Digital Eclipse, the company behind the recent Karateka interactive documentary, today released a 3D remake of Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. This new version of the 1981 role-playing game uses the Unreal engine to layer new graphics and sounds atop the original Apple II code; even the classic 8-bit interface is still available as an option. New features include a bestiary in which players can log each monster they encounter.
“Early Access” means Wizardry is playable but not feature-complete. It is not scheduled to leave Early Access until the end of 2024 at the earliest, at which time the price is expected to go up. The game’s roadmap indicates the next content update will be released next month, in October 2023.
The RPG is available for Windows only with an MSRP of $29.99. It can be purchased on GOG for 16% off; on Steam, it is full priced, unless purchased with the Karateka documentary for 15% off each in a Steam bundle.
Players interested in a more retro experience that’s still more refined than the original Wizardry should check out the fan-produced Wizardry 3.0, available for the Apple II. KansasFest 2022’s keynote speech by Robert Woodhead, the co-creator of Wizardry, is also available online.
