We have a deep appreciation for a well-executed tactical adventure. Turn-based strategy games often sprinkle in a nostalgic vibe, yet when done right, they can still feel invigoratingly new. While the core mechanics may not drastically differ from one tactics game to another, it’s usually the unique features that make a title memorable. Today, I’m diving into a game. No, it’s not chess—but the reason why will become clear as we go. I’ve been engrossed in WizardChess, a game with some compelling aspects, though a few things have left me scratching my head—starting with its peculiar name.
WizardChess barely resembles chess in the traditional sense. The pieces or units you’ll navigate around the board have a superficial resemblance to chess moves and attacks. Beyond that, this game charts its own course with a mechanics set truly distinct from the classic game. Although WizardChess is undeniably a strategy game, its structure and unique ruleset ensure it stands alone. This divergence isn’t necessarily negative, but entering with a chess-centric mindset might leave you baffled, if not slightly frustrated.
In WizardChess, you find yourself plunged into a dungeon, navigating a series of encounters with the aim of defeating the tutorial boss. Admittedly, the tutorial is lengthy, yet that’s justifiable given the complexity of the rules you need to grasp. With a variety of unlockable units, understanding their functions and strategic implications is vital for success. A significant downside is the tutorial’s lack of a save feature—quitting means abandoning your progress, a frustrating setback especially if you’ve invested time mastering it. I switched to a different mode after experiencing this, unsure if that was wise, as Arcade mode felt considerably different.
The tutorial mode offers a measured, turn-based experience where you play units from acquired cards, allowing ample planning time. Managing unit placement becomes tricky, given you’re allowed only one movement per round and enemy units aren’t idle. Specific units boast special abilities, triggering at movement’s expense, making it a strategic balancing act. Combat is straightforward, moving a unit next to an opponent triggers an automatic battle based on unit stats. Once I understood the mechanics, the pace was enjoyable, despite the setback of restarting.
Arcade mode broke this mold completely. Starting with a set roster of units, you race against time to defeat as many foes as possible before a boss emerges. In between rounds, you can enhance your arsenal at the game shop. However, currency is sparse, slowing your ability to bolster units—a deterrent to traditional strategy. The necessity to act quickly for currency acquisition muddles the game’s strategic elements, forcing rushed decisions over thoughtful tactics. Despite fast play, completing numerous rounds is unlikely, heightening the importance of wise shop decisions.
The shop system in WizardChess is intriguing, offering options beyond just purchasing new units. Sacrificing numbers for improved stats on existing units is an option, though early game expansion seems crucial initially. It’s best to increase your unit count before focusing on enhancements.
Units can also be imbued with elements, altering their behavior. A fire element encourages aggression, while water fosters defense, and earth promotes patience, adding strategic depth by influencing non-active units’ behavior.
Sadly, I haven’t yet conquered the first boss in Arcade Mode, each attempt ending in overwhelming defeat that leaves me wondering about my skill level. With your hero serving a support role, once all units are lost, survival becomes impossible. Considering Arcade feels like the central mode, frustration can mount quickly.
WizardChess would benefit from a campaign mode. While the tutorial introduces characters and narrative potential, its non-saveable structure limits storytelling. This oversight is regrettable, as the writing shown is engaging, hinting at a story development that would enhance enjoyment. Though designed for short bursts, its addictive nature caters to session-based progression rather than long-term depth, limiting appeal over extended gameplay.
Control-wise, the game functions as expected—it’s intuitive and straightforward with point-and-click mechanics. Like chess, each unit moves uniquely, which can be cumbersome for real-time strategy due to movement restrictions and terrain impacts. Coupled with timing, this slows progression, clashing slightly with game format expectations.
Overall, WizardChess presents an interesting puzzle. Perhaps more playtime will shed light on its intricacies, though the struggle with the tutorial may be partly user error. However, mismatches in mechanical ideas make it feel like a mix of brilliant concepts struggling to mesh. Moving forward, whether focusing on turn-based dungeon crawling or real-time strategy might help streamline its identity, avoiding conflicting playstyles.
I respect what WizardChess aspires to be, with its innovative vision deserving praise. Despite my critique, the game may resonate deeply with some, promising enjoyment if it clicks. Yet, something off-kilter mechanically leaves me contemplating whether my strategic thrills lie elsewhere.
WizardChess Review Scores:
- Look and feel: 7/10
- Challenge: 7/10
- Gameplay: 5/10
- Story: 5/10
- Replayability: 7/10
- Overall: 6.2/10
In essence, WizardChess carries a promising premise and several engaging ideas, though it struggles with identity and cohesion. Likely to attract a niche audience, its long-term appeal to mainstream strategy fans remains uncertain.
