Digital Eclipse Releases “Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord” 3D Remaster for Consoles & PC

In 1981, SirTech’s Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord made waves as the first game to bring the pen-and-paper, Dungeons & Dragons-style role-playing experience to home computers. This groundbreaking title laid the foundation for future classics like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Demon’s Souls. Over the next two decades, SirTech published seven sequels, solidifying Wizardry’s place in gaming history. While the series gained immense popularity in Japan, with numerous sequels and spin-offs released exclusively in that market, its influence has spanned the globe, making it a beloved franchise with over forty titles as of 2024.

Now, Digital Eclipse, a studio dedicated to preserving video game history, has acquired the rights to the Wizardry trademark and the original game’s copyrights. Their mission? To develop a new version that stays true to the classic while incorporating modern graphics and enhanced gameplay mechanics. This remastered edition will transport players back to the nostalgic days of the Apple II, as it is built directly on top of the original game’s code base. But don’t be fooled by its retro charm – Digital Eclipse has injected new life into Wizardry with improved visuals, party management, navigation, spellcasting, and combat. While playing, you can even switch to the original interface for an authentic trip down memory lane.

Embark on an epic adventure as you assemble your own party of brave adventurers and journey into the treacherous labyrinth at the command of the mad overlord Trebor. Your mission? Retrieve the stolen amulet from the clutches of the evil wizard Werdna. Prepare to face challenging monsters, navigate hidden traps, and conquer the dungeon in an ultimate showdown against Werdna himself.

To mark this momentous occasion – the first release of the original Wizardry game in over two decades – we’ve enlisted the incredible talents of renowned artist Jun Suemi to create a captivating key art illustration. Suemi-sensei, known for his stunning character designs featured in various Wizardry titles, including the Famicom conversion of the inaugural game, expressed his excitement, saying, “Working on this piece brought back a flood of wonderful memories. It’s been far too long since I’ve had the opportunity to illustrate for Wizardry.”

Now, let’s delve into the exciting features that await players in this remastered edition of Wizardry. Prepare to be captivated by beautiful new graphics and animations that breathe life into a game that originally offered only rudimentary visuals. Thanks to the power of Unreal Engine, the world of Wizardry has never looked more stunning.

But we understand that every adventurer has their own preferences. That’s why we’ve included user-selectable options that allow you to tailor the gameplay to your liking. Drawing inspiration from the console editions of the game, these options provide a personalized experience. However, if you’re feeling nostalgic or up for a challenge, you can choose to play with no new options at all and embrace the original gameplay.

Knowledge is power, especially in the treacherous world of Wizardry. That’s why we’ve included an in-game Bestiary that records vital information on encountered enemies. This invaluable resource offers strategic advice on their strengths and weaknesses, equipping you with the tools to overcome any foe.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of composer Winifred Phillips as you traverse the world of Wizardry. The lush musical soundtrack features fan-favorite themes from the franchise’s rich history, ensuring an auditory experience that will transport you to another realm.

To enhance your gameplay experience, we’ve designed a controller-friendly interface. With a convenient one-button shortcut for fast combat choices, you’ll be able to navigate the game seamlessly, focusing on what matters most – your adventure.

And fear not, language barriers won’t hinder your journey. We’ve fully localized Wizardry into English, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, and German, ensuring that players from all corners of the globe can enjoy this timeless classic.

Get ready to experience Wizardry like never before. With its captivating new visuals, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a touch of nostalgia, this remastered edition is poised to reignite the magic of the original game. Are you prepared to face the challenges that await in the labyrinth? The choice is yours.

Background Information

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