Evil Wizard - Game Review
1Evil Wizard - Game Review
Hey there, gaming veterans! Welcome back to your favorite stop for all things gaming, the "Veteran Game" channel. Today, we're diving into a magical realm with an unlikely protagonist in our review of "Evil Wizard".
Imagine controlling an evil wizard who's been ousted from his own home by a group of supposed heroes. That's where Evil Wizard takes you – you’re the final boss of a dungeon trying to reclaim his throne. But the beauty of this game is, it doesn't take itself too seriously. It's self-aware, and filled with non-stop gags about video game tropes and references. Characters like a knock-off Geralt down on his luck, and a boy battling with his elemental-themed, marketable monsters add a touch of humor to your quest.
The humor is the defining factor for Evil Wizard. It's somewhat akin to "Family Guy," where references and inside jokes play a big part. So, if you're a seasoned gamer who enjoys a good laugh, and references to other games, this game could just tickle your funny bone. But if such humor doesn't click with you, it might become a tad too much, given how pervasive it is throughout the game.
Gameplay-wise, Evil Wizard is a standard action-RPG. You've got your melee and ranged attacks, plus a dash move to dodge enemies. Combat is easy to pick up, smooth, and responsive, making the game enjoyable from the get-go. As the game progresses, more mechanics are introduced, but they all fit within the basic framework of the game. A unique feature here is the "finishing" move on weakened foes, which lets you recover health at the expense of a lengthy animation.
One of the key features of the game is your ability to manipulate magic based on your surroundings. As you progress, you unlock the ability to use different elemental powers. You charge an element by draining it from a source (like plants for earth, torches for fire), and this element becomes your ranged attack. You can upgrade to hold multiple elements and abilities.
Elemental magic has dual purposes in Evil Wizard - fighting enemies and solving puzzles. In combat, each element has a strength against another, and selecting the correct element not only amplifies your damage but can also offer other benefits. The puzzles revolve around using elements to progress or uncover hidden areas and collectibles, lending the game a Metroidvania feel.
Evil Wizard's exploration aspect is enjoyable, if not groundbreaking. There's a good amount of variety in the level layout, and you're encouraged to deviate from the main path to unlock secrets. It's a well-designed environment that allows for a lot of exploration beyond the main storyline.
Visually, Evil Wizard is a treat. The character sprites are wonderfully animated with delightful details, and the environments are colorful and lively. The humor extends into the graphics, with charming little jokes thrown in (like the Evil Wizard hugging a Hollow Knight plush during loading screens). The voice acting is decent and fits the game's overall tone, while the music keeps the energy up.
The only potential downside is that Evil Wizard doesn't bring anything revolutionary to the table. Yes, it's a fun game with hilarious humor, numerous video game references, and enjoyable combat, but it doesn't step out of the box. That being said, it doesn't need to. It's a game that knows exactly what it is and revels in it.
So, fellow veterans, if you're in the mood for a game that mixes humor, action, and a bit of puzzle-solving with a sprinkle of evil wizardry, then "Evil Wizard" might be worth a play. Let me know what you think about the game in the comments below. Until next time, keep those gaming skills sharp, veterans!