Reviewed
08.14.1999
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
CD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
1994
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D
View
Top/Interactive
Genre
Strategy/RPG
Players
1
Options
Backup
40
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
INTRO:
> As many Strategy/RPG fans know, Sega is one of the best developers for
this genre. As it turns out I've come to realize that Dark Wizard
(DW), a Sega CD exclusive, is actually a prelude to the excellent Dragon
Force (Saturn). There are a lot of similarities which I'm certain
originated with DW. At any rate, DW can best be described as a cross
between Shining Force (Genesis/Sega CD/Saturn) and Master of Monsters (Genesis/Saturn).
The game takes place in the golden lands of Cheshire where you take the
part of an army leader who's job it is to rid Cheshire of the Dark Forces
which killed the Queen. There is some RPG talking in DW, but most
of the game centers around turn-based strategic battles between your army
and various other armies. Another object is to take over castles,
cities and towns which provide you with more income so that you can hire
and pay for units (hired and summoned).
GRAPHICS:
> Most of the graphics are basic, 16-bit, 2D fare, but they get the job
done. DW also includes some nice cartoon animated cut-scenes
to help set the stage. The battles, which can be toggled to text
mode, are animated but aren't worth watching like they are in Shining Force.
Basically, you're almost always looking at a hexagon map (hexes can be
turned off too) of your current battlefield as you would be in this type
of game.
CONTROL:
> Everything in the game is accomplished through the easy to use menu system.
Whether it be buying weapons, moving, summoning, hiring, saving, searching,
using magic, attacking or checking stats -- the menus in DW work well.
As in Master of Monsters, your leader must be over a castle to hire warriors
or summon beasts. This all costs money too, which you earn by taking
over cities and castles.
> During battles you can go into cities and talk to people in shops, taverns,
town squares, inns, churches and at the mayor's house. Once a unit
passes level 5, then he will automatically increase a class (assuming the
given unit can do so). You're usually given a choice of classes...
For instance, when an Elf increases class, you get a choice of Fighter,
Priest or Mage. Naturally, unit attributes increase as levels do
and magic spells are acquired as well.
SOUND:
> The music is quite good, albeit repetitive. You'll hear orchestral
hymns which sound the battle cry and vary depending on who's turn it is.
> The sound effects are decent. You'll mostly hear various cues,
magic effects and voice narration.
FUN:
> Thanks to games like this, I'm a diehard Strategy/RPG fan for life.
Yes, the battles can get repetitive, but I never seem to get tired of thinking
in order to win (which of course, I will). There are 4 rulers to
choose from when you begin: Armer IX (Prince), Robin (Cavalry Leader),
Amon (Puppetmaster), and Krystal (Sorceress). No two games are ever
the same...
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