Wizardry Remake: Revisiting a Classic RPG

by Frank McDougall
in Adventure, News, Release
on 3 June 2024

A beloved classic from 1981, Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, is getting a fresh update for the modern era. Developed by Digital Eclipse, this remake promises to stay true to the original while making it accessible for players in 2024.

Inspiring games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, Wizardry has made a significant impact on the RPG genre. The story is straightforward: a Mad Overlord has had his amulet stolen by a wizard named Werna, who has hidden it in an underground labyrinth. Adventurers are now enlisted to retrieve the artifact and claim the promised riches and fame.

In this remake, players will embark on their adventure with a party of adventurers, exploring the treacherous labyrinth filled with fierce creatures and traps. The game is divided into two sections: time spent in town and time spent in the labyrinth. In the town sections, players can hire new crew members, level up, and prepare for the challenging journeys ahead.

The labyrinth section presents a first-person view of the dungeon. Players will navigate through corridors, open doors, and engage in battles with various monsters. The design of these foes draws inspiration from the world of Dungeons and Dragons, featuring orcs, goblins, skeletons, and more. The updated visuals and revamped sound effects bring the game to life, creating a captivating experience for players.

Although the town sections are relatively straightforward, the real challenge lies within the dungeon. The game doesn’t hold back in punishing players who aren’t careful, so assembling a diverse party of characters becomes crucial. With options such as Fighters, Priests, Mages, Thieves, and a choice between good and evil alignments, players must strategize to overcome the difficult encounters they will face.

Exploration within the labyrinth is grid-based, and an auto-map function helps players navigate through the dungeon. Encounters with monsters and treasure chests add excitement and tension. Combat is turn-based, allowing players to study their enemies and exploit their weaknesses for additional damage. Trying to balance learning about foes while staying alive creates a challenging and engrossing experience.

Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord offers a lot to appreciate for fans of the original and newcomers alike. While the pace of exploring may feel slow at times, the intensity of combat and the thrill of survival keep players engaged. Whether you’re intrigued by the RPG nostalgia or simply looking for an exciting adventure, Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is worth diving into.

Facts:
1. Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord was released in 1981 and is considered a beloved classic in the RPG genre.
2. The remake of Wizardry is being developed by Digital Eclipse.
3. The remake aims to stay true to the original game while making it accessible for modern players.
4. Wizardry has inspired games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
5. The story of Wizardry revolves around retrieving a stolen amulet from an underground labyrinth.
6. The game is divided into two sections: time spent in town and time spent in the labyrinth.
7. In the town sections, players can hire new crew members, level up, and prepare for their journeys.
8. The labyrinth section provides a first-person view of the dungeon, with players navigating corridors, opening doors, and engaging in battles.
9. The game features updated visuals and revamped sound effects to enhance the immersive experience.
10. Players must assemble a diverse party of characters, choosing from various classes and alignments, to overcome the challenges.
11. The exploration in the labyrinth is grid-based, and an auto-map function helps players navigate.
12. Combat in Wizardry is turn-based, with players studying enemies’ weaknesses for strategic advantage.
13. The game offers a combination of RPG nostalgia and an exciting adventure for both fans of the original and newcomers.

Key questions and answers:
Q: When was Wizardry originally released?
A: Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord was released in 1981.

Q: Who is developing the remake of Wizardry?
A: The remake is being developed by Digital Eclipse.

Q: What is the objective of the game?
A: The objective is to retrieve a stolen amulet from an underground labyrinth.

Q: How is Wizardry divided into sections?
A: The game is divided into time spent in town and time spent in the labyrinth.

Q: What can players do in the town sections?
A: In the town sections, players can hire new crew members, level up, and prepare for their journeys.

Key challenges or controversies:
1. The slow pace of exploring in the game may be a challenge for some players who prefer faster-paced gameplay.
2. The difficulty of the encounters in the dungeon can be punishing for players who aren’t careful, requiring strategic thinking and planning.
3. The game’s grid-based exploration may feel restrictive to players accustomed to more open-world experiences.
4. Balancing learning about enemies and staying alive during combat can be challenging, adding to the overall intensity of the game.

Advantages:
1. The remake of Wizardry allows fans of the original to revisit the classic game with updated visuals and sound effects.
2. Newcomers to the RPG genre can experience a beloved classic with modern accessibility features.
3. The game offers a blend of exploration, combat, and strategy, providing an engrossing and captivating experience.
4. The diverse party creation and class systems allow for personalized gameplay experiences.

Disadvantages:
1. Some players may find the slow pace of exploring in the game to be a drawback.
2. The punishing difficulty of the encounters in the dungeon may deter players who prefer more casual or easy gameplay experiences.
3. The grid-based exploration may feel restrictive or dated to players accustomed to more open-world or dynamic environments.