We all love diving into a good tactical game, right? There’s something about turn-based strategy games that give off this nostalgic vibe, yet when executed well, they feel fresh and innovative. Sure, the core principles of these games don’t shift much, but the unique mechanics often provide a distinct experience. So let’s talk strategy, and while we’re not exactly going to be playing chess today, the comparison is fitting, and you’ll see why as we delve deeper into WizardChess.
Let’s start with the name. WizardChess only bears a passing resemblance to chess. Yes, the pieces move and attack similarly to chess pieces, but that’s where the similarities end. This game carves out its own niche in the strategy genre, setting itself apart with its distinct flow and unique set of rules. While this deviation from traditional chess isn’t inherently negative, approaching WizardChess with specific preconceptions might leave you feeling puzzled or possibly even frustrated.
Once you jump into WizardChess, you find yourself immersed in a captivating dungeon setting. Your mission? Take on various encounters and ultimately defeat the tutorial boss over multiple rounds. The tutorial is quite detailed, which is crucial for gaining a solid understanding of the game’s rules. Unfortunately, the inability to save progress in the tutorial is a glaring inconvenience. I found myself abandoning a run mid-progress, and starting something else in the arcade mode—probably not the smartest move, as the gameplay dynamics shifted drastically.
The tutorial offers a truly turn-based experience. You play your units from gathered cards, leisurely strategizing your moves. Moving just one unit per round seems straightforward, yet it requires skillful positioning amid enemy movements. Some units boast special abilities that cost movement to use, adding a layer of strategic balance. Battles automatically resolve when units move adjacent to each other, factoring in their respective stats. I found this pacing enjoyable despite the game resetting each time I exited the tutorial.
Arcade mode, however, presents an entirely different gameplay style. Here, you start with a fixed number of units on the board, battling against time to defeat as many opponents as possible before facing a boss. Between rounds, you can shop for new cards or upgrade existing ones, although currency is limited, meaning progress is slow. This rushed approach can muddle the strategy elements, forcing you to act swiftly to collect enough currency for the formidable bosses ahead. Strategic choices in the shop become critically important as you won’t clear many rounds even with speed.
One interesting aspect is the in-game shop where you can improve your army’s attack and defense rather than just expanding it. Upgrading your units proves invaluable, especially in the early stages. Elemental infusions offer another layer of strategy, altering unit behavior to be more aggressive, defensive, or strategic based on the chosen element, giving you control over non-active unit behavior.
I must admit, I didn’t manage to defeat the first Arcade Mode boss. I faced crushing defeats each time, often feeling underprepared. With your hero being more of a supportive role and unable to attack, losing units (of which you have just four at the start) leaves you vulnerable. Arcade Mode feels central to the WizardChess experience but can quickly become frustrating without proper preparation.
From the get-go, it seems like WizardChess would benefit from a campaign mode. The tutorial introduces intriguing characters and plot elements, but without a saveable campaign, there’s little room for story development. It’s a pity because the writing hints at potential. WizardChess is geared towards short play sessions, making it addictive in spurts, though its long-term appeal might be limited.
As for controls, WizardChess functions as expected with point-and-click mechanics. Each unit boasts unique movement abilities reminiscent of chess, though navigating real-time strategy elements can feel cumbersome. Terrain may restrict movement, adding complexity, and the timed components paradoxically slow the game down.
Overall, WizardChess is a bit perplexing for me. I might need more time to grasp its mechanics fully, and not finishing the tutorial could contribute to my struggles. The game is bursting with fantastic ideas that aren’t quite meshing well. While blending turn-based elements with real-time strategy concepts is intriguing, it might create more challenges than needed. Although I appreciate the developers’ creativity and applaud their daring approach, some mechanical issues might lead me to seek my strategic thrills elsewhere.
Ultimately, WizardChess is a well-intentioned mix of concepts that could captivate a niche audience. While it has its moments and promising ideas, the game currently feels like it’s trying to balance too many elements at once. It’s a creative endeavor and might resonate with some, but there’s room for refinement before it draws in an average strategy game enthusiast.
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Review
A worthy effort
- Look and Feel: 7/10
- Challenge: 7/10
- Gameplay: 5/10
- Story: 5/10
- Replayability: 7/10
Overall: 6.2/10
One Too Many Pieces
WizardChess is engaging and brimming with potential. However, it feels like it’s still discovering its identity, with various intriguing ideas jostling for alignment. Some might find its quirks endearing, attracting a dedicated fan base. But whether it can sustain long-term appeal for the broader strategy community remains uncertain.
