Wizordum, developed by Emberheart Games and published by Apogee Entertainment, has officially exited Early Access with the release of its third episode and full 1.0 launch on PC. Priced at $19.99 (with a 15% discount until May 6th, 2025), Wizordum is a modern homage to the classic fantasy shooters of the 1990s, blending retro visuals, intricate level design, and a robust arsenal of magical weaponry into a unique first-person spellcasting experience.
A Magical War for Terrabruma
Set in the embattled kingdom of Terrabruma, players take on the role of one of the last surviving mages, embarking on a perilous quest to repel the forces of Chaos. The narrative unfolds over twenty-one levels spread across three episodes, culminating in a climactic confrontation with the Guardians of Chaos. The story is steeped in high fantasy, with the player’s journey punctuated by encounters with necromancers, imps, golems, and other supernatural threats.
The world of Terrabruma is richly constructed, with each level reflecting a distinct sense of place and purpose. Early stages evoke classic fantasy settings such as besieged towns and ruined castles, while later episodes transport players to chilling ice caverns and infernal citadels. The environments are not just backdrops but active participants in the gameplay, filled with traps, secrets, and environmental hazards that demand both caution and creativity.
Retro Visuals with Modern Flair
Wizordum’s visual identity is one of its most striking features. The game deliberately channels the aesthetics of foundational 90s shooters, presenting rigid, cubist architecture and lo-fi textures that evoke nostalgia while maintaining a hypnotic, cohesive style. Every space feels handcrafted, as if built from graph paper and wooden blocks, yet the environments are far from repetitive. Each episode introduces fresh biomes, from snow-blanketed towns to lava-filled citadels, ensuring visual variety and a sense of progression.
Despite its retro roots, Wizordum benefits from modern graphical enhancements. Lighting effects, animated environmental hazards, and particle effects breathe life into the world. However, the game’s adherence to a fixed visual era means that some technical limitations-like draw distance fog and lack of verticality-are embraced as part of its charm. For retro enthusiasts, this blend of old and new is a significant part of the appeal.
Complex, Exploration-Driven Level Design
Wizordum stands out for its intricate, labyrinthine level design. Unlike many contemporary shooters, which favor linear corridors, Wizordum’s maps are sprawling and interconnected, filled with locked doors, hidden passages, and environmental puzzles. Progress often involves extensive exploration, backtracking, and experimentation-finding keys, flipping switches, and uncovering secrets are essential to advancement.
This focus on exploration is both a strength and, at times, a challenge. For players who relish searching every corner, the long levels and abundance of secrets offer hours of engaging gameplay. However, the sheer length of some stages-often approaching or exceeding an hour-can become tedious, especially when searching for elusive keys or switches. While the environments are beautifully constructed, the visual similarity between areas can make navigation and secret-hunting feel repetitive during extended play sessions.
Creative Combat and Magical Arsenal
Combat in Wizordum is a satisfying blend of spellcasting and strategic weapon use. Players wield a variety of magical weapons, including the Faewood Crossbow, poison vials, and the devastating Staff of Chaos, each offering unique tactical options. The Grimoire, a spellbook imbued with ancient power, allows for powerful area-of-effect attacks, adding depth to the combat loop.
The arsenal is well-balanced, with no single weapon feeling overpowered. Players are encouraged to switch between tools to suit different enemy types and situations. The absence of a jump button, a deliberate design choice, keeps the focus on horizontal movement and tactical positioning, reminiscent of classic shooters like Hexen and DOOM.
However, the combat experience is not without flaws. The variety of enemies, while initially engaging, can feel limited over longer play sessions, leading to some repetition. Additionally, the game’s sound design and lack of clear directional damage indicators can make it difficult to respond effectively to threats, particularly when under attack from multiple directions.
Puzzles, Secrets, and Environmental Interaction
A core pillar of Wizordum’s gameplay is its emphasis on puzzles and environmental interaction. Players frequently encounter locked doors, hidden levers, and secret compartments, requiring keen observation and experimentation to progress. This design philosophy, inspired by classics like Duke Nukem 3D and Blood, rewards curiosity and persistence.
Traps and environmental hazards are plentiful, ranging from falling icicles and magma pits to dart shooters and crushing ceilings. These elements keep players on their toes, encouraging methodical exploration and quick reflexes. For those who enjoy puzzle-solving and secret-hunting, Wizordum offers a deeply rewarding experience.
Level Editor and Community Content
One of Wizordum’s standout features is its robust in-game level editor. Players can create their own maps, campaigns, and speedrun challenges, sharing them with the community via mod.io integration. This toolset extends the game’s longevity, allowing for endless replayability as new content is created and shared by players.
The editor is powerful but has a learning curve, and some interface quirks remain. Despite this, the community has already produced a variety of creative maps, and the potential for future growth is significant. For fans of custom content and modding, Wizordum’s level editor is a major draw.
Soundtrack and Audio Design
Wizordum’s original soundtrack, composed by Tim Stoney, delivers epic melodies that enhance the game’s fantasy atmosphere. The music is memorable and fitting, capturing the sense of adventure and danger that permeates Terrabruma. The soundtrack is set to release on streaming platforms, allowing fans to enjoy the music outside the game.
In contrast, the sound effects-particularly for enemies-are less successful. The lack of clear audio cues for incoming attacks or enemy abilities can detract from the combat experience, making it harder to react to threats in real time. Improved feedback through sound and visual indicators would enhance the overall gameplay.
Personal Experience: Strengths and Weaknesses
From my own experience, Wizordum excels in creative and balanced design, offering a deep and rewarding challenge for those who appreciate exploration and puzzle-solving. The level editor is a highlight, providing endless opportunities for community-driven content and experimentation.
However, the user interface lacks clear indicators for the direction of incoming damage, which can be frustrating during intense combat. The limited enemy variety and lengthy stages can also lead to fatigue, especially when playing multiple levels in succession. While I enjoy thoroughly exploring every map and uncovering secrets, the repetitive visual themes and extended playtime per level can make the experience feel monotonous at times.
For retro FPS connoisseurs, Wizordum offers plenty of nostalgic fun and creative gameplay. If your preference leans toward fast-paced, skill-based shooters, the slower, puzzle-oriented pace may not be as appealing. Still, the game’s creative design and community features make it a standout in the modern retro FPS landscape.
Conclusion
Wizordum is a loving tribute to the golden age of fantasy shooters, blending retro aesthetics, intricate level design, and a magical arsenal into a compelling package. Its strengths lie in its creative environments, rewarding exploration, and robust community tools. While some technical and design limitations remain, Wizordum’s charm and depth make it a must-play for fans of classic FPS games and those seeking a nostalgic yet fresh adventure. With its 1.0 release, Wizordum stands ready to enchant a new generation of spellcasting heroes.