Nine Parchments is a game about wizards fighting over a magical scroll, and it knows exactly what it is. It is a multiplayer arena brawler dressed up as a fantasy skirmish, and it wants you to fight, cast spells, and laugh at the chaos you create. The game launched on PS4, PC, Xbox One and Switch in 2017, and it remains a strange, charming outlier in a crowded genre. It earns a 6.6 out of 10.
Trailer, via FrozenbyteGames.
Setup
Nine Parchments puts two teams of four wizards against each other on a small, flat battlefield. Each player picks a class with a unique set of abilities, and the goal is simple: capture the scroll and bring it back to your base. The twist is that the map is full of traps, pitfalls, and obstacles that can send you flying across the screen. It is a game about control, and it loves to take it away from you.
The setup is brilliant. The execution is messier.
Classes and Abilities
The classes are the heart of Nine Parchments. There is the mage who summons fireballs, the thief who moves fast and stuns enemies, the berserker who charges in close, and the archer who picks off targets from range. Each class has a distinct role, and the game rewards players who understand their strengths and weaknesses. The spells are simple to learn but difficult to master, and the best moments come when you chain a fireball into a stun into a charge into a finisher.
The problem is that some classes feel stronger than others. The mage and thief have a wider range of useful spells, while the berserker and archer feel more limited. This imbalance shows up in ranked matches, where certain classes dominate the leaderboards. It is a fair complaint, but it is also a design choice that the developers have acknowledged and worked around through balance patches.
The Scroll Mechanic
Capturing the scroll is the core loop, and it is where Nine Parchments shines. You grab the scroll, hold it, and move toward your base. The catch is that the scroll slows you down, and anyone can steal it from you. This creates a constant dance of pursuit and evasion, with players chasing each other across the map while dodging traps and enemy spells.
The system is chaotic and fun, but it can also be frustrating. Losing the scroll at the last second feels terrible, and winning it after a long chase feels amazing. The game’s pacing depends heavily on this mechanic, and when it works, it works. When it does not, matches can drag.
Visual Style
Nine Parchments is a cartoonish game, and it wears that label proudly. The characters are stylized, the environments are bright, and the animations are exaggerated. The visual style is consistent throughout, and it fits the tone of the game. It is not trying to be realistic, and it does not need to be.
The sound design is just as playful. Spells have satisfying audio cues, and the announcer adds a layer of humor to every kill. The music is energetic and upbeat, which helps keep the energy high during long matches. It is a small touch, but it contributes to the overall feeling of joy.
Platform Issues
The Switch version is the odd one out. It has some technical issues, and the game’s developers have acknowledged the problems and continued to update the platform. The game is playable, but it is not the best way to experience Nine Parchments. If you have a choice, the PC or console versions are the better option.
That said, the Switch version is still fun. It is just less polished than the others. The developers have kept the game alive with regular updates and support, and the platform continues to receive fixes.
Competitive Scene
Nine Parchments has a competitive scene, and it has held tournaments and ranked matches since launch. The community is passionate, and the game has a dedicated following. That is a credit to the developers, who have kept the game alive with regular updates and support.
The ranked system is simple and effective. Matches are quick, and the matchmaking is generally fair. The game also has a casual mode for those who want to play without the pressure of ranked competition. It is a solid structure, even if the competitive balance could use more attention.
Session Length
A typical session of Nine Parchments lasts about twenty minutes. That is a perfect length for a quick match, and it means you can get in, play, and leave without committing too much time. The game respects your schedule, which is a relief in a genre that often demands long sessions.
Here is a rough breakdown of how a match plays out:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Warmup | Short |
| Match | Most of the session |
| Post-Match | Brief |
The warmup lets you pick your class and prepare. The match itself is the bulk of the experience, and the post-match is where you review your performance and decide whether to play again. It is a tight structure, and it works well.
Final Word
Nine Parchments is a game with a strong identity. It knows what it wants to be, and it delivers on that vision. The capture mechanic is clever, the classes are varied, and the presentation is charming. It is not a perfect game, and the competitive balance issues will frustrate players looking for a fair match, but it is a game that is easy to recommend to friends who want a fun, chaotic night in.
It is a game that rewards skill and punishes carelessness in equal measure. It is a game that makes you laugh at your own mistakes and cheer for your victories. It is a game that deserves its niche.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.
