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PS2
Wizardry Gaiden
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NCS
Game Synopsis
«©NCSX»
Anyone hankering for an RPG that looks and plays
like something transplanted from 1988 is in luck.
Wizardry Gaiden: Prisoners of
the Battles is a visually stark adventure
game that moves in stutter step and relies on
text-based menus to execute attacks, manage
inventory, and ration gold amongst party members.
The PS2 d-pad is used to move the party across
dungeons and when monsters attack, there's no
forewarning or a glimmer of them in the distance.
They just appear automatically and a battle ensues
where the player directs a party of six adventurers
to attack by pressing the "O-Button." Verily, an
entire battle may be fought by tapping that single
button until all monsters are dead. NCS wouldn't
recommend such a foolhardy fighting style however
since tougher monsters will inflict mass damage and
party members will require healing lest they all go
to an early grave.
Similar to other Wizardry games, the adventure starts in a tavern
where party members are recruited or created. Once
outfitted with arms and items, the party descends
into the closest dungeon to gather gold, slay
monsters, and gain experience to more efficiently
perform the former two tasks.
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NCS
Game Notes
» The title screen is reminiscent of late 80s RPGs
which featured simple designs and logos. The
Wizardry Prisoners of the Battles title is located on
the top box while the lower box shows off pairs of
monsters that alternate every couple of seconds. We
watched it for about 2 minutes and saw roughly 50
different types of creatures all rendered in color
illustrations. On the bottom of the screen, "GAME
START" and "OPTION" are selectable.
» After starting a new game, a static view of a castle is
shown in the background while a town is in the
foreground. Add heroes to your party by pressing "O" on the
first option and press "O" again on the top option
on the subsequent screen. Six pre-configured warriors are available for immediate adventuring.
While in town, it's possible to visit the armory or
the church. Once done exploring the town, highlight
the bottom option on the main menu screen and it's
off to the nearest dungeon.
» The initial crew that we got from the Tavern was:
Human | Good | Samurai
Gnome | Good | Priest
Hobbit | Neutral| Thief
Elf | Neutral| Mage
Human | Good | Bishop
Dwarf | Good | Fighter
Classes in the game series: Bishop, Fighter, Lord,
Mage, Ninja, Priest, Samurai, and Thief.
» Commands in the menu include gather gold to one
player, distributing gold evenly, setting party
order, managing inventory, etc.
» Movement is made through the d-pad only. Push up
to make the party move forward and they'll make a sound
akin to a piece of stone hitting a slab. Bump into a
wall and watch the warning pop up. When monsters are
encountered, a chorus chimes and the creature is
shown in front of the party where commands are
selected to deal blows.
» The movement in the game is stutter
step where each controller tug sends the party
shuffling forward. This is pure 80s RPG styling although the
music is better than the beeps and blaps of
yesteryear.
» Party members may change professions to gain new
skills and abilities.
» The game features 250 magic spells and thousands
of items that may be purchased, found, or plundered
from defeated monsters.
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This document and photos are ©NCSX 2006. All rights reserved. No
reproduction in whole or in part of this document
may be made without express written consent of
National Console Support, Inc.
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