Blackstone Academy for the Magical Arts
Cast spells, pass your exams, and save the world! Blackstone is more than a magic school: you’ll compete for glory in the sky sailing tourney, find love, and steer the fate of magic itself.
Blackstone Academy for the Magical Arts is a fast-paced 188,000-word interactive YA fantasy novel by Alana Joli Abbott, where your choices control the story. It’s entirely text-based, without graphics or sound effects, and fueled by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination.
Blackstone Academy is a secretive magical high school for students with supernatural talents. When you discover you are a Sensor, someone who can feel the presence of magic, you learn that it’s exactly the type of place that will help you develop your ability. Your first year at Blackstone you’ll learn how to sky sail, practice your own magic spells, and discover the secrets the adults are hiding.
But as a magical crisis looms over campus, you must decide how you’ll get involved—and which factions you’ll support in guiding the future of the magical world. What will you prioritize: your academic career, your friends, or uncovering the magical threat? Will you keep the secrets of the magical world, or fight for a future without secrets, sharing magic with everyone?
- Play as male, female, or non-binary; gay, straight, bisexual, pansexual, demisexual, asexual and/or aromantic.
- Learn magic from your chosen mentor, and make friendships that will last forever.
- Encounter and befriend—or annoy—powerful magical beings.
- Compete in the sky sailing championships for the glory of your school!
- Fight for the rights of supernaturals, or argue for tighter regulations of non-humans.
- Earn the respect and admiration of your peers, or work to effect change from the shadows.
- Face down a magical threat, and change the course of the magical world’s future.
The fate of magic is in your hands.
Steam User 21
Wholly enjoyable. The plot is roughly thus, without spoilers: One plays as a young student at a magical academy, as one might expect, and deals with all the adventures and mishaps within. It is quite like if J. K. Rowling had researched non-English traditions of belief, and was far better acquainted with the idea of internal consistency. (Indeed, it tackles Ireland far better than the Harry Potter series.) Despite generally despising sports, Sky Sailing was far more interesting than expected, and the cast of characters was interesting and diverse. In a list of very strong showings by the author (A. J. Abbot), including such classics as Choice of the Pirate, it is the strongest yet. In all, it deserves both praise, and a sequel.
Steam User 5
A really fun choose your own adventure game with a lot of choice for anyone wanting to play a morally interesting character. I loved the relationships you could build. The only thing I didn't like was the statblock as it was a bit confusing. I recomend this game to anyone wanting a magical based lgbt friendly school game, it's hella good.
Steam User 2
It's ok, if there was a neutral option that's what I would give it. If you want a super casual magical school experience with low risks then this might be your cup of tea. I enjoyed it for what it was but I wish it was more substantial in character development and what not.
Steam User 5
I enjoyed this, but had to re-start a few times to get a consistent path through to the end. Just over 8 hours for 1 complete play including the re-starts. I DO understand where the negative reviews are coming from, but I think a lot has to do with how consistent you stick to your chosen path and faction. Personally I think the author did a decent job describing the choices so that you could identify which choice paired up with which faction. Remember, you are playing what amounts to an American freshman student in high school. Yes, the game gives you the OPTION to get involved with inter-faction politics, but how many young high-schoolers are involved with politics in any way? (Not many). THAT is a hint imo. *Minor spoiler* I chose to ignore faction politics except for a few actions on the fringes and ended up with the best ending (I think)
Steam User 2
when will the sequel come out?
Steam User 7
A very enjoyable read. One that i look forward to repeating a few more times at least. The writing is well done, the story is interesting and even though I had a feeling about who was the bad guy, I was really pleasantly surprised not by whom but by what they were up to. Also kudos for allowing me to get out of the "competition" portion of the story line. I really groaned out loud when I was told my character had to participate, and went on a self rant (you know when your talking out loud as if to the author arguing your points,) about how not every hero has to be the team captain or even interested in trying to be in the limelight of school spirit and popularity. So i was very grateful when the story line allowed me to show my less than stellar interest and allow someone else to go do all that ; ) TY!
So if you liked Creme de la Creme or The Fog Knows Your Name, you will enjoy this story. If you happened to like both this is almost like their love child!
Steam User 0
The game is fun in that you get to weave a story all your own