There’s a certain charm about tactical, turn-based strategy games that takes us back to simpler times, yet they manage to feel new and exciting when done right. Generally, these games stick to familiar rules, but they often throw in enough unique mechanics to stand out. Today, I’m diving into a game that isn’t actually chess—but it’s called WizardChess. There are compelling reasons I’m enjoying it, yet I also have my doubts, starting with the name.
WizardChess only loosely resembles chess. Sure, the way you maneuver units resembles chess movements, but that’s really where the similarities end. This game is much more than a simple strategy title; its unique flow and rule set take it far from the chessboard, carving out its own unique experience. This isn’t a bad thing; writing it off as a chess variant might just lead to confusion or even frustration if you approach it with certain expectations.
You start your journey in WizardChess by navigating a dungeon, tackling encounters one round at a time, and eventually facing a boss in a lengthy tutorial. The substantial tutorial is necessary to truly grasp the complex rules. With numerous unlockable units impacting strategy, understanding their roles is critical for success. However, the tutorial doesn’t save progress, forcing me to abandon a promising run when I had to quit. Frustrated, I jumped into a different mode, Arcade, and immediately noticed a stark change in gameplay.
In tutorial mode, WizardChess feels very much like a traditional turn-based game. You manage units via collectible cards at your leisure. It sounds simple, as you only move one unit per turn, but strategically positioning everything is a challenge, as opponents are actively moving too. Some units boast special abilities, balancing movement with these abilities is key. Despite the restart, I found the slow strategy rather enjoyable.
Arcade mode, however, throws you into the heat with a set number of units already in place. Here, time is of the essence as you strive to defeat as many foes as possible before facing a boss. Between rounds, you can purchase cards or enhance existing units, although currency is scarce. This scarcity forces quick play to afford upgrades, muddling thoughtful strategy with paced urgency.
The game’s shop offers more than just new units; you can enhance the strength of existing ones. I wouldn’t recommend this off the bat, though. In the early stages, expanding your arsenal appears paramount. Units can also be imbued with elements like fire or water to alter their behavior strategically, adding depth to your party management.
I wish I could tell you that I took down an Arcade Mode boss, but I was soundly beaten every time. My hero, unable to attack directly, takes on a support role, and when my units fell, I quickly followed. Given Arcade Mode’s central role in WizardChess, this became a source of frustration.
While a campaign mode seems obviously missing, the tutorial introduces interesting characters and story potential. It’s unfortunate that this potential doesn’t blossom into a full campaign, as the narrative could add depth. Short playability offers quick, addictive experiences, but it’s uncertain how well it holds up in longer sessions.
WizardChess controls are straightforward—point-and-click simplicity. However, real-time strategy can feel awkward with movement restrictions posing a challenge in timed scenarios, making it feel somewhat counterintuitive.
Overall, WizardChess strikes me as peculiar. There’s a blend of exciting ideas that just haven’t settled comfortably. It might just take more time for me to adapt, perhaps completing the tutorial would help. There’s genius in combining chess with dungeon crawling or a real-time approach, but merging both seems to bring unnecessary complexity.
I appreciate WizardChess’s ambition. The developers’ vision shines through, and for some, this game could be a delightful fit. Yet, something about its mechanics feels off to me, leaving me seeking a strategy game elsewhere.
Review Summary
Look and Feel: 7/10
Challenge: 7/10
Gameplay: 5/10
Story: 5/10
Replayability: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.2/10
Summary: One Too Many Pieces
WizardChess presents an exciting premise with lots of potential. Despite its fun elements, the game seems unsure of its identity. It combines many interesting ideas, though they don’t seamlessly blend together. While it may garner a devoted following, I’m at a loss to see a strong long-term appeal for the broader strategy audience.
