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Wizardry 8

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2013

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Quick resume

A New Wizardry for a New GenerationThe universe is in the throes of violent upheaval and change. Vast and mysterious forces are preparing for the final confrontation. A small group of heroes from distant lands must plunge into the heart of the maelstrom, to uncover long-forgotten secrets, and bring about a new era.

Global score

90/100

Genres

Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)

Pros

  • Deep character customization and party building
  • Challenging and strategic turn-based combat
  • High replayability with varied party and exploration options
  • Immersive fantasy/sci-fi setting with strong audio and voice acting
  • Open world with non-linear progression and secrets

Cons

  • Dated graphics and slow combat animations
  • Steep learning curve and high difficulty
  • Frequent enemy respawns can be frustrating
  • Lack of modern ui conveniences and tutorial
  • Long combat encounters can be tedious

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have extensive freedom in character creation, party composition, exploration order, and tactical combat decisions."

  • Competence
    5

    "High skill ceiling with complex character builds, tactical turn-based combat, and strategic positioning requiring player mastery."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal party development and overcoming game challenges rather than direct competition with other players."

  • Continuation
    5

    "High replayability with many party and strategy variations encourages long-term engagement and repeated playthroughs."

  • Cooperation
    4

    "Gameplay centers on managing a party of multiple characters cooperating to achieve goals and survive combat."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Extensive character customization, class/race combinations, and tactical options allow creative problem solving and play styles."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions are balanced within the party and world; no evidence of power imposition or dominance over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive fantasy/sci-fi world and challenging gameplay provide strong distraction and escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by intrinsic interest, nostalgia, and personal challenge rather than obligation."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Players encouraged to try different party builds, skills, tactics, and exploration orders for varied experiences."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Open world with non-linear progression and hidden secrets rewards curiosity and thorough exploration."

  • Expression
    4

    "Character creation and voice personality choices allow personal expression within the party."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy and sci-fi setting with magic, mythical races, and imaginative story elements."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Party members have distinct personalities and interactions, creating a sense of group identity and community."

  • Growth
    5

    "Deep character development and skill progression through use and leveling provide strong learning and growth."

  • Health
    -4

    "Gameplay involves long sedentary sessions with slow combat and grinding, little physical activity."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires constant attention and strategic input; combat and exploration demand focused engagement."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Party members have voiced personalities and some social interactions, but limited emotional depth."

  • Leadership
    4

    "Player leads and manages a party of characters, directing their actions and development."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on accumulating skills, items, and character power through leveling and exploration."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Game is challenging and sometimes frustrating, with sustained tension in combat and exploration."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Audio and voice acting praised, graphics dated but atmospheric; moderate sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -3

    "Focus is on personal achievement and party success rather than social recognition or popularity."

  • Story
    3

    "Story is present and consistent but not the main focus; supports exploration and player choices."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Highly strategic turn-based combat with positioning, skill use, and party composition requiring planning."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Tense combat encounters and challenging enemies provide suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    5

    "Players report hundreds of hours of gameplay and replayability, excellent return on time and money."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat involves defeating enemies with weapons, spells, and tactics; violence is a core gameplay element."

  • Survival
    4

    "Players must manage resources, positioning, and tactics to survive difficult encounters and threats."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026