Overview of the New 2024 Mobile App “Puella Magi Madoka Magica Magia Exedra”
In 2024, Aniplex will release a new Android/iOS app, “Puella Magi Madoka Magica Magia Exedra.” This release is timed perfectly with the winter 2024 premiere of the movie “Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Rebellion (Hangyaku no Monogatari).” Fans of the series can look forward to this new addition to the smartphone gaming landscape. Aniplex has previously launched successful apps like “Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story (Magireco),” and is taking a similar approach with this latest endeavor. The game’s development is a collaborative effort involving Pokelabo, creators of “SINoALICE” and “Assault Lily Last Bullet (Lasbale),” and f4samurai, who are also known for their work on “Magireco.” Pokelabo is set to manage the game’s operations. The official website and an official X page went live, coinciding with the game’s announcement. Additionally, a promotional campaign includes a newspaper ad in the Yomiuri Shimbun featuring an exclusive illustration by Ume Aoki.
Fans of the “Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story” series are excited about this announcement, seeing it as a fresh way to engage with their favorite characters through mobile gaming. The collaboration of seasoned developers like Pokelabo and f4samurai promises an immersive experience that could draw in both seasoned fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Characters in the Upcoming Game and Further Details
The details of the game are unknown at the time of writing this article. The released image visuals feature main characters from the original work, such as Madoka Kaname smiling along with the title logo, and the five fighting witches: Madoka Kaname, Homura Akemi, Mami Tomoe, Sayaka Miki, and Kyoko Sakura, along with the unsettling presence of Kyubey.
Additionally, as part of the promotion, a newspaper advertisement featuring an illustration drawn by Ume Aoki was published in the national edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun today, April 22nd (Monday). Moreover, an official X and teaser site have also been launched. Those interested should follow and check for updates.
Why is “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” so popular?
Here are some of the reasons that are thought to contribute to its popularity. (Please note that this paragraph contains spoilers.) In the first half of the series, while enjoying watching cute girls clouded by darkness, suffering, and falling into despair, the second half has viewers desperately hoping and intensely watching for their redemption in this deeply karmic anime. Episodes 1 to 3 present a world of dreams and hope, typical of magical girl anime, but from Episode 4 to 9, after Mami’s death, the story carefully explains how there is no escape or salvation, turning to a darker tone. Episodes 10 and 11 offer further perspectives and deepening despair, with a resolution forming in Episode 12. Until Episode 11, it was unpredictable how it would conclude, but it ended beautifully.
In the first half of this work, viewers might think, “I’m tired of happy stories full of dreams and hope! Yes, make them suffer more… bring on more despair… show me their frightened faces…!!” However, in the second half of the story, their feelings evolve to, “That’s enough… please, let them be saved now… maybe defeating this one will do it? No, that’s meaningless. What if they try this? That backfired—what should they do now…?”
The world of Puella Magi Madoka Magica, if rendered in the massive and dark style of American comics, would likely have been mundane and not as popular. I believe it stands out precisely because of the contrast with its adorable art style.
