REVIEW: WizardChess (PC) – That VideoGame Blog

We can’t resist a good tactical game. There’s something inherently nostalgic about turn-based strategy games, yet when executed well, they maintain a freshness that keeps us coming back for more. While the fundamental rules of tactics games often remain consistent, it’s the unique mechanics that make each one stand out. Today, I’ll dive into a game that’s like chess but not quite what you’d expect. I’ve been indulging in WizardChess, a game with plenty to love but also some puzzling elements, starting with its name.

WizardChess only loosely resembles chess. The pieces move and attack based on chess-like principles, but that’s where the similarities end. While it’s definitely a strategy game, WizardChess creates a distinct experience that’s far removed from traditional chess, which might take you by surprise if you’re expecting a familiar play style. You might find yourself a bit confused, or even frustrated if you approach it with a strictly chess mindset.

In WizardChess, you are immersed in a dungeon setting, facing various encounters with the ultimate goal of defeating the tutorial boss over multiple rounds. The lengthy tutorial is essential to grasping the game’s unique rules. WizardChess offers a variety of unlockable units, and figuring out their functions is crucial for success. A minor downside is that the tutorial doesn’t save your progress. Exiting the game requires abandoning your current run, which could be off-putting. I personally opted to jump into another mode, Arcade, and noticed a drastic change in gameplay.

The tutorial’s turn-based style allows you to strategically play your unit cards at your own pace. You move just one unit per turn, which initially sounds simple until you realize that positioning becomes tricky as enemy units move as well. Special abilities can be activated at the cost of movement, so it’s a balancing act. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes enjoyable, despite the annoyance of potentially starting over.

Arcade mode, on the other hand, is an entirely different beast. You start with a fixed number of units already set on the board and must race against time to defeat opponents before a boss appears. Post-battle, you can shop for new cards or boost existing ones, though currency is scarce. You’re forced to pass rounds quickly, which can undermine strategic depth. The need to rapidly accumulate currency means less time for tactical planning, making game choices crucial.

The WizardChess Shop offers an intriguing twist, allowing players to enhance units instead of simply acquiring more. Initially, focusing on expanding your unit roster is key before turning to upgrades. Each unit can also be imbued with elements like fire for aggression or water for defense, adding another layer of strategy by controlling unit behavior even when you’re not actively commanding them.

I must confess, I never managed to defeat the first Arcade Mode bosses. Each attempt left me feeling unprepared. Your hero character, more a support figure unable to attack, leaves you vulnerable when your units fall. As Arcade Mode appears central to WizardChess, it quickly became frustrating.

It seems clear that WizardChess could benefit from a campaign mode. The tutorial introduces characters, suggesting potential for narrative development, but without a saveable campaign, story opportunities are missed. This game, addictive as it is, leans towards short play sessions focused on how far you go in one attempt rather than an overarching journey, limiting its long-term engagement.

WizardChess’s controls are straightforward and intuitive, fitting the point-and-click mold. However, unit movement mimicking chess pieces in real-time strategy can feel cumbersome, especially when terrain limits movement, which can clash with the time-sensitive play style.

Overall, WizardChess leaves me conflicted. It might just require more playtime to fully appreciate, but the game’s elements don’t quite mesh seamlessly. A turn-based dungeon crawler with chess elements or a real-time strategy game minus the chess components might work better independently. The attempt to blend these styles, while intriguing, results in unnecessary complications for some players.

Ultimately, I find the concept behind WizardChess compelling and commend the developers for their innovative approach. While the game may resonate with some players and offer genuine enjoyment, the mechanical issues I’ve noticed might prompt me to seek strategic adventures elsewhere. For those it clicks with, WizardChess promises an engaging experience, but for others like me, it may leave us seeking a more harmonious strategy elsewhere.