Magia Exedra Review: New Madoka Magica RPG

Magia Exedra is a turn-based RPG for smartphones developed by Aniplex × Pokelabo. Released in Japan on March 27, 2025, it’s free-to-play on iOS and Android. 

The game’s 3D graphics recreate magical girl battles and Witch Barrier exploration, letting you relive storylines featuring every character from the series. 

In this article, based on my own play experience and domestic user feedback, I’ll review five key points: UI, combat, gacha, progression, and more.

What Is Magia Exedra? (Overview & Specs)

Magia Exedra is a smartphone RPG based on the *Puella Magi Madoka Magica* series, planned and published by Aniplex, and developed by Pokelabo × f4samurai. 

Players guide magical girls as they gather “Memory Lights” and explore Witch Barriers, engaging in turn-based command battles. 

The original story, conceived by theater troupe Inukare (Doron), and key scenes from the TV anime, spin-offs, and *Magia Record* are fully realized in 3D. 

The game is free to play with in-app purchases. Currently available on Japan’s App Store and Google Play, a PC version on Steam—complete with account sync—is slated for release in 2025.

Five Key Points from Playtesting (Author’s Perspective)

UI & Navigation

The overall UI is beautiful, but there’s room for improvement. The battle screen feels rough around the edges: you cannot skip ultimate skill animations, and it’s not obvious how to return to the home screen. 

Not having a one-tap “Home” button becomes frustrating during long sessions. 

On the plus side, Live2D animations in the main menu and dialogue scenes are smooth and striking, with expressive character faces (see in-development Live2D example image).

Story & Worldbuilding

Narrative quality will satisfy fans. Iconic anime moments and *Magia Record* scenes are faithfully recreated in full 3D with cinematic flair. 

The Episode 1 Walpurgisnacht battle, for example, stunned me with its realistic character proportions and dynamic camera work. 

The original voice cast returns, so you truly relive the anime experience. 

After clearing Episode 10, the *Magia Record* arc unlocks, packing nearly seven years of its main storyline into one game. 

Between faithful adaptations and brand-new characters and cut-scenes, it feels like the ultimate Madoka Magica compilation.

Combat Pace & Presentation

Combat is a turn-based system with up to five characters. Ultimate skill cut-ins look gorgeous and feel satisfying. 

The depth comes from synergizing attackers, supporters, breakers, etc. Yet in high-difficulty boss fights, shields can make foes feel overly tanky, dragging battles out (“When will they finally go down?”). 

Some players note that enemy durability hurts tempo. Still, thanks to ongoing balance tweaks, official reviews praise its “simple yet strategic gameplay and robust progression.” 

Auto-battle and 10× speed modes make farming and resource runs smooth.

Gacha & Progression Balance

The gacha follows a classic rate system: ★5 at 3%, ★4 at 17% in the standard pool. There’s no pity or 50/50 guarantee. 

Early on, rerolling (“re-rolling”) is crucial: after the tutorial, aim for a strong ★5. Free ★5 units are distributed initially, easing progression, but like most Japanese gacha games, you’ll need patience—or purchases—to get featured units. 

One player lamented, “This gacha is brutal—might be worse than Genshin.” 

Progression relies on level-ups, skill trees, and duplicate pulls; there is no equipment (“Lyric”) system. Everyone can fully upgrade ★5s, but power spikes don’t exceed their initial caps. 

While designed to be playable free-to-play, nurturing favorites will demand time or spending.

Future Expectations & Concerns

Users hope for UI refinements and new features. One commented, “With smoother UI and faster pacing, this could be the definitive Madoka Magica mobile game.” 

Currently focused on retelling the original, we’re eager for fresh events and original scenarios—several ask for more expansion around Kyubey’s arc. 

The team’s passion shines through; with solid live-ops support, Magia Exedra could evolve even further.

Domestic 　JapanPlayer Reactions (SNS & Reviews)

“Anime Recreation”: Fans praise the 3D fidelity of key anime scenes—no jarring differences from the original. 

“Graphics & Presentation”: Stunning battle visuals and cut-scenes earn comments like “Watching the magical girls move is breathtaking.” 

Players long-awaiting the release say, “Finally! Even newcomers to the anime can enjoy this.” 

“Gacha Surprises”: Many share their joy on social media when they pull a ★5. Generous login bonuses also earn praise. 

Points of Division & Criticism

“Enemy Tanks & Tempo”: Frequent shields make fights feel sluggish. Some find boss difficulty higher than *Magia Record*. 

“UI & Flow”: As noted, menu navigation and unskippable animations frustrate during extended play. 

“Spending Pressure”: Opinions split on gacha pull rates. While F2P-friendly, securing ★5s demands substantial currency, which some view as a hurdle.

How Does It Differ from Other Madoka Magica Games?

Magia Exedra touts itself as the series’ culmination. Unlike *Magia Record*’s Live2D‐centered approach, it uses full 3D models, making animations and ultimates more dynamic. 

It includes hundreds of original cut-scenes and retells nearly all TV anime and *Magia Record* chapters. 

Mechanically, it follows the classic Japanese gacha RPG formula, but with unique progression and summoning systems that set it apart. 

A Steam version with cross-save support is planned, expanding beyond mobile platforms.

Who Should Play Magia Exedra?

Series fans will love it, and newcomers can enjoy its graphics and narrative. 

Longtime followers will appreciate the blend of nostalgia and fresh content. 

With strategic turn-based combat and deep progression, RPG enthusiasts will find plenty to do. 

However, casual gamers who dislike time-consuming gacha or farming may find the experience too demanding. 

If you want to immerse yourself fully in the Madoka universe and enjoy meticulous character development, this is for you.

Overall Rating & Wrap-Up

Overall Rating: Magia Exedra delivers on its promise, satisfying series fans with its world and visuals. In its first month, App Store ratings showed 83% five-star reviews. 

I personally loved reliving anime’s most touching scenes with the convenience of a mobile game. The 3D character animations, beautiful Live2D segments, and rich soundtrack are standout features. 

Be mindful of the UI quirks and tough gacha rates, but with future updates, it has the potential to become the definitive Madoka Magica mobile experience.

Additional Details

**Supported Platforms & Requirements:** 

iOS and Android smartphone app. Requires about 3.7 GB of storage—be sure to have enough free space. 

Currently exclusive to Japan, but a Windows Steam version is due in 2025, with cross-save planned. 

**Steam Release Timing:** 

According to the official Steam page, the PC version is slated for release in 2025, with anticipated cross-progression with mobile accounts. 

**Rerolling (Re-rolling):** 

Yes—you can reroll like other gacha games. After the initial tutorial, you can reset your pulls once to aim for a powerful ★5. 

**Monetization:** 

Free-to-play; the entire story is playable without spending. Gacha currency can be purchased, and while free players can progress, consistent ★5 pulls are much easier with paid gems.