Review: WizardChess (PC) – A Feature by That VideoGame Blog

We all have a soft spot for a good tactical game, don’t we? There’s something deeply nostalgic yet excitingly refreshing about turn-based strategy games when executed well. Typically, the basic framework of tactics games doesn’t shift drastically. Still, there’s usually enough innovation in the mechanics to keep the experience unique. Today, we’ll dive into a name you might find intriguing, albeit a tad misleading—WizardChess.

Now, calling WizardChess strictly a chess game is a bit of a stretch. Sure, the pieces move and attack similarly to chess pieces, but that’s about where the resemblance ends. The game carves out its own space in the strategy genre, boasting a distinct flow and ruleset that set it miles apart from traditional chess. Go into it expecting a chess replica, and you might find it more puzzling than pleasing.

In WizardChess, you’ll find yourself adventuring through a dungeon, facing various encounters and ultimately squaring off against a tutorial boss. The tutorial itself is quite extensive but crucial for grasping the game’s nuances. You’ll unlock numerous units, and understanding their abilities and effects on strategy is key to mastering the game. However, it’s frustrating that the tutorial doesn’t save. I had to quit midway and abandon my progress, which forced me to jump into a different mode. Switching to Arcade mode revealed just how differently the rest of the game plays.

The tutorial mode of WizardChess feels comfortably turn-based. You deploy units from collected cards, taking your time to strategize and position them effectively. Each round allows only one unit movement, making positioning a delicate dance when opponents are on the move too. Some units have abilities that cost movement points, adding another layer to the strategic puzzle.

But then there’s Arcade mode, where everything shifts gears. Here, you’re up against the clock, battling opponents to survive long enough for a boss showdown. Between rounds, you can purchase new cards or enhance existing ones—a slow process due to limited currency. This pace forces less strategic and more hurried play, somewhat dampening the tactical thrill.

The in-game shop offers choices beyond just buying new units. You can choose to enhance existing units instead. Initially, though, expanding your roster seems crucial before considering upgrades. Units can also be endowed with elemental attributes that impact their behavior—fire for aggression, water for defense, and so on. This mechanic allows control over units’ autonomous actions during turns when they aren’t directly managed.

Despite my best attempts, I was unable to conquer the first Arcade Mode boss. It felt as if I was thrown into battle woefully underprepared, with only my support-role hero surviving as my units dwindled. WizardChess could benefit significantly from a dedicated campaign mode. The brief story glimpses during the tutorial suggest a foundation for a richer narrative experience yet to be explored.

It’s evident the game is designed for short, addictive play sessions focused on how far you get each time rather than a continuous journey of progress. The challenge and fun come in quick bursts, but how that holds over time is a question mark.

Control-wise, the game is straightforward with a point-and-click interface. However, moving units effectively within the limited constraints can be challenging in real-time scenarios, especially when terrain comes into play.

Overall, WizardChess is an intriguing but somewhat perplexing endeavor for me. Maybe more playtime will shed light on the mechanics I haven’t yet grasped. For now, it seems like a collection of fantastic ideas that haven’t seamlessly coalesced. Whether it hits the mark as a hybrid strategy title depends on individual player preferences. Perhaps it requires a clearer distinction between a real-time strategy and chess-like mechanics to truly shine.

WizardChess aims to carve its niche, and there’s an evident ambition in its design. If it resonates with you, it could be a thrilling experience. However, for me, something about its mechanics feels slightly amiss, steering me toward other strategy fixes for the time being.

In conclusion, WizardChess has a unique premise that certainly intrigues. Despite my critiques about its narrative depth and identity crisis, fans of strategy games might find it worth exploring. Even if it seems unsure of what it wants to be, it has the potential to captivate a dedicated audience. Those loyal fans might find a gem within its complexities.