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Maliki : Poison Of The Past

Released: 4/22/2025

Critics
74
vs
Users
96

Score Breakdown

74.3

Critic Average

16 reviews

96

Steam User Score

228 reviews

87

Metacritic User Score

48 reviews

Disparity Breakdown

Steam Disparity
-21.8

74 vs 96

Metacritic Disparity
-12.8

74 vs 87

Combined Disparity
-17.3

Average of both sources

Review Disparities

Positive = critic higher than usersNegative = critic lower than users

Each point represents a critic review. Hover for details. Positive = critic higher than users. Negative = critic lower.

6/9/2025

Launch Window

Maliki: Poison of the Past is a timeline adventure that is definitely worth exploring, thanks to its unique battle style and diverse worlds. While it does have some bugs, such as frame rate issues on the Switch, playing on the Switch 2 resolves most of them.

85

85/100

Read

6/3/2025

Launch Window

Although Maliki: Poison of the Past offers strong storytelling, great art direction, and a stellar soundtrack, it’s still a game, and games need to be fun to play. Maliki: Poison of the Past is an ambitious title that can’t overcome its gameplay issues, making it difficult to recommend, but if you’re interested in this series, there are thousands of comic strips to enjoy.

50

50/100

Read

5/23/2025

Launch Window

This "cozy RPG adventure" was clearly picked before it ripened. As such, it's not as easy to recommend as it should be, with its many positives (music) clouded by sizable blemishes. Expect imagination and irritation, often in equal measure. Maliki: Poison of the Past has plenty of good ideas, but needs a patch to grow to its full potential.

65

65/100

Read

5/15/2025

Launch Window

Maliki: Poison of the Past is a beautifully designed game with a loop that feels heavier on combat and exploration than it is on farming. The combat, while balanced and intriguing, may end up being a little tougher than you’d expect from games in this niche, and you may well feel like you’re missing some opportunities to simply pootle around your crops. But if you’re locked in and ready for a turn-based RPG with a little meat on it, you may well fall in love with Maliki. I found myself a little frustrated — but understanding — with being dropped back at the dungeon’s entrance in the early game, as my resources dwindle too fast from trying to hustle back to the checkpoint. It’s going to be a matter of heavy preference for gamers. Still, I solidly mark this as one for the RPGers looking for a slightly lighter adventure fare than, say, Lunar. Then, I would recommend it for farm sim fans looking for a little excitement in between harvests.

80

80/100

Read

5/15/2025

Launch Window

Maliki: Poison of the Past is an imaginative and fun blend of adventure and turn-based RPG gameplay but it can also be super-frustrating. ⏳

60

60/100

Read

5/14/2025

Launch Window

An admirable first effort from this studio that, despite some technical flaws, is well worth your time.

78

78/100

Read

5/3/2025

Launch Window

The characters, gameplay, and farming sim are great fun, this indie sci-fi adventure is 100% worth your time. If you’re familiar with the source material, even more so! Check out the original comic at Soullion’s website.

80

80/100

Read

5/1/2025

Launch Window

An interesting mix of old-school turn-based RPG combat, farm sim coziness, and a more relaxed tone make this work

76

76/100

Read

4/30/2025

Launch Window

In the same generation of Metaphor: Refantazio, SaGa Frontier 1 and 2 Remasters, the Suikoden Remasters, and Expedition of 33, it’s very hard to see this being for what it hopes to be. With that being said, I enjoyed my time with it.

70

70/100

Read

4/28/2025

Launch Window

Maliki: Poison of the Past blends whimsical storytelling with vibrant turn-based battles and light farming mechanics. Though its ambitious systems sometimes feel underdeveloped, its heartfelt writing, creative puzzles, and stunning soundtrack create a memorable indie adventure.

75

75/100

Read

4/25/2025

Launch Window

If you're seeking an RPG that doesn't take itself too seriously but still delivers strategic depth, evocative art, and a sense of wonder, Maliki: Poison Of The Past is made for you. You become a master of time, not merely a player of it. Planting a seed, freezing a river, or lining up the ideal combination all allow you to feel the weight and freedom of Maliki: Poison Of The Past.

80

80/100

Read

4/24/2025

Launch Window

Maliki : Poison of the Past is a time-bending RPG adventure set in a beautifully hand-drawn world inspired by French comics. With its unique blend of survival mechanics and turn-based combat, the game offers a charming yet challenging experience that stays true to its beloved comic book roots.

84

84/100

Read

4/22/2025

Launch Window

Even with some limitations, Maliki: Poison of the Past delivers a rich, creative and charismatic experience. The combat system with temporal manipulation is refreshing, the characters have plenty of personality, and the visual style is a true fusion of French pop culture and Japanese chibi.

75

75/100

Read

4/22/2025

Launch Window

Maliki: Poison of the Past is a game that pleasantly surprises. It offers an innovative combat system, a visually charming world, and charismatic characters. Its flaws, while present, don't overshadow the many things it does well. For fans of the webcomic, this game will be a delight, allowing them to explore the Maliki universe from a new perspective. For newcomers, it's an excellent entry point to this franchise, with enough appeal to keep you hooked even if you've never heard of Maliki before.

75

75/100

Read

4/22/2025

Launch Window

Maliki: Poison of the Past combines a time-shifting story with turn-based gameplay to create a flawed, but deeply-enjoyable experience.

80

80/100

Read

4/22/2025

Launch Window

A very good option for those who miss RPGs with turn-based combat like they were made more than 20 years ago. It has an intriguing story, excellent characters, and very good chibi-style visual art. The numerous fights can be a bit tiring, and some scenarios feel more labyrinthine than they should be, but it's a game worth playing, whether you're a fan of Maliki's webcomic or have never heard of it before.

75

75/100

Read