REVIEW / WizardChess (PC) – That Gaming Blog

We all love diving into a solid tactical game, don’t we? Something about turn-based strategy feels nostalgic yet incredibly refreshing when done right. While the core principles of these games usually stay consistent, it’s the unique mechanics that make each experience distinct. Today, let’s talk about a game that’s been on my radar: WizardChess. Don’t be fooled by the name—it’s not quite the classic chess you know. Let me walk you through why this game is both intriguing and a bit perplexing, starting with that name.

WizardChess mirrors chess in only the loosest of terms. Sure, you’ll be moving pieces around a board, attacking and strategizing—in that sense, it feels familiar. But that’s where the resemblance ends. This game steps into its own realm, redefining strategy with a fresh set of rules. If you approach it expecting a traditional chess experience, you might find yourself either scratching your head in confusion or feeling a tad frustrated because it truly is its own beast.

When you enter the world of WizardChess, you’re plunged into a dungeon, navigating through various encounters and gearing up to face the tutorial boss across several rounds. The tutorial itself is notably lengthy, but with good reason—it’s crucial for grasping the game’s nuances. You’re introduced to a myriad of unlockable units, and understanding their unique abilities is essential for crafting a victorious strategy. However, there’s a hitch—the tutorial doesn’t save. When I had to quit mid-session, it meant abandoning all progress. This led me to leap into another game mode, Arcade, not entirely sure if that was the best move since it drastically changed my gameplay experience.

In the tutorial, the gameplay is heavily turn-based. You play your pieces from a deck of cards, taking your time to strategize each move. You can only shift one unit per round, which sounds easy, yet navigating the board with moving enemies around is no small feat. Certain units boast special abilities, adding an extra layer of complexity to your moves. Attacks are automatic, triggered when units come into contact, and once I got the hang of it, the pace suited me well, despite the frustration of starting over.

Then there’s Arcade Mode, where things shift dramatically. Here, you start with a predetermined set of units, battling against the clock to defeat as many foes as possible before facing off with a boss. Between rounds, you can visit the shop to buy new cards or upgrade your existing ones—although currency is limited, forcing you to strategize with your purchases. The pace of Arcade Mode makes strategic depth challenging, as speed overtakes thoughtful planning, scrambling the game’s tactical appeal. Quick decision-making in the shop becomes crucial because you won’t complete many rounds quickly.

The shop features a clever concept: you’re not only buying new units, but you can also bolster the ones you already have by boosting their stats. My advice? Initially, focus on increasing your unit numbers. Upgrading can come later once you’re comfortable with your squad.

Another fascinating element is the unit customization through elemental imbuements. Applying elements alters behavior, like fire for aggression or water for defense. This adds depth, letting you control unit tactics even when they’re not your current turn’s focus.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t conquer the Arcade Mode’s initial boss. Each time, I felt woefully unprepared, my hero’s supportive role adding to my helplessness when my units fell. With Arcade Mode as the main game segment, this quickly grew frustrating.

WizardChess seems to cry out for a campaign mode. The existing tutorial’s rich character introductions promise a narrative that sadly never develops due to its current format. It’s structured for short bursts of play rather than prolonged engagement, which may limit its allure over time.

Controls are straightforward—simple point-and-click operations mirrored from classic chess movements. However, real-time mechanics combined with terrain obstacles make strategic positioning feel like a cumbersome task under time pressure, slightly detracting from the gameplay flow.

In summary, WizardChess is a mixed bag. Despite its ambitious ideas, something doesn’t click for me yet. Perhaps I need to invest more time to unravel the game’s charm or tweak my strategies to mesh with its mechanics. The fusion of turn-based strategy with real-time elements is interesting—yet it feels like an uncomfortable marriage. If these intriguing concepts find harmony, WizardChess could be a standout. For now, the search for that perfect tactical fix continues.