REVIEW: WizardChess (PC) – Featured on That VideoGame Blog

We’ve all been there, sinking hours into a captivating tactical game, reveling in its strategic complexities and nostalgic vibes. There’s something timeless about turn-based strategy titles; they manage to feel both familiar and new, even when the rules don’t stray too far from the familiar norm. Today, it’s all about WizardChess. While it’s not your standard game of chess, this outing has intrigued me with its twists. But let’s be honest, the name itself raises a few eyebrows right off the bat.

WizardChess only resembles traditional chess in the way pieces move and attack—vaguely. Beyond that, it carves its own niche in the strategy genre. With a unique flow and rule set, expecting this to be a standard chess match might set you up for some confusion or frustration because it’s radically different; and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

In this game, you’re navigating dungeons, encountering battles, and facing off against a tutorial boss over multiple rounds. Though the tutorial feels lengthy, it’s crucial for grasping the rules and understanding the variety of unlockable units. Yet, what truly irks me is that there’s no save feature for the tutorial. Imagine my disappointment when I had to abandon my progress after reaching quite far into it. I switched to another mode, Arcade, which was perhaps a premature leap as it altered my entire perception and feel of the game.

The tutorial has a serene, turn-based pace. You manage units drawn from cards, freely strategizing moves. While you only get to move one unit per turn, setting the perfect positions can be challenging as enemy units interact simultaneously. Special abilities further complicate this balance by costing movement. Once you get the hang of it, the pace is enjoyable, aside from the maddening need to start over.

Arcade mode flips the script. You start with a set lineup and battle against time, aiming to defeat as many opponents as possible before facing a boss. Between rounds, a shop feature allows you to upgrade—or at least manage—your resources. But financial constraints can slow your progress, forcing rushed decisions that squander the strategic depth the game promises. The pressure to hastily collect currency overshadows the tactician’s mind, making every in-game shopping decision proportionately more significant.

The shop lets you enhance existing units or add new ones, infusing strategic depth into your choices. I suggest focusing on expanding your unit roster early on rather than upgrading stats. The game also offers an elemental system that affects unit behavior, adding a layer of strategy: fire for aggression, water for defense, and so forth. This allows you to exert indirect control over non-moved units, broadening tactical possibilities.

Did I conquer the Arcade Boss? Unfortunately, not. Every attempt met with crushing failure, leaving me questioning my preparedness and skill level. The hero character plays a supportive role and isn’t offensively capable, leaving me helpless when my units fell. With Arcade being the main mode, frustration is a frequent companion unless you prep thoroughly.

Would a campaign mode benefit WizardChess? Absolutely. A non-saveable tutorial teases character development but limits narrative expansion. It’s a shame, as the storytelling shows promise. This game has potential for short, addictive sessions, enticing players to see “how far can I go?” each time. The difference is subtle yet influences replayability, particularly for lengthy sessions.

Let’s talk controls: functional but potentially limiting. The point-and-click simplicity suits the game, yet the pawn-like movement feels cumbersome in real-time scenarios. The terrain can be a significant hindrance in strategic positioning, adding a frustrating layer when timed elements are considered.

Ultimately, WizardChess is a fascinating blend that seems to experiment a bit too ambitiously. The game contains several compelling ideas, but they don’t harmonize perfectly. In a purely turn-based dungeon crawler or an entirely real-time setting, these elements might thrive individually. But the combination brings baggage rather than pleasure, at least for me.

WizardChess envisions a bold direction, and I commend the developers for venturing into such uncharted territory. There’s a world here that might click with some players. If you connect with it, you’re in for a fun ride. But for me, it feels slightly off-kilter, pushing me toward a further search for strategic fulfillment elsewhere.

In summary, WizardChess presents a fascinating premise packed with alluring concepts, yet it struggles with its identity. While it’s bound to cultivate a loyal fanbase, its broader appeal to strategy enthusiasts remains uncertain.