disappointment. A single room with 125 enemies and near infinite BFG ammo, and then an annoyingly obscure secret in order to properly exit the map. I really wish Vortale had at least attempted some kind of boss fight or ANYTHING because ending the wad on THIS is an absolute bummer. Despite stumbling minutes before the end, The Lost Magic is a damn incredible wad otherwise, a fantastic relaxed adventure that never overstays its welcome.
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Favorite Map - Map 15: "Turbine"
Least Favorite Map - Map 30: "The Lost Magic"