Well, all I can say is, if you are into RPG's, go get it! Even if you haven't played the previous games, you can get into this one very easily, as it was designed with that fact in mind. You are right, it is indeed a first-person viewpoint. Movement and looking around are handled quite well, almost like a first-person shooter. This is a good thing, because it gives you a great sense of "space" and "depth" that 2-d RPG's just don't have. (Heh. I'm always afraid of falling off the trynton walkways!)
Combat is done very well. You can do either turn-based, or a "continuous" real-time mode. The AI is fairly good, and will attempt to surround you, and/or incapacitate your spellcasters if it can. You really *don't* want to get surrounded! Party formation is actually important here. Most of the weapon and spell effects are well done, too. (I just love the THWWWWT! of a longbow shooting an arrow.)
Character creation is enjoyable, but can be a tad lengthy. During creation, you can tweak each and every one of your character's stats (within limits). You can even decide what they speak like, and some of the voices are hillarious! Making a party that is effective depends mainly on how you play. Spells, swords, or in-between? Most everyone I've seen on this board has changed parties at least twice, after they discover what types/races best suit their play-style.
As for the graphics, well, even if you aren't concerned about them, you still want things to look pretty, right? [img]smile.gif[/img] Worry not. Wiz8 delivers in spades. Some of the spells and lighting effects are especially good. However, some of the monsters are kinda low-poly, and there *is* some pop-up in the outdoor graphics. Otherwise, looks are great! One other amazing thing...(espacially these days).. the game is rock-solid stable. I haven't had one crash or glitch since I installed it. Amazing.
Go get it.
Go.
Now.
