Wizordum

Developer: Emberheart Games
Release: Apr 29th 2025
Platforms:
Action
Indie
Nostalgic
Addictive
Creative
Confusing
Challenging
Wizordum Poster

Wizordum Review

Wizordum is a retro-style first-person shooter that masterfully channels the essence of early 90s classics like Doom, Wolfenstein 3D, Heretic, and Hexen, but with its own unique fantasy twist. The game features pixelated graphics with sharp outlines, a captivating bombastic soundtrack, and intricate level designs filled with secrets, keys, and varied enemies. Players appreciate its challenging gameplay, especially on higher difficulties, and the extensive arsenal of weapons and spells that add depth to combat. The game also boasts a robust level editor, enabling community-created content that extends replayability. While it evokes nostalgia, Wizordum stands out by refining and expanding upon old-school mechanics rather than merely copying them. The pacing and world-building receive praise, and the game's atmosphere and visual style are highly regarded. However, some players find the difficulty curve uneven and the level layouts confusing at times. Overall, Wizordum is considered a polished, passionate homage to retro FPS games that offers great value for its price and time investment.

Highlights

Players praise Wizordum's intricate and varied level design that rewards exploration and secret-hunting. The fantastic, bombastic soundtrack enhances the immersive fantasy atmosphere. Combat is enriched by a wide array of unique weapons, spells, and enemy types, making gameplay engaging and satisfying. The pixel art style with sharp outlines creates a distinct and appealing visual identity. The inclusion of a level editor and modding tools encourages community creativity and prolongs the game's life. Many reviewers highlight the game's nostalgic yet original approach to the retro FPS genre.

Criticisms

Some players found the difficulty curve uneven and occasionally frustrating, especially on Nightmare mode where enemies can feel overwhelming. The level design, while intricate, can be confusing

Pros

  • Intricate level design filled with rewarding secrets and exploration opportunities.
  • Wide variety of weapons and spells that make combat engaging and strategic.
  • Distinctive pixel art style with sharp outlines and colorful visuals.
  • Fantastic, bombastic soundtrack enhancing the fantasy atmosphere.
  • Robust level editor allowing for extensive community-created content.
  • Nostalgic yet original gameplay that honors retro FPS classics.
  • Well-paced campaign with progressively prettier and more complex levels.

Cons

  • Difficulty curve can be uneven and frustrating on higher settings.
  • Some levels have confusing, maze-like layouts causing player disorientation.
  • Gameplay may feel repetitive during extended play sessions.
  • Lack of modern mechanics like jumping or stealth limits mobility.
  • Certain levels, such as the mine maze, are poorly designed.
  • Movement speed feels slow to some players.
  • Excessive resource management can be overwhelming for some.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Wizordum is a retro FPS that puts you in the role of a Mage on a quest to track down the source of Chaos. With a wide arsenal of spells and magic items, battle your way through the world of Terrabruma in this unique blend of classic 90s shooters and modern gaming elements.

Release Date Apr 29th 2025
Publisher Apogee Entertainment
Developer Emberheart Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (435)
94% Positive 6% Negative