I love first-person shooters right now. Whether you’re playing something over-the-top like Doom: The Dark Ages or a more simple package like the Heretic and Hexen re-releases, there’s something for everyone. And it’s here that Wizordum happily fits into the pack, running rather well on its own magic-casting vibes.
Created by Emberheart Games and published by Atari, the game is essentially Heretic with a classic wizardry vibe. You play a Mage of Wizordum, called upon to destroy enemies after the destruction of the Ancient Seal of Terrabruma. As you proceed, levels become more elaborate, but so do your powers, as you can spell cast like a boss.
But don’t worry. The game is kept on a simple level that makes it a cinch to pick up and play. This is vintage Doom through and through, but with some inventive touches with your techniques to keep things interesting. On top of that, later levels and enemies pose a greater challenge, forcing you to use every one of your resources where you can.
With cracking gameplay, a smooth visual interface (with minor bugs) and the inclusion of online leaderboards, Wizordum hooked me more than I could’ve expected. Its retro charm is one thing, but its deep, involving gameplay is entirely another. The best of both worlds come together in a fun, well-crafted shooter. It’s like someone concocted it in a cauldron.
Wizordum Is All About Casting That Spell
As you begin Wizordum, it starts off going slowly. You’re introduced to a calm set of levels that introduce you to powers such as fireball shooting and spewing ice crystals from a scepter. You’ll start to understand the game’s structure here, as well as its tight, responsive controls. It keeps it relatively simple, working on a 90s-style shooter level that fans of the genre will instantly recognize.
But after you get through the first episode, hold on tight. The game ramps up not only its difficulty, but also its level size and spellcasting capabilities. It’s here that Wizordum really opens up, as you unleash devastating capabilities on enemies ready to give you your butt for lunch. Once you let loose with freezing enemies and casting a lighting attack to wipe them out, you know you’ve arrived. And that’s just one of the minor possibilities here.
The difficulty is finely balanced. If you want a challenge, by all means, you’ll get one, but there’s also enough here to offer to first-time players. It feels great thanks to the sharp control scheme. Your character’s movements are quite responsive, and it’s a cinch aiming your spells at enemies. I would’ve preferred a dash technique somewhere, but you do get to speed up in some places, so that helps.
Plus there are online leaderboards, where you can compete for the best completion times. This is innovative, as it really opens doors for a speedrunning community to swoop in and enjoy this. Casual players probably won’t get into it that much, but it’s a great feature to have.
Despite a few performance bugs here and there (nothing major and easily fixable with a patch), Wizordumreally caught us by surprise. It starts out somber but then goes all-out insane with its remaining chapters. Plus it really makes you feel like you’re a damn wizard, without the need to go to an elaborate school. (Though there’s nothing wrong with that.)
How Does Wizordum Look and Sound?
One big benefit that Wizordum has going for it is its old-school design. Emberheart channels its best 90s design with the game, while keeping it surprisingly modern with its speed.
The game features old-school style Doom/Heretic visuals, but does so with a beautifully designed world. It resembles something out of a fantasy book, right down to the pixelated enemies. Plus your weapon effects are fantastic, especially the ones that turn your foes into frozen popsicles. It’s also cool to see some areas blocked off by glowing walls, an old-school effect I’ve been missing for some time. (Now where’s that switch?)
The music is a bit different from the usual shooting fare. Rather than getting out the electric guitar like Doomusually does, it goes for a somber, more fantasy-based set of themes. However, it works for the game, if only because it adds to the whole “magic” theme. The sound effects are good too, including the comical enemy growls and defeat noises. (Death noises? I dunno, I like “defeat noises.”)
Again, there are noticeable bugs here and there, but the game performed valiantly overall. And retro fans will love the classic motif.
Cast Wizordum Into Your Game Collection Post-Haste
In an already over-crowded market of first-person shooters, I’m happy to say that Wizordum has found its place. The gameplay is wonderfully crafted, especially as you pick up more devastating abilities. And the presentation, despite a few warts, holds up enough that fans will keep coming back to see what else they can find. I love the leaderboard feature as well, even if my skills aren’t entirely up to that level.
I know you’ve probably got a lot of your plate already, but make sure you add Wizordum to your list. It’ll take a bit to get warmed up, but once it goes full throttle, hang on tight. This wizard’s gonna take you for a ride.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Atari for providing us with a review code! Wizordum is available now for Nintendo Switch, Xbox,PlayStation 5 and Steam/PC!
Need more first-person shooting madness? Check out our review of Bitmap Books’ Hurt Me Plenty: The Ultimate Guide to First-Person Shooters 2003-2010!
