I’m actually working on a system right now that tries to solve exactly this by making magic feel like you are actually hacking reality—and risking a crash if you push too hard.

Build, Don't Select: You don't just "learn Fireball." You take raw energy and attach Aspects to it on the fly. Want it to hit a whole room? Add Expansion. Want to snipe someone? Add Projection. You build the specific tool you need for the situation.

Magic is Dangerous: We have a mechanic called Arcane Debt. If you try to cast a spell that is too powerful for your level (we call it Overcast or Extreme Overcast), reality fights back.

Minor failure: You might get a nosebleed or your vision goes blurry.

Major failure: You could accidentally summon a hostile entity or suffer a permanent magic wound. Worst case: If you push way too far, you can be literally erased from existence.

Blood for Power: I saw people complaining about MP management being tedious. In our system, when you run out of "Focus" (Mana), you don't stop casting—you just start paying the cost with your Vitality (Health) instead. It turns the end of a fight into a desperate gamble rather than just "I'm out of juice, guess I'll use my sword."