Wizardry It’s a game that combines the nostalgia of early first-person shooters with a modern twist. Developed by Apogee Entertainment and Emberheart Games, the game was released on Steam Early Access on November 29, 2023. Inspired by legendary games like Hexen and Doom, Wizordum offers an interesting mix of past and present that will surely appeal to fans of retro FPS.
We were kindly given a key for testing, which has no bearing on our honest opinion.
Wizarding Battles and Challenges: The core game of Wizardry
Wizordum’s gameplay is intense and demands constant attention. Players must prepare for a fast and responsive experience where enemies can attack at any time. The controls are intuitive, allowing players to fluidly move through levels while casting spells and fighting enemies.
The game features a diverse arsenal of weapons, including an ice staff for ice spells, fire rings for shooting fireballs, and magic bullets that act like grenades. These weapons add variety to the game and require strategic thinking, as some weapons can also damage the player. Additionally, Wizordum offers four different difficulty levels, making it appealing to both newcomers and veterans of the genre.
Visual and Acoustic Time Travel: The Aesthetics of Wizardry
Wizordum’s graphic design pays homage to the early 90s, with retro graphics that exude a nostalgic charm. The combination of pixel-like visuals, 2D sprite enemies and 3D environments creates a unique aesthetic that is both attractive and functional. Despite the retro look, the game runs smoothly, even in scenes with many enemies and complex environments.
The soundtrack and sound effects contribute significantly to the atmosphere. Adlib-inspired sounds enhance the retro feel and ensure an authentic and immersive gaming experience. This combination of graphics and sound creates a fascinating world that transports players back to the early FPS era.
Labyrinth of Magic: Intricate Level Design of Wizardry
Wizordum’s level design is complex, challenging players to carefully explore and solve puzzles. Levels are expansive and multi-story, with various keys, levers and enemies to overcome. These design choices encourage exploration and provide a satisfying challenge. Initially, the large, branching maps can be confusing, but the developers have added helpful indicators to help players navigate.
The game also has numerous secrets and treasures to discover, providing extra replay value. Speedrunners and high score hunters will especially enjoy striving for optimal finishing times and points.
Infinite Creativity: Wizordum’s basic access and level editor
Wizordum is currently in Early Access, which means the game isn’t complete yet, but it already has a lot to offer. It includes a full episode of the single-player campaign, with two more developments, as well as an extensive level editor with online sharing functionality and online leaderboards. The level editor is particularly notable as it allows for a near-endless amount of custom content and encourages player creativity.
Although the game is in its early stages, it already shows great potential. The developers have made it clear that they are responding to feedback and constantly improving the game.
The ultimate magic
Overall, Wizordum offers an immersive and nostalgic gaming experience that combines the best elements of classic FPS with modern features. Fast and challenging gameplay, combined with a unique arsenal of weapons and atmospheric retro graphics, make the game a must-have for fans of the genre. Despite some minor weaknesses, such as gamepad support, which could still be improved, the game overall impresses with its quality and charm.
For fans of retro FPS or those looking for a touch of magic in their shooter experience, Wizardum is a must-see. It’s likely to be a highlight in every gamer’s library, especially considering what future updates will bring.