Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dark Wizard delivers a deeply strategic turn-based experience set across a series of hexagonal battle maps. Each encounter challenges you to balance summoning monstrous allies with recruiting human troops while managing two distinct resources: magic points for creatures and tax money for mercenaries. This dual-currency system forces meaningful decisions every turn, as neglecting either arcane or fiscal strategy can leave your armies vulnerable.

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Choosing one of four playable characters drastically alters your in-game strategy. Each leader arrives with unique levels of MP, tax revenue, and access to particular monster types—be it serpents, harpies, or manticore—encouraging multiple playthroughs. As your units earn experience, human fighters can specialize into classes like Mage, Priest, or Ninja, adding an RPG layer that rewards careful unit preservation and promotion planning.

Between battles, the game unfolds a meta-strategy layer: you equip heroes, dispatch search parties in wilderness scouring for treasures, and station troops in strategically vital towns. Holding these centers not only secures additional income, but also grants access to side-quests, shops, and local gossip that can turn the tide of war. This blend of tactical skirmishes and kingdom management gives Dark Wizard both depth and pacing that keeps sessions varied and engaging.

Graphics

For its era, Dark Wizard’s visual presentation remains impressive. The battle maps feature richly detailed hex tiles with distinct terrain types—forests, hills, and rivers—that not only look appealing but also impact unit movement and defense. Sprites for monsters and human units are well-animated, conveying the heft of a manticore’s wings or the nimble steps of an elf archer with clear, snappy frames.

One of the game’s standout graphical accomplishments lies in its lengthy, animated cutscenes. Fully voiced dialogues accompany the cinematic sequences that bookend major campaigns, bringing the lore of Velonese’s betrayal and the looming threat of Arliman to life. Even today, these sequences command attention, blending hand-drawn art with voice talent to establish an epic, high-fantasy tone.

The user interface strikes a careful balance between function and style. Menus for summoning, troop management, and item purchases are laid out logically, with distinct icons and tooltips that make it easy to navigate complex options. While some pixelation is visible on modern displays, the art direction’s bold color palette and clear character portraits help maintain readability and aesthetic charm.

Story

The narrative foundation of Dark Wizard is both classic and compelling: 300 years after the high priest of Cheshire nearly unleashes the dark god Arliman, the ambitious apprentice Velonese seeks to shatter the peace achieved by Sabrina, Goddess of Light, and her chosen champions. This backstory infuses each campaign with urgency, as you witness the kingdom’s gradual descent under Velonese’s four crooked generals.

Every playthrough begins with the untimely death of the King of Cheshire, thrusting your chosen hero into the role of ruler. The four protagonists each offer a distinct perspective on reclaiming the realm—whether you side with a battle-hardened knight, a cunning sorceress, or one of the kingdom’s other leaders, your personal storyline weaves into the grand mission of stopping Arliman’s resurrection. These varied narratives encourage exploration of all character arcs to unlock the full tapestry of the game’s lore.

Side-quests discovered in liberated towns often expand upon the main plot, revealing hidden motives behind Velonese’s betrayal or offering clues to secret weapons capable of sealing Arliman for good. This rich storytelling layer is delivered through in-engine dialogue and the aforementioned orchestral cutscenes, making the journey to reclaim Cheshire feel both grand in scope and intimate in character-driven moments.

Overall Experience

Dark Wizard stands out as an addictive blend of turn-based tactics and light RPG elements. The interplay between summoning fearsome monsters and recruiting human troops, each with upgradeable classes, creates an engaging loop that rewards strategic foresight and adaptability. Whether you’re forging alliances across the map or meticulously planning your next MP expenditure, every decision carries weight.

The game’s production values—particularly the orchestral soundtrack—elevate the experience to near-epic proportions. Sweeping melodies underscore each battle, while somber themes accompany the fall of Cheshire’s towns, effectively heightening the stakes. Coupled with the animated cutscenes, you’ll find yourself deeply invested in both the macro war for territory and the micro dramas of your individual units.

Replayability remains a key strength: four divergent main characters, multiple monster factions, and an array of side-quests ensure no two campaigns feel identical. For fans of strategic depth wrapped in a high-fantasy narrative, Dark Wizard offers hours upon hours of content. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer seeking a rich, turn-based conquest experience, this title deserves a place in your collection.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10