Item: MAGICIAN LORD ACA NEOGEO
Rating: 78
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

78/100

Magician Lord is a fascinating relic of early NeoGeo history. It’s a side-scrolling action platformer that is famously difficult, but it's also incredibly creative. The transformation system—turning from a wizard into a dragon warrior or a ninja—adds a layer of strategy that was ahead of its time in 1990. Each form has a specific use case for different enemies and platforming challenges.

While the difficulty can feel a bit unfair by modern standards, the ACA features like the save states make it much more approachable. The dark fantasy art style and the hauntingly good FM-synth music create an atmosphere that still holds up today. It’s a tough, rewarding, and visually striking journey that every retro enthusiast should experience at least once.

Dinsun reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1607801266

$3.99 13+★4 7 reviews

Author : SNK CORPORATION

Pubish Date : Wed Jun 08 2022

Last Update Date : Mon Jun 19 2023

Support Languages : English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish

Genres :

Version 1.1.0Mon Jun 19 2023

・Added a news feature to the title screen.
・Added Bluetooth controller support.
NEOGEO's masterpiece games are now available in the app !!
And in recent years, SNK has partnered with Hamster Corporation to bring many of the classic games on the NEOGEO onto modern gaming environments through the ACA NEOGEO series. Now on smartphone, the difficulty and look NEOGEO games had back then can be reproduced through screen settings and options. Also, players can benefit from online features such as online ranking modes. More, it features quick save/load and virtual pad customization functions to support comfortable play within the app. Please take this opportunity to enjoy the masterpieces that are still supported to this day.
[Game introduction]
MAGICIAN LORD is a side-scrolling action game released by SNK in 1990.
This fantasy action game was one of the launch titles on NEOGEO.
Control the magician Elta on a journey to save the world from Gal-Agiese, who came back to life once again.
[Recommendation OS]
iOS 13 and above
©SNK CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Arcade Archives Series Produced by HAMSTER Co.
Requires iOS 11.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
NEOGEO's masterpiece games are now available in the app !!
And in recent years, SNK has partnered with Hamster Corporation to bring many of the classic games on the NEOGEO onto modern gaming environments through the ACA NEOGEO series. Now on smartphone, the difficulty and look NEOGEO games had back then can be reproduced through screen settings and options. Also, players can benefit from online features such as online ranking modes. More, it features quick save/load and virtual pad customization functions to support comfortable play within the app. Please take this opportunity to enjoy the masterpieces that are still supported to this day.
[Game introduction]
MAGICIAN LORD is a side-scrolling action game released by SNK in 1990.
This fantasy action game was one of the launch titles on NEOGEO.
Control the magician Elta on a journey to save the world from Gal-Agiese, who came back to life once again.
[Recommendation OS]
iOS 13 and above
©SNK CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Arcade Archives Series Produced by HAMSTER Co.

Ratings & Reviews

4 out of 5 with 7 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 13+

Magician Lord is an iconic launch title for the NeoGeo. Players control the wizard Elta as he journeys to recover eight stolen books of magic. By collecting transformation orbs, Elta can change into six different forms, including a Dragon Warrior and a Waterbound Man, each with unique attacks. This mobile version preserves the high-difficulty gameplay and stunning 16-bit visuals of the arcade original.

Features

Unique character transformation system

Intricate side-scrolling level design

Legendary dark fantasy soundtrack

Quick save and load functions

Customizable difficulty and controls

Tips

Transformation Selection

Pay attention to the color of the orbs you collect. The Green orb transforms you into the Dragon Warrior, which has high health and powerful close-range attacks—essential for the heavy-hitting bosses in Stage 3.

Gameplays

Navigating Traps

Magician Lord is full of hidden traps and crumbling floors. Move slowly and watch for enemy patterns. Many enemies respawn, so it's often better to jump over them than to stay and fight.