Developer: Emberheart Games
Publisher: Apogee Entertainment
Genre: First Person, FPS, Dungeon Crawler
Where to buy: Steam
Price: $19.99
Wizordum is a project of love, or more so a concept that developed over time. Wizordum is a FPS dungeon crawler developed by Emberheart Games. It was released in early access on Steam in December 2022, and is expected to have a full release in early 2024.
The development of Wizordum began in 2021, when the developer, who goes by the alias Emberheart Games, began working on a prototype of the game. Single Cell was inspired by classic roguelike games such as Nethack and Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup, but wanted to create a more modern and accessible roguelike experience.
Emberheart Games worked on the prototype of Wizordum for several months, and eventually released it to a small group of testers. The feedback from the testers was positive, and Emberheart Games decided to continue developing the game.
In December 2022, Emberheart Games released Wizordum in early access on Steam. The early access release of the game includes a variety of features, including:
- A procedurally generated dungeon world to explore
- A variety of enemies to fight
- A variety of items to collect and use
- A character progression system
- A challenging and rewarding gameplay experience
Emberheart Games has stated that they plan to continue working on Wizordum throughout early access. They plan to add new content and features to the game, and to fix any bugs that are found.
Wizordum has been well-received by the early access community. Players have praised the game for its challenging gameplay, its charming art style, and its replayability.
Here is a brief timeline of the history of development for the indie game Wizordum:
- 2021: Single Cell begins working on a prototype of Wizordum.
- December 2022: Wizordum is released in early access on Steam.
- Early 2024: Wizordum is expected to have a full release.
However enough about the history of the game, and plans, how is the game you ask? It is one part Catacomb 3D, one part Heretic, and a good chunk of most of the classic FPS games you remember in one package. Wizordum is a love letter to classic 90s FPS games, but with a modern twist: you’re a powerful wizard, wielding spells instead of guns to blast your way through enemies and dungeons. Released in November 2023 by Emberheart Games and published by Apogee Entertainment, it’s been receiving positive reviews from players and critics alike.
Gameplay:
- Classic FPS core: Wizordum captures the essence of classic FPS titles like Doom and Hexen. Fast-paced action, intricate level design, and a focus on exploration and combat are all present.
- Magical arsenal: Instead of bullets, you wield a variety of spells, each with unique properties and tactical uses. Fireballs, lightning bolts, ice blasts, and even summoning spells are at your disposal, offering a satisfyingly diverse approach to combat.
- Spellcrafting and customization: As you progress, you can unlock new spells and upgrade existing ones. Experimenting with different combinations and finding synergies is a key part of the gameplay loop.
- Level design: Levels are well-designed, offering a good balance of linear progression and hidden secrets. Exploration is rewarded with powerful items and lore entries, adding depth to the world.
- Modern flourishes: While staying true to its retro roots, Wizordum incorporates modern conveniences like checkpoints, autosaves, and a helpful map system. This makes the game more accessible to modern players without sacrificing the classic feel.
Aesthetics:
- Pixel-perfect visuals: The game boasts gorgeous pixel art that evokes nostalgia while maintaining a modern aesthetic. Environments are detailed and atmospheric, bringing the world of Terrabruma to life.
- Classic soundtrack: The soundtrack is a perfect blend of old-school heavy metal and fantasy orchestral elements, perfectly complementing the visuals and gameplay.
Overall:
Wizordum is a fantastic retro FPS experience with a unique magic system. It’s a must-play for fans of classic shooters and anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned blast of action and adventure.
Pros:
- Classic FPS gameplay with a fresh twist
- Diverse and satisfying spellcasting
- Well-designed levels with secrets to discover
- Gorgeous pixel art and a rocking soundtrack
- Modern conveniences enhance the gameplay without sacrificing the classic feel
Cons:
- May not appeal to players who dislike retro FPS mechanics
- Difficulty can be unforgiving at times
- Story elements are somewhat light
- Level design can be repetitive in places
Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for a nostalgic yet modern FPS experience with a unique take on magic combat, look no further than Wizordum. It’s a well-crafted game that delivers hours of fun and satisfaction.
