The gaming world experienced a seismic shift in 1981 when “Wizardry” made its debut on the Apple II, and now, over four decades later, it’s set to captivate a new generation of RPG enthusiasts. Developer Digital Eclipse has taken on the task of remaking this iconic turn-based title, now known as “Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord.”
This remake is a modernized rendition of the 1981 RPG, and it’s built directly on top of the original Apple II code. As a result, players can seamlessly switch between the old-school interface and the fresh, contemporary graphics. This approach draws parallels with the likes of the ‘Halo 2: Anniversary’ edition and the recently announced Tomb Raider remasters for the Nintendo Switch.
While modern visuals are certainly a treat, “Wizardry” is over four decades old, and its gameplay may show its age. To address this, the developers have promised a range of quality-of-life enhancements. These include a revamped party management system, new spellcasting options, and improved navigation tools, among other minor upgrades.
“Wizardry” is widely regarded as the first party-based RPG ever to grace the world of computers and consoles. Its influence has reverberated through the gaming industry, inspiring countless modern franchises such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Although it wasn’t the initial Dungeons & Dragons-style RPG on computers, it introduced many mechanics that continue to shape JRPGs to this day. Upon its release for the Apple II, it achieved instant acclaim and was subsequently ported to various other platforms, including the Mac, C64, NES, and Game Boy Color.
Digital Eclipse is no stranger to the world of remakes. The team has spearheaded several retro compilations, including Atari 50 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection, among others.
“Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord” is available today as an early access build on Steam and GOG. The game is priced at $30, but the developers have indicated that this price may increase as the official release date draws nearer. So, RPG aficionados, prepare to embark on a nostalgic journey while enjoying modern conveniences in this legendary remake.
