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I'll cut to the quick:
After putting the party through Paizo's 'Seven Swords of Sin' (7th level) meatgrinder dungeon, The Magus:
-Does as much damage as a fighter IF he doesn't meet elemental resistance and if he makes contact
-Dies like any other character (which is fine; TPK occurred three times before we called it a night. Blame the meatgrinder, not the Magus)
-Felt like an Inquisitor without enough 'stuff' or a Paladin who sucks at his job (The Magus missed more often than the group's fighter)
-Unless he cast touch spells like flaming strike, and then he hit more often than I've seen wizards with the same spell.
I'd love to see them get something like uncanny dodge with will saves, or uncanny dodge with all saves but only versus spells (not even spell-like, just spells) or at least a bonus to saving throws versus spells. It increases their survivability a notch, but gives them a nitch as well.
Also, please please please reword spellstrike. As it stands, I don't know if, when you cast a touch spell, you do the attack immediately , or if you have to wait a round.
If you would like more details about the playtest, I will post them after I get some shut eye.
Conclusion:
I like the idea of the class being an arcane equivalent to the inquisitor. In this vain, they could benefit from more 'stuff'.
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(I guess I'm not sleeping)
After reviewing the forum, I'd like to say this before I commence with my complete playtest report:
Both me and the Magus's player loved the 3/4 BA+, and thought the magus's only weaknesses as written were:
-The abilities, as written, are not yet idiot proof. When presented with the class, only the law-student thought it was an easy class to understand and play. Otherwise, everyone looked at it and their brains oozed from their heads. I am, sadly, no good at making wordage clearer, so I have no suggestions. One of the things I like about Paizo is how you idiot proof everything. Please do it again!
-Not enough 'stuff'. I'm excited for another Inquisitor, but with an arcane bent. If someone wants to play high BA+, low Spell progression, let them have the duskblade. I want the Magus. I love 'stuff'. It looks like you shall add more 'stuff' so I say: yes please!
-The name. But, I recall these battles during the 'Advanced' playtest, so I won't go any further with this.
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The Report:
Party (all 7th level, all Elves [by pure coincidence]):
Fighter (Archer bent, Composite Longbow)
Magus (Spec with Intimidate skill)
Rogue (Good at sneaking, trap finding and escape artist)
Oracle (Wind mystery, player didn't arrive till after second TPK though)
What happened:
Room 1-
Rogue actually saw peephole, Magus intimidated thugs in room 2 to give up, he won the check, so they did, party let them go. Party took a sharp right, right into room 13.
Room 13-
Party freaked out at sight of crazy electricity, Magus and Fighter wanted to make a run for it; Rogue wanted treasure. Avaneidardax made his presence and requests known; Rogue (brandishing a mace!) claims he has no metal upon him; Avaneidardax attempts to blast him, this doesn't work, so when Avaneidardax wins initiative, he flips over to the Magus who has crap tons of metal upon him and blasts him successfully; Magus takes over 50 damage. All players make a run for it into room 12.
Room 12-
Party doesn't spot giant squid, as they wonder what is up with this room. Squid attacks rogue on the surprise round, grapples him with tentacles. Rogue goes first, makes escape artist check, quips about frying pan and fire, and wiffs on the attack roll. Magus hits with Scorching ray, does over 30 damage. Fighter puts all three arrows into squid, one is a confirmed crit, does over 50 damage. Squid misses fighter, hits Magus for measly damage, grapples rogue again. At this point, rogue only has around 5 HP left. Rogue fails at escape artist check, Magus misses with shocking grasp sword combo, fighter again puts three arrows into squid, it dies. Rogue drinks water, loses 1 Con.
(I'm finally feeling tired, more report when I wake up)