I haven't played at all since they added magic, so I don't know what to expect. I'm sure there will be some rough spots that need to be sanded down, but I hope it doesn't break the flow of gameplay.

Magic is great and it's totally optional. You don't get into magic until after the plains. The melee and non-magical ranged options at Mistlands tier and beyond are super fun, and they've added a lot more content to the early/mid game.

Magic is just a different type of weapon, it's not particularly crazy. Honestly, I played mage while my friend played a traditional fighter, and she was way stronger than I was, and way easier to upgrade.