Wizardry

The Wizardry series [ wɪzədɹɪ ] is one of the forefathers of modern computer role-playing games.

History

Published in 1981 for the Apple II, the first part of the series, Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. Developers of the game were Andrew Greenberg and Robert Woodhead, distribution was carried out by Sir -Tech. The game was characterized from the outset by a full three-dimensional representation of the dungeons, and impressed the RPG world by its sophisticated race and class system. The focus of the game was on the turn-based combat in a front perspective which, though minimal graphical variety offered, but was ( at the time ) to be very strategic. The game and its successor were quite fast (often in contrast to the different computer versions with significantly improved graphics ) ported to the other then existing computer systems ( without major changes ) and consoles.

The second and third parts were pure continuations of the original game with new scenarios, but little to no technical modernization.

In the fourth part, Return of Werdna, this concept changed radically. For the first time, players could play the role of evil in a role-play, and also for the first time wore on fans around the world to the emergence of game by einsandten their play groups, which then were the opponents in the game. Under role players, this part is also considered controversial was the heaviest ever released computer role-playing game. Also for the first time up here on the principle of different according to the actions in the game possible endings, which later from the sixth part has become a characteristic feature of the series.

In part five Sir- Tech went back to the old roots, but underwent the entire game a general overhaul in scope and presentation. A graphically improved version with a higher color palette was released in 1992 on the Super Nintendo and PC Engine.

The sixth part, Bane of the Cosmic Forge, represents another milestone: for the first time came EGA graphics used and the tension around the Cosmic Forge, which should determine the game from now until the end of the series, found here its beginning. The game is fully translated into German. The Robert also responsible for other influential games Bradley took over for the first time the design.

In the seventh part, Crusaders of the Dark Savant, the last time when this time came a static, square- based environment for use in VGA. In addition, the shift from a strong fantasy -inspired game feeling was towards a science fiction story. The game is fully translated into German.

Followed in 2001 with Part eight of the last time being part of the original series. A rights-free 3D environment and visible at great distances opponent groups attended along with a new balancing of the game system for a completely new feel. The fights were displaced into the 3D world, so that positioning and movement were relevant for the first time in gaming history. For experts, there is the Iron Man mode, in which it is saved only when you exit the program. When a character dies, it can not be revived by the popular reloading. The planned location for the German market did not materialize due to problems with the publisher so that only a translated German version of fans there.

Venues include the ruined city arnica, a branched World on trees, mines and an underwater world with a sea monster that was in Wizardry 7 Brombadeg.

In addition to the main series are several offshoots and licensed products appeared (mainly on consoles ) over time, ranging from pure Adventures to completely new series.

Magic system

In parts 1-3 and 5, a Dungeons & Dragons -like magic system was used, one conjured by entering fünfbuchstabigen spell names like MILWA for light. As part six of this system was replaced by a dot and gradually based.

Previously published parts

Original Series

Cuttings and licensed products

This offshoot usually appeared in other countries, mainly Japan.