Thank you for checking out this review of Wizordum! If you enjoyed it please be sure to like, comment and share, this is a big help for the algorithm. Also don't be shy about sharing any feedback for the game to help the devs out! What games are you currently playing or looking forward to? Be sure to let me know in the comments!
Holy shit this is the most Apogee feeling release for quite a while. I love how they stayed true to their roots. I can hear the classic midi music and sound effects of the games from the early 90s playing through my old soundcard on my 386 in my head just seeing their logo. The game gives a serious "What if we brought an SNES game into the 3D era?" vibe.
This studio did a great job with the HD versions of the classic Apogee platformers. Glad to see them expanding to their own original game with their love for DOS on full display.
I can't say enough about Primoz at Emberheart Games. From the time he submitted the prototype of Crystal Caves HD to me through working on Vexlands and Wizordum both at the same time, is just amazing! He cranked out Secret Agent HD, in a whooping 4 months, while working on Monster Bash HD. Apogee has utilized Primoz' talents for other projects as well, that will be revealed when they are released. I will summarize Primoz's work with a final comment; Primoz is a one man id Software for retro gaming development! ~ Terry - Co-Founder Apogee Entertainment.
Man. My one issue with Wizordum right now is that weapons don't feel... crunchy enough. The fire rings feel a bit anemic (enemies don't get enough hit feedback and overall they feel a bit weak/less cool than the ice staff), the mace is very stubby and not all that satisfying to hit things with, and overall the visual and sound design of weapons lacks a bit of oomph. I want some delicious bitcrushed CRUNCH when the mace hits an enemy, a BZZAP when it does that with magic, a meaty SIZZLE when the rings throw fireballs, a CRACKLE when the ice staff fires off its shards, you know? And a bit more visual flair and enemies visibly flinching from your arcane might (or just a big ol' klonk from the mace). Edit: Oddly, the mace whacking a body into gore a third into the video kind of sounds more impressive than actually hitting an enemy felt. The ice staff does sound pretty nice on second listen. The fire rings, not so much.
I do recommend you try the Demo! It was fun to hunt down all secrets. There's pushable walls, breakable walls and more... These early levels were pretty doable even on highest difficulty, no need to use items, I even chose melee over ranged sometimes just for fun. I bet it becomes more difficult in later levels! Will take a look at this game again next year :)
Visual aestethic reminiscent of Catacombs 3D, with general gameplay sensibilities of Rise of the Triad...it's so weird how this game feels catered specifically to my interests.
I played the demo, it was an ok experience. I don't think I would compare it to Heretic. The level design is not as "complex" as Doom or Heretic. Wizordum feels really like Wolfenstein 3D, or more recently Project Warlock. I would keep the comparison with Heretic for maybe Hands of Necromancy. Regarding Wizordum, I agree something should be improved regarding the fighting, combos between spells as stated, or with the environement.
Thank you for checking out this review of Wizordum! If you enjoyed it please be sure to like, comment and share, this is a big help for the algorithm. Also don't be shy about sharing any feedback for the game to help the devs out! What games are you currently playing or looking forward to? Be sure to let me know in the comments!
The editor is outstanding. Devs gave us EVERYTHING they had. You can reproduce the entire levels 1 to 1 if you want to.
Holy shit this is the most Apogee feeling release for quite a while. I love how they stayed true to their roots. I can hear the classic midi music and sound effects of the games from the early 90s playing through my old soundcard on my 386 in my head just seeing their logo.
The game gives a serious "What if we brought an SNES game into the 3D era?" vibe.
It's spot on nostalgia with just enough modern touches. I had a great time with it.
This studio did a great job with the HD versions of the classic Apogee platformers. Glad to see them expanding to their own original game with their love for DOS on full display.
I should check those out. I haven't played the original Duke Nukem since I was a kid, like literally in the single digits.
I can't say enough about Primoz at Emberheart Games. From the time he submitted the prototype of Crystal Caves HD to me through working on Vexlands and Wizordum both at the same time, is just amazing! He cranked out Secret Agent HD, in a whooping 4 months, while working on Monster Bash HD. Apogee has utilized Primoz' talents for other projects as well, that will be revealed when they are released. I will summarize Primoz's work with a final comment; Primoz is a one man id Software for retro gaming development! ~ Terry - Co-Founder Apogee Entertainment.
After playing through this first build I'm inclined to agree!
Man. My one issue with Wizordum right now is that weapons don't feel... crunchy enough. The fire rings feel a bit anemic (enemies don't get enough hit feedback and overall they feel a bit weak/less cool than the ice staff), the mace is very stubby and not all that satisfying to hit things with, and overall the visual and sound design of weapons lacks a bit of oomph. I want some delicious bitcrushed CRUNCH when the mace hits an enemy, a BZZAP when it does that with magic, a meaty SIZZLE when the rings throw fireballs, a CRACKLE when the ice staff fires off its shards, you know? And a bit more visual flair and enemies visibly flinching from your arcane might (or just a big ol' klonk from the mace).
Edit: Oddly, the mace whacking a body into gore a third into the video kind of sounds more impressive than actually hitting an enemy felt. The ice staff does sound pretty nice on second listen. The fire rings, not so much.
I love all of the Wizard puns!
Looks amazing so far! Keeping an eye out for v1.0
The (edit: either = editing) iis pretty slick. Whoever did it. Kudos
I really enjoyed this game. So much charm. Can't wait for the next episodes.
Man! I'm happy to be alive together with such creative devs. Instant buy
Sure I would prefer being trapped in the end of 80's through the 90's until 2k3 and back again to 87 ♥
Looks like it has a lot of charm and character. I really like the visuals as well.
Reminds me of the dos game Hocus Pocus but FPS form. Played the demo and it was fun. Cant wait to play the EA
I've never heard of that but just looked it up. Judging by the screen shots I can totally see what you mean.
@jeffcotten1081 I can concur that the Hocus Pocus GZDoom mod is very good indeed.
I do recommend you try the Demo! It was fun to hunt down all secrets. There's pushable walls, breakable walls and more... These early levels were pretty doable even on highest difficulty, no need to use items, I even chose melee over ranged sometimes just for fun. I bet it becomes more difficult in later levels! Will take a look at this game again next year :)
It does get pretty tricky in the later levels. I have a feeling episode 2 is going to turn up the heat even more. Thank you for the comment!
Visual aestethic reminiscent of Catacombs 3D, with general gameplay sensibilities of Rise of the Triad...it's so weird how this game feels catered specifically to my interests.
This game should be bundled with Hands of Necromancy one day
This is a very good game... very long levels.. first play through is tough as hell, but i did start on nightmare haha...!
Kirk stop giving me more fps games that I don’t have in my library yet! 😭
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm no 👹
I played the demo, it was an ok experience. I don't think I would compare it to Heretic. The level design is not as "complex" as Doom or Heretic. Wizordum feels really like Wolfenstein 3D, or more recently Project Warlock. I would keep the comparison with Heretic for maybe Hands of Necromancy.
Regarding Wizordum, I agree something should be improved regarding the fighting, combos between spells as stated, or with the environement.
Will you review the 1.0 version of Blood West?
I'm going to try!
You still have Turok 3, Blood West and Kingpin Reloaded.
I cover what I can my friend.
Blood West is also out, hoping to see you covering it
I'm going to try!
MOH reference 10/10
DAMN MAN! Two videos this week! I really enjoyed this one too; I do need to dig deeper though.
Apogee!! 😍
Does it run on Linux?
this dude sounds like Acerthorn
don't sue me; get it?
Eh, I don't want every fps to have to follow the Doom Eternal approach of needing to weapon swap or combos. Other than that great review as always.
Thank you! Nothing to that extent, just a few more little combo type things to spice it up.
Early Access ? About 30 years ago, the type of games that this one is ripping off, used to be put together in 1 or 2 years...