Wizardry Online

Wizardry Online is a discontinued free-to-play MMORPG developed by Gamepot, Inc,[1][2] based on the classic Wizardry computer games originally created by Sir-Tech.

Wizardry Online
Developer(s)Gamepot
Publisher(s)Sony Online Entertainment
Director(s)Kenji Tokita
Producer(s)Keishi Iwahara
Oliver Smith
Jose Araiza
Composer(s)Akimasa Shibata
Maki Kirioka
Shunsuke Tsuchiya
Natsumi Kameoka
SeriesWizardry
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Release30 January 2013 (US and EU)
Genre(s)Massively multiplayer online role-playing game

Gameplay

Like many MMORPGs, players can create their own characters and explore and advance in an open world with other players that are also connected. A player may create a character using a variety of class/race/attribute combinations found commonly in most MMORPGs. A more dangerous addition to the gameplay is the potential for permanent death also known as permadeath. Upon character death, players have a chance of losing their character forever.[3] The chance of losing your character can be reduced by sacrificing items.[4]

Wizardry Online features five races (human, elf, porkul, dwarf (male-only), and gnome (female-only)) as well as four classes (fighter, priest, mage, and thief). Similar to previous Wizardry games, a new character will receive a random number of bonus points they can assign to attributes. Each class has a requirement for a number of points in a one or more attributes in order to select that class. Throughout the game, characters will be able to change their class.[4]

Open world player versus player (PvP) is also a large part of the game. Players can attack any other player in town or in dungeons at any time and the same permadeath consequences also apply should a player fall victim to a PvP death. Player characters that have been slain (either by monsters or by other players) can be looted of their belongings by other players.[4]

Wizardry Online uses microtransactions to support itself; players can access premium items through the Royal Shop where the currency for items is Station Cash.[5] There is also a very limited selection of items available in the store for high amounts of in-game gold.

Release

In October 2011 open beta was launched in Japan.[6] In June 2012, Sony Online Entertainment announced that it would publish Wizardry Online outside Japan.[7] Closed beta testing began 29 October 2012.[8] The game was released in the US and EU on 30 January 2013. On 24 January 2014, Sony Online Entertainment announced it will be shutting down the servers on 31 July 2014.[9] On 31 July 2014, at 9:00 PM, the US and EU servers were officially shut down. The game websites for these regions now redirect to Sony Online Entertainment.

Reception

Wizardry Online received mostly mixed reviews.[10] Brittany Vincent from GameSpot praised the game's interesting combat system and use of permadeath, but criticized the graphics and user interface.[11]

Private Server

Wizardry Online has an open source project in the works that will bring the game it's very first private server, which can be found at https://www.wizardry-online.com/

References
  1. "Time To Die: Wizardry Returns". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  2. Gifford, Kevin (29 July 2009). "A Japanese Renaissance for Wizardry". 1up.com. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  3. Olivetti, Justin (9 June 2011). "E3 2011: First look at Wizardry Online | Massively". Massively.joystiq.com. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  4. "SOE Live 2012: Getting to know Wizardry Online". 20 October 2012.
  5. "Station Cash Uses and Games". 20 January 2013.
  6. "Wizardry Online Launches Open Beta in Japan, Seeking NA and EU Publisher". Ten Ton Hammer. 18 October 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2014.
  7. "SOE takes Wizardry Online under its wing". massively.joystiq.com. 1 June 2012.
  8. "Official Wizardry Online Website". 3 November 2012.
  9. "Kotaku". 24 January 2014.
  10. "Wizardry Online for PC Reviews - Metacritic". Retrieved 6 August 2013.
  11. Gamespot Staff (14 March 2013). "Wizardry Online Review".
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