The original Wizard of Legend turned out to be a fine indie treat. Combining roguelike combat with neat 2D-style presentation, it delivered where needed and created quite a cult following. Plus its variety of spells that you could cast were divine, especially compared to other games of that type. So…what could the sequel, Wizard of Legend 2, improve upon? Quite a bit, really.
The first thing you’ll notice is the shift to a Diablo-esque 3D engine, giving players a little more room to roam. But the roguelike approach has also been improved upon, with more hidden secrets to find and some unique boss battles. And, of course, the list of spells you can put with your character are nearly endless – and several leave quite the effect once unleashed.
That said, the general nature of the game itself is limited, as the enemies don’t really evolve with your character. That makes them easier and easier to push over, so you’ll conquer the game sooner than, say, you could Hades II. However, you can modify things to bump up the difficulty – as well as invite friends into the fray with solid four-player action. (Think modern Gauntlet, but with more chaos.) The presentation is nice too, especially with the evolution to 3D.
Wizard of Legend 2 could’ve done a few things to improve the overall experience. But the core game here is still a ton of fun, and the variety of spells you can unleash is impressive. Dead Mage has done it again – and left room to expand things even more for a potential part three.
Wizard of Legend 2 Is All About New Discoveries
You start your game choosing from one of five wizards, each with a natural element. No matter who you choose, you’ll find unique abilities automatically mapped, with the option to add more. This includes earning temporary upgrades or unlocking new strengths for the next run-through. These are especially handy during the game’s boss fights, as each one poses a new challenge.
Like the original, I was impressed with the variety of attacks in your disposal. Even if you’re, say, fire-based, you can pick up a ground or other ability and take the combination to foes with relative ease. It’s a great motivation for your next go-around with the game, even after you’ve been wiped out.
That said, I do wish there was a better push in enemies to grow with you. That means boosting the challenge they provide to go along with your heightened abilities. You can change the difficulty if you feel the need, but natural progression would’ve been more welcome here.
Still, the roguelike nature of the game is wonderfully captured, like the original. And the gameplay is sharp, especially when it comes to dodging and getting around each newly built map.
I should also mention that Wizard of Legend 2 lets you invite up to four friends, either locally or online. These sessions are a great deal of fun, like a modernized version of Gauntlet. Plus you don’t have to argue about who gets what loot-wise, it’s pretty well divided.
Some slight improvements to gameplay could’ve been made, I suppose. But Wizard of Legend 2 shows Dead Mage’s dedication to the series. It has more than enough for it gameplay-wise, and the mixture of stuff you can unlock is very cool. And, again, four player rocks – even if you might lose track of things in the mayhem.
How Does Wizard of Legend 2’s Presentation Hold Up?
Next, let’s talk visuals.
Moving from a 2D style retro engine to a 3D Diablo-esque build is a big risk. But I’m happy to report that Wizard of Legend 2 pulls it off quite nicely. The maps look great, and your character animations are superb, especially with the more complex puzzles. I would’ve liked a little more enemy variety, but the bosses more than make up for it.
As for the music, it’s intermittent here and there. But what’s here sets the stage for the medieval combat to come. Plus the voicework is very well acted (I swear that Clancy Brown soundalike completely nails it) and the sound effects pack a punch. Overall, it’s a great sound package.
Casting a Spell For the Holidays
If you didn’t get into the first Wizard of Legend, there’s probably not an amazing amount of content here to change your mind. But there’s plenty to recommend with Wizard of Legend 2. The way the gameplay can change with a new spell is really something, and the game, though brief, does warrant new play-throughs with their variety. And did I mention multiplayer is a good time with the right team?
I do hope we see some patches that mix up the endgame a little bit. But maybe Dead Mage is saving those for a potential third chapter – which I definitely wouldn’t mind trying. For now, though, Wizard of Legend 2 will have no trouble casting its spell on the right audience.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to Humble Games for providing us with a review code! Wizard of Legend 2 is available now for Xbox,PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC!
Need more adventure for your gaming buck? Check out our review of Windswept!
