Comparison of W&W to Wizardry Games

[Lady Avalon]

I have never played any of the Wizardry games, although thoroughly enjoyed Wizards and Warriors. How do the Wizardry games compare to W&W?

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Seeker of Truth

[Sazerac]

They're very similar in playability, Lady Avalon, and in storyline and style. A lot of the same type of critters (Rattkins, etc.) first appeared in the Wizardry stories. The NPC's are very similar in construction and humor as well. All of the Wizardries feature a 6-character party (although I think Wiz 8 will allow up to 10!) and have similar roles and allow for role changes like Wizards and Warriors does.

In short, Wizards and Warriors is a 3D graphics engine return to the Wizardry saga. That's why I think a lot of us WW players were originally Wizardry veterans.

Hope this helps!
-Sazerac

Oooo Saz! I hope you did not get the idea that Wiz 8 parties consist of 10 characters from me in the "Pre-order Wiz 8 Here" thread!

Fact is, the parties only support 6 characters...I merely said I wanted a ten member party from the inability to decide on what classes to have in my 6-member party!

My most sincere apologies for having mislead anyone if that is the case!

Check out the Sir-tech link I left in my reply there and check out the possibilities! I'll probably end up playing at least two games in this one!

: )
Moni

[This message has been edited by Moni (edited 03-18-2001).]

[Sazerac]

Thank you, Moni, for clearing that up! LOL!

Although, I think there is room for 8 in Wizardry 8...probably 6 of your own, with the option to bring in NPC's from time to time, which will be VERY cool! I know the screen supports 8...but then, I thought you may have additional information.

Thanks,
Saz

[Serath]

You're right Saz. Your party can consist of 6 of your own players, plus two NPC's. Supposedly you have complete control over the NPC's in your party though.

Serath

[Sazerac]

That's a blessing, Serath. I hate games that force NPC's on you, then make the computer run them without you being able to do anything. It's one of the things I DIDN't like about Realms of Arkania I (in spite of its many wonderful things, and I do like that game). Most computer programs' AI's are far, far below standard for normal play. It was ridiculous to have a wizard rush in to close range with a Nycadaemon and start bashing with his staff, instead of casting a spell...not to mention he blocked a couple of my best fighters from being able to get in and take out said daemon...I finally ended up killing the blighter and not accepting any more NPC help.

So, personal control over NPC's is mandatory in my book.

Thanks for clearing up the misunderstanding, Serath. I had originally thought it was 6 PC's, 2 NPC's...but Moni had said something about 10...LOL!

Live and learn.

-Sazerac

My apologies again Saz for that misunderstanding!

I am glad to hear that we can have two others join us without having to leave anyone behind! Thank you Serath! I had completely missed that info while scanning the sir-tech Wiz 8 site!

[catzenpewters]

From the screenshots it looks like a first person view (yippee). My question is whether it's partially a twiddle-fingers game. For example, in the Might & Magic games you could switch to combat mode anytime you want. In Wizards and Warriors it only goes to combat mode when you're in melee range, and things like those blasted Amazoni Mantraps can kill you from afar if you don't have good reflexes (which I don't!). So, will Wizardry 8 be like W&W (which I still thoroughly enjoy) or will it give a bit of a break to those of us who don't have quick reflexes?

[Sazerac]

Catz, in the reviews of Wiz 8 it claims that the combat is phase-based, which is very much like the turn-based Might and Magic system. This is the same system that Wizardry has used all the way through. I agree with you that most of us RPG gamers are more interested in battle strategies and thinking things through than a face-paced Nintendo-like "duke-em out". Unfortunately, a lot of RPG's have "sold out" to that other school. From what I understand, Wiz 8 isn't going to be one of them.

-Sazerac

[slug]

there are some keen differences in the viewpoint of the characters in old wiz game and the new W&W. the combat is different as well. all of the wizardry games (so far) are taken one square at a time, with no true ranged weaponry. the combat came down to your text based options and then the computer rolled the dice. you must physically target the monsters in W&W, and you can dodge and take cover and run and so on.

if you run one of the wizardry games, then quick run W&W, you will see a huge difference.