Review: WizardChess (PC) – That VideoGame Blog

Who doesn’t enjoy a good tactical adventure? Turn-based strategy games have a nostalgic charm, yet when executed well, they always manage to feel innovative. The core principles of these games tend to hold steady, but it’s the unique mechanics that make each one special. Today, we’re diving into a game called WizardChess. Now, I know its name suggests otherwise, but it isn’t quite the chess you’re thinking of—or maybe it is, but with a magical twist. Allow me to explain.

WizardChess only resembles chess in the most basic sense. You’ll find that the pieces move and attack in a way that’s somewhat reminiscent of a standard chess game, but that’s about where the similarity ends. In terms of mechanics, WizardChess is a completely different beast. It’s undoubtedly strategic, but its unique rules and flow set it apart from the classic game, making it truly its own entity. This deviation isn’t necessarily negative; rather, it requires a shift in mindset. Enter with preconceived ideas of traditional chess, and you might find yourself a bit befuddled or even frustrated.

In WizardChess, the game plunges you into dungeon settings where you face encounters and eventually, tackle a tutorial boss over several rounds. The tutorial is somewhat drawn out, but that’s essential for truly understanding the game’s rules. The title boasts numerous unlockable units, each with unique strategies you’ll need to learn for victory. However, the tutorial doesn’t save your progress. This proved frustrating when I had to abandon my current session mid-way through. Not keen to start over, I hopped into a different mode called Arcade, which was an entirely different beast.

The tutorial’s vibe is leisurely, allowing you to play your units from collected cards and take as long as you need to devise a strategy. Moving just one unit per round might sound straightforward, but it complicates positioning when enemy units are in motion. Some units have special abilities that come at the expense of movement, striking a balance. Combat initiates automatically when your unit nears an enemy, calculated according to the respective stats. Once I got the hang of it, I found this pace quite enjoyable, even if starting over felt like a bit of a setback.

Switching gears to Arcade mode, this is where things change dramatically. You begin with set units already on the board and race against the clock to defeat as many adversaries as possible before a boss appears. Between rounds, you visit a game shop to purchase new cards or enhance current stats. It became apparent that currency is sparse, meaning upgrades won’t be as frequent as I’d like to keep up with progression. This haste prioritizes speed over strategic depth, muddling some of the game’s core elements. The shop choices become critical since you quickly realize you can only complete a limited number of rounds.

The shop offers an intriguing twist, allowing you to forgo extra units to boost attack and defense stats instead. Early in the game, I wouldn’t advise this. Expanding your army seems essential, and focusing on upgrades should wait until you’re more acquainted with your existing roster.

Units can also be imbued with elements, influencing their behavior. Fire makes them more aggressive, water boosts defense, and earth introduces patience, among others. This adds an interesting layer, giving you more control over your party’s actions even when you’re not directly managing them.

Facing my first Arcade Mode boss was brutal, and to be honest, I struggled each time. My hero character, more of a support role, couldn’t help much in these skirmishes. When my limited units were defeated, it was game over. Arcade Mode feels like the main attraction in WizardChess, but the quick frustration could deter some players.

WizardChess seems like it would benefit from a full-fledged campaign mode. While the tutorial teases engaging characters and encounters, its arcade-style nature doesn’t lend itself to a narrative crescendo. It’s addictive, designed for quick sessions, but I’m not convinced it holds much more than short-term appeal.

The game’s controls are straightforward: point-and-click. Each unit moves differently—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—but terrain can obstruct, slowing things down in a way that conflicts with the real-time strategy pace. This feels at odds with the game’s timed elements, creating a slight mismatch in gameplay execution.

WizardChess is certainly peculiar. Maybe I need more exposure to appreciate its intricacies, or perhaps my premature arcade adventure set a tone. Many of the game’s ideas are captivating, albeit their execution might not mesh as seamlessly. As a turn-based dungeon crawler or a full-on real-time strategy affair, this could work splendidly. Combining both, however, leads to some dissonance.

I admire WizardChess’s ambition. There’s a fascinating vision here, thanks to the developers’ desire to craft something different. If the mechanics resonate with you, this game could undoubtedly be a lot of fun. Personally, though, something about it feels off, prompting my search for strategy fulfillment elsewhere.

In summary, WizardChess makes a valiant attempt, scoring a 6.2 overall, with its look and feel and challenge aspects both earning a 7 out of 10. The gameplay and story lag slightly behind at 5 out of 10. It’s a game full of promising ideas, though it might not quite manage to unite them cohesively. Offering something for those fond of niche experiences, it could cultivate a passionate following but might struggle to attract the average strategy enthusiast over time.