The games were originally developed for iOS, but have since been ported to Android, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
The games are text-based fantasy quests based on Steve Jackson's choose-your-own-adventure novels, and incorporate visual and interactive elements not present in the gamebooks.
[1][2] They also contain expanded content vis-à-vis the original gamebooks - the first entry, The Shamutanti Hills, featuring the fewest such expansions; the last The Crown of Kings, the most.
[3] The third entry, The Seven Serpents, significantly expands the adventure by adding a whole new layer where the map is explored in two intertwined time lines.
: The Shamutanti Hills was released by Inkle in May 2013 on the iOS App Store[4] and was a 'Game of the Year' finalist for TouchArcade,[5] Mashable,[6] and Gamezebo.
[10] The game's innovative style of gameplay was lauded upon launch from outlets such as Hardcore Gamer, writing: "Sorcery!
2 isn’t doing much different",[18] and MacLife making it a point to say "Sorcery 2 continues the adventure with very little iteration, but it’s built on a strong foundation that remains charming.
"[19] Other critics agreed noted that the game was still different enough to be worth it to returning fans, with 148Apps's review reading: "Building upon the success of its predecessor, Sorcery!