Gamers eagerly anticipating the revival of the iconic RPG, Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, can mark their calendars for May 23rd as the game's remake by Digital Eclipse prepares to hit stores. The announcement, made by the developer, confirms the release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam and GOG.
(Photo : Digital Eclipse / Screenshot taken from Steam.)
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Breathing New Life into a Classic
Having initially debuted in Early Access for PC on September 15, 2023, the Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord remake promises to reimagine the beloved Apple II game originally released in 1981. Digital Eclipse has meticulously updated the game with modern graphics and refined gameplay mechanics while staying true to the essence of the original.
Players will embark on a perilous journey into a labyrinth at the command of the mad overlord Trebor. Their mission: to retrieve the stolen amulet from the clutches of the nefarious wizard Werdna. Along the way, they'll face daunting monsters, evade cunning traps, and confront Werdna in an epic showdown.
Shaped by Player Feedback
During its Early Access phase, the PC version of Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord earned acclaim from players, boasting a "Very Positive" review score on Steam and a 4 out of 5-star rating on GOG. Digital Eclipse actively incorporated player feedback to refine the final release, implementing enhancements such as:
- Stunning new graphics and animations powered by Unreal Engine, revitalizing the classic visuals.
- Customizable gameplay options, including features from console editions and the choice to maintain the original challenging gameplay.
- An in-game Bestiary providing strategic insights on encountered enemies.
- A captivating musical score composed by Winifred Philips, featuring beloved themes from Wizardry history.
- A controller-friendly interface optimized for seamless gameplay, with shortcuts for swift combat decisions.
- Full localization in English, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, and German.
- Honoring a Gaming Legacy
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord revolutionized gaming upon its 1981 release, becoming the first home computer game to emulate the immersive experience of pen-and-paper Dungeons & Dragons-style role-playing. Its success spawned seven sequels over the ensuing decades, all published by Sir-Tech.
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