Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

This 25-episode series tells of a young boy's quest to find the meaning of what it is to be a magi. Aladdin's adventures take him to different places and allow him to meet different people including Alibaba Saluja. The latter dreams of conquering a dungeon occupied by Djinns, which are scattered throughout the world and hold treasures and power. The two become instant friends but that friendship will be tested when they are separated. Transported to a foreign land, Aladdin gains some understanding on what a magi is. Meanwhile, Alibaba is forced to face a task he has avoided for most of his life.

Set in an alternate ancient world and inspired by the tales from the Arabian Nights, the series takes the viewer to familiar yet strange places, ruled by by various powerful forces. Whether the two young boys will be able to achieve their goals will be determined by the alliances they forge and the difficult decisions they have to make.

The magic system used in the series is pretty easy to understand as it has parallels in some myths. The series also borrows some names, but do not expect them to be represented the same way they are written in literature. The combat system, which is passable, uses both magic and melee or projectiles. Most of the important fights however are not resolved in this first installment.

Characters whose names have been taken from literature are not exactly replicas, but the changes seem to fit the story. If you are not into young guys who are indecisive and sometimes whiny, you might not like Alibaba; the others are okay although you generally find such character types in most series.

If you're into mythology and history, you might find Magi interesting. You do not need to have a background of the Arabian Nights however to understand the magic and combat system and the setting in the series. Everything else just seems generic to me. A young protagonist is destined to do something great but he doesn't understand his powers. He meets friends who help him and the foes try to stop him; but in Magi you get two such heroes in Alibaba and Aladdin.

Rating: 6 out of 10