Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Wizkid: The Story of Wizball II offers a refreshing twist on the original Wizball formula by putting you directly in control of Wizkid’s every move. Rather than bouncing about on his own, our pint-sized hero must be carefully guided around a static screen, using his head to bash differently shaped bricks. Each collision sends these bricks flying into on-screen enemies, creating an arcade-style puzzle action loop that demands both precision and timing.

Clearing all enemies rewards you with coins that vanish if you linger too long, pushing you to strike a balance between methodical brick-bashing and swift coin collection. The game spices things up with multi-enemy kills: burst them with a single brick to release bubbles containing noses (for juggling bricks), teeth (for grabbing bricks), or, more commonly, colored notes. Collecting and combining these notes into specific tunes opens up the in-game shop system, making every encounter feel purposeful.

If you clear the bricks but leave enemies alive, you’re whisked to Crossword 2091, a timed overlapping-word puzzle that challenges your lateral thinking. Success grants bonus money, failure sends you back to the action screen. This detour offers a clever palate cleanser between frantic brick-bashing sessions, breaking up the pace and providing an additional layer of reward-based challenge.

After shopping for essential items, you exit either as a floating Wizkid head or a full-bodied version subject to gravity. In head form, you zip around free of limits, but body form lets you jump, ring bells, crank wells, and interact with world elements. Inventory-based puzzles become the name of the game here: keys, potions, and curious knickknacks in your pockets are needed to solve environmental riddles and unlock the path forward.

Graphics

Visually, Wizkid: The Story of Wizball II is a colorful homage to its Commodore 64 roots. The game’s palette bursts with bright hues, echoing the rainbow restoration theme from the original title. Static screens are richly detailed, each brick carrying distinct patterns and colors that make them easily distinguishable during frantic bashing sessions.

Character sprites are charmingly pixelated. Wizkid’s head form is expressive, bobbing and rotating as you guide him, while the full-bodied form features simple but smooth animations for jumping and item usage. Enemies range from mischievous mice to animated objects, each sporting unique designs that add variety to the visual tapestry of each level.

The UI is clean and informative. A bar at the top displays the current tune pattern for note collection, coin count, and puzzle timers. Shop interfaces are straightforward: item icons are clear, descriptions concise. Graphically, the game trades modern high-resolution polish for retro authenticity—an artistic choice that fans of vintage gaming will appreciate.

Backgrounds remain static, allowing the vivid sprites and quirks of each room to shine. While some may find the lack of scrolling or parallax effects limiting, the diversity in screen layouts and the clever use of color ensure each stage remains visually engaging and never feels repetitive.

Story

The narrative of Wizkid: The Story of Wizball II is delightfully whimsical. After the Wiz and his cat Nifta restored color to the world, both wed and had offspring: Wiz had a son, Wizkid, and Nifta produced eight kittens. Peace is shattered when Zark, the nefarious mouse magician, kidnaps the Wiz, Nifta, and all the kittens, scattering them across strange realms.

Your mission as Wizkid is simple yet compelling: navigate unknown territories, outsmart Zark’s minions, and reunite your family. Although cutscenes are sparse, the game’s premise is vividly conveyed through brief illustrations and text blurbs that appear between major milestones. The sense of urgency is palpable as you dash through each chamber, driven by the desire to rescue your loved ones.

Each stage feels like a chapter in an unfolding fairy tale, with unique environments hinting at different parts of the world Zark has twisted. Whether you’re busting bricks to break open a cage or solving Crossword 2091 to earn crucial funds, the narrative stakes remain clear: Zebring home your family’s freedom.

The story never overwhelms the gameplay, but provides just enough context to keep players invested. The quirky premise, combined with the trophy-like reward of each rescued family member, makes progression feel meaningful, ensuring every level feels like a small triumph in a larger heroic saga.

Overall Experience

Wizkid: The Story of Wizball II strikes a satisfying balance between arcade action, puzzle-solving, and light adventure elements. The shift to direct character control and static screens breathes fresh life into the series, while the layered mechanics—brick-bashing, note-hunting, inventory puzzles—ensure that each level offers something new.

The retro graphics and sound design will charm long-time fans of the original, while the engaging shop system and bonus puzzles add modern touches that keep the gameplay loop feeling rewarding. The learning curve is gentle enough for newcomers, yet the timed crosswords and precise brick maneuvers provide depth for completionists.

Though the lack of dynamic environments or extensive cutscenes may feel sparse to players accustomed to narrative-heavy titles, Wizkid compensates with inventive level design and a delightfully offbeat premise. The satisfaction of juggling bricks, completing tunes, and assembling your kin one rescue at a time makes the journey unforgettable.

For fans of retro-inspired platform-puzzle games or anyone seeking an engaging challenge wrapped in a colorful, whimsical package, Wizkid: The Story of Wizball II delivers a nostalgic yet fresh experience well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10