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I think it is notable that Wizardry 8 paces its challenge level differently than most other CRPGs. It is quite easy at first. It reaches a plateau of difficulty at level 6, which lasts for the bulk of the game, up until around level 14, when you have earned the right to spank. This lasts basically as long as you have patience for it; you can usually win the game whenever you want after this point.
In many other CRPGs, the very beginning is the most difficult point. I've been replaying M&M 2, for example, and I can't get to 2nd level. Bard's Tale and the earlier Wizardry games were very similar. In other CRPGs, 3rd level is generally the point where, if you follow the course, you no longer face overly difficult challenges.
Many players are initially shocked by Wiz8's difficulty curve because it is different. But it is actually comparable to the difficulty of classic CRPGs, only the timing has been improved.
The greatest benefit of Wizardy 8's curve, is that starting new parties is *fun*. In most classic games, the beginning is such a painful experience that most players won't willinginly replay with new characters.
Horp
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