REVIEW: WizardChess (PC) – A Feature on That VideoGame Blog

Ah, the allure of a good tactical game! There’s a certain charm to turn-based strategy that evokes memories of the classics while still feeling refreshingly innovative. The rules might not shift dramatically from one tactics game to another, but it’s the subtle mechanics that often make each experience unique. Now, let’s dive into what I’ve been up to lately—immersing myself in WizardChess, a game that’s caught my attention for both exciting and questionable reasons, not least of which is its name.

While the title suggests a resemblance to chess, WizardChess really only borrows the core idea of pieces moving and attacking on a board. Beyond that, the differences set it far apart. It’s undoubtedly a strategy game, but its distinct flow and rules transform it into its own unique entity. This isn’t necessarily negative, but it might leave you scratching your head—or feeling a bit frustrated—if your expectations lean too heavily on the chess aspect.

In WizardChess, you embark on a dungeon adventure, tackling encounters and eventually facing off against a tutorial boss over several rounds. Yes, the tutorial is quite lengthy, but it’s crucial for truly understanding the game’s complex rules. With numerous unlockable units available, understanding how each one dynamically alters your strategy is crucial for success. However, I was somewhat irked that the tutorial lacks a save feature. After stepping away mid-run, I had no option but to start anew, leading me to explore other game modes instead. This switch to Arcade mode drastically altered the gameplay experience.

In its tutorial, WizardChess offers a turn-based style where you play units from collected cards, strategizing at your own pace. You can only move one unit per round, which seems straightforward enough, but it becomes a challenge when positioning your pieces amidst maneuvering enemies. Unique unit abilities that cost movement add layers to the decision-making process. I found this pace enjoyable once I grasped it—well, except for the annoyance of starting over.

Arcade mode, on the other hand, threw me into a whirlwind. You’re set up with a limited number of units right on the board, racing against time to defeat as many opponents as possible before a boss appears. Between rounds, you visit the shop to purchase or enhance cards, though the tight budget makes progress seem sluggish. This urgency distracts from the deeper tactical nuances you’d expect, shifting your priority to speed rather than strategic depth. Consequently, shopping decisions become especially pivotal with fewer rounds to gather resources.

The shop is interesting—it lets you opt for boosting existing units instead of merely hoarding more. I’ve found that early on, it’s best to expand your crew before focusing on upgrades. Moreover, units can be imbued with elements like fire for aggressiveness or water for defense, opening up intriguing tactical layers as you subtly influence uncommanded allies’ behaviors.

As for Arcade mode bosses, I didn’t stand much chance. My attempts ended in utter defeat each time, leaving me pondering whether it was skill or being woefully ill-prepared. With your hero mostly serving a support role and unable to attack, any teammates lost leave you defenseless. Since Arcade mode feels central to WizardChess, it quickly ramped up my frustration.

What stood out to me was the lack of a campaign mode. The tutorial introduces characters and dialogue that pique interest, yet the absence of an overarching narrative depth or continuity diminishes what could have been a richer story experience. This fast-paced, session-oriented structure suggests the game’s enjoyment lies in quick bursts rather than marathon sessions, which may limit its long-term allure for dedicated strategy gamers.

The controls in WizardChess follow a simple point-and-click style—and there’s no real confusion there. Each unit’s movement is reminiscent of chess, but having to navigate real-time strategy confines makes positioning awkward at times, particularly when terrain obstructs paths. Coupling this with time constraints somewhat hampers the strategic elegance you might crave.

Overall, WizardChess leaves me with mixed feelings. I’m convinced that spending a bit more time with the game might change my perspective, possibly also ironing out my initial struggles with the unfinished tutorial. Yet, at the moment, it feels like several great ideas aren’t fully harmonizing. A pure turn-based dungeon crawler might better suit those chess elements or alternatively, shifting entirely towards real-time battles could find its audience too. The hybrid approach, while intriguing, could be causing more complexity than necessary—for me, at least.

Now, about the look and feel: it captures a 7/10, with challenges and replayability riding on the same score. The gameplay and story, however, settle at a mere 5/10. All totaled, WizardChess lands a 6.2/10 rating in my book. This game does hold the potential to build a dedicated fan base who appreciates its quirks, yet it might not satisfy every strategy enthusiast’s desires in the long run.