Ultimate Wizard is one of the few games I have ever played (both now and in my youth) that I can enjoy over and over again. It is also one of VERY few I have NEVER completed. The game-play is simple, with easy controls and a simple basis, but the sheer simplicity is what makes it difficult.
The basis of the game is, as I said, simple. The object is to guide your wizard from the start of the level, grab a ‘key’, and makes it to a 'keyhole' which completes the level.
Ultimate Wizard is one of the few games I have ever played (both now and in my youth) that I can enjoy over and over again. It is also one of VERY few I have NEVER completed. The game-play is simple, with easy controls and a simple basis, but the sheer simplicity is what makes it difficult.
The basis of the game is, as I said, simple. The object is to guide your wizard from the start of the level, grab a ‘key’, and makes it to a 'keyhole' which completes the level. The difficulty lays in the obstacles in-between you and that darned key (which never seems to be in reach.) Lucky for you, grabbing the key activates your spell. There is a
specific spell for each level, and a certain number of times it can be used. But you can only use these spells AFTER you have the key.
Enemies vary between levels from a wandering ghost with a sword who YES! Can pass through walls, to a thief that steals gold from the level and climbs ladders to get you.
Some people are confused on how the control scheme for magic is used. Traditionally, most would find a platform over an enemy and fire the spell down (as holding down and pressing the fire button launches the spell.). The spells (such as fireball, disintegrate...) can be cast in any direction. Tap the control stick/pad/keys in whatever direction you want to fire the spell (up down right or left) then hold the fire button and tap down. The spell will fire in whatever direction you chose.
I have never completed this game, so I have not got any goods on the ending or rewards, though even today on my emulators, I try. The difficulty settings go from Beginner to expert and the game allows you to choose speeds between each level, all of which are a plus.
Graphics as expected are C64 quality but decent and smooth. Sounds cause one of two emotions in people who play this game. You either love them or hate them. No in between. There is no music, but even that does not reduce the quality of the game.
If you like good plat formers and want to try something new, give ultimate wizard a play and see what you think. Choose a difficulty, and prepare thyself-you won’t regret it.
