It totally depends on what you like in a game. You have to realise that it is first person, turn based combat. It seems that game designers these days dont go for that type of game, as do a lot of gamers. From my limited observation of pc games its either first person real time combat or third person rpg's that are being developed for the crpg market.
Thats fine for some...heck I even have Baldurs Gate II. (havent yet finished and is now gathering dust).
But there are a following of gamers out there (some who post in here) that have been craving and crying out for a game like this to come along again.
I carnt pinpoint exactly what makes this game so special. I know that when I played the demo that I was instantly hooked. The graphics are excellent, the voice characterisations are an absolute hoot (you really get to feel for your characters), the combat system is a real gem (so hard to find these days), the interface a pleasure to use, the enormous but not too overbearing character creation system, the automapping feature (sorely missing in some games), the apparent lacking of bugs, the list goes on and on.
I was concerned when Wizardy 8 was being developed for 3D. I thought it would just be another great rpg series gone to the dumps for the sake of satifying the need for fancy graphics (Might and Magic VI comes to mind) but I was totally wrong. SIRTECH has continued with a winning style of game and has just made it better.
As mentioned before, play the demo, you will soon know if its your style of game.
As for me its the best $80 (aussie) that I have spent. Heck, I even told my wife not to get me a Christmas present. I got mine early.........now if I can just talk her out of having the family over here for Christmas dinner I will get a few more hours of gameplay in :)

Thanks for your responses! I think I will brave a real traffic hell so I can get it tonight instead of tomorrow!

Hail

I HATE THIS GAME !!!!!

Ask me why ?

Well i only play the demo.
And even that little demo eats up 95% of my free time, exploring the possibilities the classes have.., cuts my sleep to absolute minimum... and i bet most of my friends think i am dead... unless they play it too.

So thats the reason i hate this game...

It's to good, i love it *g*

Oh what a pain, hopefully my full version will make it to me today.

Ciao

Banshee, who admits to be a little addicted of Wiz 8.

The only problem with this game is it is to addictive. The government may have to label it a controlled substance. [img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Honestly the game is great. The graphics are not the best but I the play and story just sucks you in so that you do not notice that. When I am playing any game I start to see everything going in my head so as long as the graphics are not terrible, I really do not care. I am really interested in gameplay and story which wizardy 8 does amazingly.

The best thing about this wizardry is the personality selections for your party. The quotes and comments that come up occsaisionally are quite funny.

All in all I can highly recommend this game unless you want a life or sleep then I suggest PoR (Pool of Radiance).

Sir Tech figured out that rpgers want a gaming experience, not fancy graphics (although the graphics in this game are nice). Its the development of the characters and the adventure that attract players. personally, i play more for the discovery of new "stuff" than for "kill and advance. as many in this forum have already indicated, "Its about time, way to go SirTech!"

Well I got it and have made a party but havent started yet. Didnt know its only available at EB's! I went everywhere else first because they werent in a mall (carry lots of tools-thieves like them) but finally had to hit the mall. So many character options, I want one of each!!!!!! Its a tough choice! Looks great though!

Congrats, LoA. Keep us posted on your adventures (and how many times you restart trying to get the "perfect party".