Review: WizardChess (PC) – That VideoGame Blog

Ah, the allure of a solid tactical adventure is hard to resist, isn’t it? Turn-based strategy games evoke a sense of nostalgia, yet when crafted masterfully, they offer a refreshing experience every time. While the core mechanics of such games remain consistent, the nuances of each can make them stand out. Today, we’re diving into something akin to chess but not quite. I’ve been delving into WizardChess, and while there’s much to enjoy, certain perplexing aspects have cropped up, one being the game’s title itself.

WizardChess, in name, draws from chess, but predominantly in movement and attack mechanics. However, beyond that, it evolves into something entirely its own. With its unique rule set and strategic allure, it steers far from traditional chess, morphing into a beast of its own. While this isn’t inherently negative, coming in with set expectations could lead to confusion or frustration.

In this game, you start your journey in a dungeon, facing various encounters until you ultimately tackle the tutorial boss. The tutorial may feel a tad lengthy, but it’s crucial for understanding the game’s mechanics. With numerous unlockable units, deciphering their roles and strategic applications is essential for success. A notable downside is the tutorial’s lack of a save feature. Forced to abandon my progress halfway, I opted to explore another mode, which may not have been the best decision as the gameplay feel in Arcade mode was drastically different.

The tutorial method offers a traditional turn-based vibe. With every unit drawn from a card deck, you’re given ample time to strategize their deployment. The limitation of moving one unit per turn adds a layer of challenge, especially with enemy units also in movement. Some units boast special abilities, offering a mix of strategy and action. Despite having to restart occasionally, the experience became more enjoyable as I grasped the game’s mechanics.

Switching to Arcade mode introduced a stark contrast. Here, units are preset on the board, and it’s all about racing against time to defeat opponents before encountering a boss. With limited currency for upgrades, the pace forces an abandonment of meticulous strategy, which dilutes the game’s intriguing elements. Despite rapid play, progress remains limited, amplifying the weight of decisions made in the game’s shop.

The shop’s concept intrigues by allowing players to bolster existing units’ stats versus acquiring new ones. However, I’d advise focusing on expanding your arsenal initially. The ability to imbue units with elemental attributes adds depth, allowing you to tailor their aggression or defense styles, offering control even when they aren’t in the spotlight.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t conquer the first boss in Arcade mode, frequently finding myself underprepared. Your hero, adopting a supportive rather than aggressive role, means once your units perish, there’s little hope left. With Arcade seemingly positioned as the main mode, frustration can arise quickly.

What WizardChess could benefit from is a campaign mode. The tutorial hints at engaging narratives and characters, yet without a savable campaign, these elements don’t fully blossom. Crafted for short bursts of play designed for seeing how far you can advance, it feels more like a snack than a meal for those craving extended strategic depth.

On the mechanics front, controls are intuitive, with a point-and-click interface. However, navigating units in real-time with limitations on movement can bog down the flow, conflicting with the game’s timed objectives.

In the end, WizardChess can be a bit of an enigma for me. Perhaps more play is required to truly unravel and appreciate its intricacies. Admittedly, my premature exit from the tutorial might have contributed to some misunderstandings. Within its design lies a handful of fascinating concepts yet not entirely cohesive. If reimagined as a pure real-time strategy or a turn-based dungeon crawler with chess accents, it might gel better. Though the attempt to blend these styles is commendable, it may introduce more challenges than necessary.

I appreciate WizardChess for its bold attempt to innovate, presenting ideas that are indeed compelling. If these resonate with you, you’re in for a treat. Yet for me, something feels slightly amiss, nudging me to seek my strategic thrills elsewhere.

Through this different lens, WizardChess hinges on its concept more than its execution, potentially appealing to a dedicated niche. With a mix of promising elements but lacking coherence in some areas, it may foster a devoted fanbase, but its broader allure among strategy enthusiasts remains uncertain.