Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord receives a full 3D remake by Digital Eclipse and is out in Early Access now for PC
Digital Eclipse has unveiled that they've been developing a new remake for the first Wizardry game, Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, for nearly two years and have launched it on Early Access via Steam and GOG. They hope that their remake of Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord will leave Early Access before the end of 2024. Digital Eclipse is well-known for their high quality work in preserving retro video game collections, such as Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, The Making of Karateka, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection.
Even though it's in Early Access, the title's entire core game is playable. Digital Eclipse anticipates that there'll "likely be some bugs, and some visual elements [that] are not 100% completel." Plus, there are some work-in-progress assets that they'll be updating throughout the Early Access period, along with other graphical and audio elements. Plus, Digital Eclipse is exploring "adding text localization, a guide to in-game enemies, and other features we believe will benefit players" according to their comments on its Steam page.
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord first fully launched on the Apple II in September 1981; its development first began in 1978 and reached a playable beta state by fall 1979. Since then, the landmark title has received a plethora of re-releases and remakes as one of the most important games in establishing the RPG genre in video games.
Digital Eclipse's reimagining includes a full 3D interface that modernizes the experience without taking away the difficult nature of the original title. The developers have emphasized that they've added quality-of-life improvements in spellcasting, navigation, party management, and combat to enhance the experience without altering the spirit or nature that made the original classic a beloved hit.
In fact, players can actually display the original Apple II interface as they play the game in real-time because Digital Eclipse built their remake "directly on top of the original 1981 game's code."
Feast your eyes on this new version of one of the most important titles in video game history that laid the foundation of RPGs, Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord.
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is a full 3D remake of the first game in the legendary Wizardry series of RPGs.
The first party-based RPG video game ever released, Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord was a direct inspiration to series like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Digital Eclipse's revival preserves the appeal of the classic, with many upgrades for modern role-playing game fans.
Dungeon Crawling, Deluxe
Craft your own party of adventurers and head into the labyrinth at the behest of the mad overlord Trebor, in search of the amulet stolen by the evil wizard Werdna. Battle groups of challenging enemies, avoid hidden traps, and make your way deeper into the dungeon as you prepare for the ultimate battle: Facing Werdna himself.
Commitment to Accuracy
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is built directly on top of the original 1981 game's code. Although it looks all new, underneath the hood is the authentic game. You can even view the original Apple II interface as you play.
Challenge Without Hassle
While the well-known difficulty of the enemies has not been altered, quality-of-life improvements have been added in every area. Party management, navigation, spellcasting, and combat have all been significantly enhanced.
A Legend Reborn
If you're just discovering the legendary Wizardry franchise, Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is the perfect jumping-in point for new players. Series veterans will love the gorgeous new graphics and sound, and the streamlined interface.
