Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord

Item: Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord
Rating: 67
Author: VaporLens

Last updated: 2025-05-11

Summary

Faithful, modernized classic experience.
Challenging, unforgiving gameplay.
Significantly improved graphics.
Modern quality-of-life features.
Poor save system, potential item loss.
Unskippable, lengthy animations.

Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord header

Reviews (sample size): 514
Helpful reviews: 86%
Unhelpful reviews: 13%
Protest reviews: 0%

67%
Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
33%
Helpful reviews with negative sentiment

Positive points: 770
Negative points: 901
Gameplay points: 226
Perf. points: 47
Rec. points: 329
Misc points: 77

Point	Description	Importance
Faithful, modernized classic experience Description The remake successfully modernizes the classic Wizardry experience while remaining faithful to the original. It offers updated graphics, improved UI, and optional quality-of-life features that enhance accessibility without sacrificing the original's charm and challenge. Players can customize their experience to closely resemble the original or enjoy a more streamlined, modern version. Importance 95%	The remake successfully modernizes the classic Wizardry experience while remaining faithful to the original. It offers updated graphics, improved UI, and optional quality-of-life features that enhance accessibility without sacrificing the original's charm and challenge. Players can customize their experience to closely resemble the original or enjoy a more streamlined, modern version.	95%
Challenging, unforgiving gameplay Description The game retains the challenging and unforgiving nature of old-school RPGs, where strategic planning, resource management, and acceptance of permadeath are crucial for success. The high difficulty and risk of character loss contribute to a rewarding sense of progression and attachment to surviving characters. This aspect may not appeal to all players, but it is a core element of the intended experience. Importance 46%	The game retains the challenging and unforgiving nature of old-school RPGs, where strategic planning, resource management, and acceptance of permadeath are crucial for success. The high difficulty and risk of character loss contribute to a rewarding sense of progression and attachment to surviving characters. This aspect may not appeal to all players, but it is a core element of the intended experience.	46%
Significantly improved graphics Description The game features significantly improved graphics, with updated visuals, detailed monster designs, and enhanced animations. The graphical enhancements contribute to a more immersive and visually appealing experience, while still respecting the original's aesthetic. This is a major upgrade from the original's simpler graphics. Importance 42%	The game features significantly improved graphics, with updated visuals, detailed monster designs, and enhanced animations. The graphical enhancements contribute to a more immersive and visually appealing experience, while still respecting the original's aesthetic. This is a major upgrade from the original's simpler graphics.	42%
Modern quality-of-life features Description The game includes quality-of-life improvements such as automapping, multiple save slots, and customizable settings, making it more accessible and enjoyable for modern players. The game also runs well on Steam Deck, with intuitive controls and legible text. These features enhance the overall experience without compromising the original's core gameplay. Importance 32%	The game includes quality-of-life improvements such as automapping, multiple save slots, and customizable settings, making it more accessible and enjoyable for modern players. The game also runs well on Steam Deck, with intuitive controls and legible text. These features enhance the overall experience without compromising the original's core gameplay.	32%
Evokes nostalgia and entertainment Description The game evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and provides hours of entertainment. The game's system, despite being 40 years old, still feels relevant and engaging. The game is a classic and provides positive memories. Importance 16%	The game evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and provides hours of entertainment. The game's system, despite being 40 years old, still feels relevant and engaging. The game is a classic and provides positive memories.	16%
Addictive gameplay loop Description The game features an addictive gameplay loop centered around party building, dungeon exploration, and resource management. The consequences of party wipes and the intricate maze design contribute to the game's addictiveness, motivating players to create new parties and try again. The 'abandon party' mechanic adds depth by allowing players to send help to struggling parties. Importance 8%	The game features an addictive gameplay loop centered around party building, dungeon exploration, and resource management. The consequences of party wipes and the intricate maze design contribute to the game's addictiveness, motivating players to create new parties and try again. The 'abandon party' mechanic adds depth by allowing players to send help to struggling parties.	8%
Varied character details Description The game features varied character details, showing Dungeons & Dragons influence. The game includes character management, item management, and stat management, encompassing what this genre of RPG offers. The character creation allows for high stat point builds. Importance 4%	The game features varied character details, showing Dungeons & Dragons influence. The game includes character management, item management, and stat management, encompassing what this genre of RPG offers. The character creation allows for high stat point builds.	4%
Excellent sound design and music Description The game features excellent sound design and music that contribute to an immersive experience. The sound effects and soundtrack enhance the atmosphere and draw players further into the game's world. Some players appreciate the availability of mods to restore the original music. Importance 4%	The game features excellent sound design and music that contribute to an immersive experience. The sound effects and soundtrack enhance the atmosphere and draw players further into the game's world. Some players appreciate the availability of mods to restore the original music.	4%