Patch 1.1.0 has gone live for the acclaimed Metroidvania action-adventure title, with a boss rush mode now available in the Memories menu- where, incidentally, players can now also have rematches against every boss they’ve encountered in the game. Boss rush and boss rematches both also give Fragments as rewards.

The aforementioned New Game Plus mode, meanwhile, is unlocked only after you’ve seen a “specific” ending, and will feature a new Relic upgrade level to keep your progression going. Beyond that, the update also adds new items in the gallery to purchase with Fragments, a couple of bug fixes, and more. You can check out the full patch notes below.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Read our review of the game through here.

PATCH NOTES 1.1.0:

New features:

Test your skills by challenging the new “Boss rush” mode

• Unlocked by defeating all the bosses in the game.
• Accessed by the “Memories” menu, “Boss rush” tab from any rest point.
• Clear times and best attempts are saved as records.
• Receive “Fragments” by clearing the challenge. The number of fragment received depends on the selected difficulty.

Boss rematch feature

• Accessed by the “Memories” menu, “Bosses” tab from any rest point.
• Receive “Fragments” by clearing the challenge. The number of fragment received depends on the selected difficulty.

Carry over your progress and explore a harsher world with “New Game +”

• Unlocked by clearing the game and seeing a specific ending.
• Start the game from the beginning while keeping your parameters, skills and items.
• All enemies will be of higher difficulty, starting the game on a chapter higher than the previous maximum, and bosses will have more aggressive patterns.
  Items related to quests will not carry over.
• Items that were obtained previously will be replaced by either “Material” or “Junk” in New Game +.
  Items that were not previously obtained can still be obtained in New Game +.
  Items that were replaced in New Game + will be placed again when carrying data over a second time.
• New “Relic” upgrade level (++)
  “Relics” that were upgraded to the “+” level can be upgraded again to the “++” level at the relic refinery.
  Upgrading a relic to “++” will further increase its effect or lower its slot cost.
  “Relics” that could not be upgraded before are still not upgradable.

Other additions

• Add a set logic to Skill, Equipment and Relics to easily switch between equipments
• Add new gallery items and costumes obtainable by spending “Fragments”.

Adjustments:

• Adjust some events to make scenario specific triggers a bit easier to understand

Bug fixes:

• Translation fixes
• Small visual and gameplay fixes

If you died multiple times in the Arena Tower to various bosses, wondering why some have an annoying amount of HP, it’s not just you. Combat Puppet: No. 20, 14, and 56 have lower health, which should “increase the tempo” of the entire area. Combat Puppet No. 7 has also had the power of its attacks lowered.

There are also changes to the Reinforced Lab Rat and Experimental Manufacturer, though various enemies have received small “adjustments.” As for other fixes, some of Lorna’s skills have seen their effectiveness reduced. The Crimson Forest now also has more platforms for “better shortcuts.”

Check out the full patch notes below for more details. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is available now for PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. Head here for our review.

Patch notes: 1.0.3

Adjustments:

• Enemies parameter adjustments:
  – Reinforced Lab Rat: lower attack, stamina and resistance to status effects
  – Experimental Manufacturer (Rat generator): lower HP
  – Combat Puppet: No. 20, 14, 56 (“Arena Tower” mini bosses): lower HP to increase tempo of the battle sequence
  – Combat Puppet: No. 7 (“Arena Tower” boss): lower the power of some attacks
  – Other small adjustments on various enemies
• Add platforms in the “Crimson Forest” area to allow for better shortcuts
• Add visual representation of the general teleportation direction on warp points for easier navigation
• Lower the effectiveness of some skills of “Lorna”
• Brush up of some background visuals

Bug fixes:

• Fix the map completion that was not rendered properly on some GPU*
• In the area “Land of origin”, concerning a specific growth:
  – Fix the visibility state that would sometimes stay invisible
  – change the geometry of the level to make the growth easier to break, especially on low FPS machines
• Fix the BGM of the boss in the “Magicite Mine” area
• Parry actions:
  – Fix player collision size after parry actions that could stay bigger than normal for a few frames
  – Fix parry actions that were not resetting airborne action count correctly
• Translations and texts fixes
• Various small behaviour, visual and animation fixes

* While we believe the bug is fixed, we couldn’t test many GPU yet. If the bug is still present in the latest version, please try to launch the game using either “-dx11” or “-vulkan” as a launch option through Steam while we work on fixing it.

Developers Adglobe and Live Wire confirmed that a future update will add some much-needed features – namely Boss Rematch and Boss Rush. The former allows for battling a previously slain boss, while the latter lets you take on all bosses in successive battles. It’s unknown whether the latter provides any additional rewards for doing so.

The same update will also add New Game+, which means carrying over the player’s progress into a new playthrough after finishing the game. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights added new moves for bosses in NG+, but it remains to be seen if the sequel goes in the same direction. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

The answer, unsurprisingly for those who bought into early access last year, is yes to both. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist doesn’t stray far from the same design model, and its narrative beats will be appreciated much more by those who played Ender Lilies. Nevertheless, it’s a finely honed Metroid-style experience, presenting yet another somber tale of a fallen world.

"The pacing is strong throughout – the story doesn’t 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. It’s easier than done due to the various Homunculi who have become mutated by the toxic fumes emanating from the land’s depths.

Of course, Lilac is special, possessing an Attuner’s skills and being able to cleanse those afflicted by the mysterious sickness. She doesn’t attack directly, instead harnessing the powers of various Homunculi to fight in her stead.

Though she starts with Nola, it isn’t 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 who’s 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 they’re 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 doesn’t 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 Beast’s roar as a defensive option or Lito’s 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. You’ll need to build the SP gauge to unleash them, but they’re 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, there’s 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 you’ve played any major Metroid-style title in the last five years, you’ll 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 doesn’t 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 don’t 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 don’t quite have the intricacy of some of gaming’s more challenging encounters over the years, they’re 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 you’re fine with enemy damage but feel like they have too much health or don’t 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 you’re 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 Mili’s 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 Magnolia’s 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. It’s 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 haven’t 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.

Set much after the events of Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, the story centres on Lilac, an Attuner in the Land of Fumes. While it’s known for magical and technological advancements, including the Homunculi, things take a turn when mystery fumes after the latter. As an Attuner, Lilac can harness different Homunculi and use their abilities to survive.

Of course, her long-term goal is restoring her memories and discovering her connection to the Homunculi. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist promises 35 hours of content with Version 1.0, though progress from early access sadly doesn’t carry over. Stay tuned for more details en route to its launch next week.

Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Binary Haze CEO and Creative Director, recently stated that because of “all the improvements and adjustments we have made, the parts of the game available throughout Early Access have changed considerably.” As a result, early adopters will need to start over.

“We understand this will disappoint some players, but we ask your understanding. Our highest priority is giving you the best, highest-quality version of Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, and this difficult yet necessary decision resulted from that goal.”

While he didn’t outline all the content coming in Version 1.0, Kobayashi confirmed a new tutorial cutscene, changes to item locations, revisions to the level design, and map adjustments. Early access offers the first four areas with various enemies and bosses, numerous Homunculi to recruit with unique skills, and much more.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist exits early access on January 22nd, 2025, for PC, and will receive a price increase. It will also be available for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Stay tuned for further updates in the meantime.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist’s setting is The Land of Fumes from the perspective of Lilac, an “attuner.” Set decades after the first game’s Rain of Death, something terrible has gone down in this new land involving the Homunculi. Lilac must work with them and ultimately retrieve her memories.

The early access version currently features the first four areas and a single village. You’ll encounter various characters and battle bosses in each location, unlock new skills, and more. Version 1.0 promises 35 hours of content, including 30 total abilities, new biomes, and additional bosses alongside the story’s ending. Stay tuned for more details heading into the launch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvSf1pOO084

Available since June 2021 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC, Ender Lilies tells the story of Lily, a mysterious youth who awakens in the ruins of Land’s End. A sinister rain has turned its citizens into the Blighted, and she must discover the truth to survive. By purifying different individuals, Lily can wield their abilities in battle, from magic to melee skills and archery.

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights features a Metroidvania-like structure with various Relics and upgrades to discover. It received extensive acclaim for its visuals, combat and soundtrack, and currently has a Metascore of 86 on PC.

As for Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, early access offers the first third of the game with various bosses, enemies, skills and more to experience. It’s planned to exit early access this year and launch for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and Nintendo Switch in addition to PC. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.

Of course, several years have passed, so Lilac will need to regain her memories and look for her friends. Like Ender Lilies, rescuing different companions adds their skills to your repertoire for combat. However, there are also difficulty levels to ease in those who want to focus on the story.

The early access version offers one village and the first four areas of the game (a third of the game’s content) with unique enemies, bosses and allies in each. You can also access shops and enhance your skills. Though it’s only available for PC players, v1.0 is out this year, with Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4 and Nintendo Switch versions in development. Stay tuned for updates until then.

According to its Steam listing, the early access version includes the first four areas with unique enemies and bosses and one village. Alongside the core gameplay, features like skill enhancement, vendors and more will be available. There will be new areas, enemies, bosses, player actions, and story content over time, much like Ender Lilies.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist will remain in early access for six months to a year, depending on feedback. It will also increase in price after officially launching. All versions will launch later this year, though plans could change. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks as early access nears.