Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS
- Developers: SSI (Strategic Simulations, Inc.)
- Publishers: SSI (Strategic Simulations, Inc.)
Wizard’s Crown: A Crown Jewel of Early RPGs
Released in 1986, Wizard’s Crown is a party-based fantasy role-playing game that was groundbreaking for its time. Developed by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI), Wizard’s Crown was one of the first RPGs to feature a detailed overworld map, a deep character creation system, and a complex combat system.
A Rich and Detailed World
Wizard’s Crown takes place in the fictional world of Krynn, which is divided into four continents and is home to a variety of races and cultures. Players begin the game by creating a party of six adventurers, each of whom can be customized with a variety of stats, skills, and equipment.
Once the party is created, players are free to explore the world of Krynn, which is filled with towns, dungeons, and other locations to discover. The overworld map is large and detailed, and players can choose to travel on foot, by horse, or by ship.
A Deep Character Creation System
One of the things that sets Wizard’s Crown apart from other RPGs of its era is its deep character creation system. Players can choose from a variety of races, including humans, elves, dwarves, and halflings. Each race has its own unique stats and abilities, and players can also choose from a variety of classes, including fighters, mages, clerics, and thieves.
Once a race and class have been chosen, players can then customize their character’s stats, skills, and equipment. Stats are important for determining a character’s combat abilities, while skills can be used to perform a variety of tasks, such as healing, casting spells, or disarming traps. Equipment can also be used to improve a character’s stats and abilities.
A Complex Combat System
Combat in Wizard’s Crown is turn-based, and players can choose from a variety of actions, such as attacking, casting spells, or using items. The combat system is complex and challenging, and players must carefully consider their strategy in order to succeed.
In addition to the turn-based combat, Wizard’s Crown also features a real-time combat mode. In real-time combat, players can control their characters directly, and the game plays out in real time. Real-time combat is more fast-paced and action-oriented than turn-based combat, and it can be a lot of fun.
A Classic RPG Experience
Wizard’s Crown is a classic RPG experience that offers a deep and challenging gameplay experience. With its detailed world, deep character creation system, and complex combat system, Wizard’s Crown is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Legacy
Wizard’s Crown was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish SSI as a leading developer of RPGs. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, detailed world, and deep character creation system. Wizard’s Crown has been ported to a variety of platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Tips for Playing Wizard’s Crown
- Create a balanced party with a variety of classes and skills.
- Explore the world thoroughly to find hidden treasures and secrets.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combat strategies.
- Save your game often, especially before entering dungeons.
- Have fun! Wizard’s Crown is a great game that offers a lot of replayability.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
