Evil Wizard(Xbox) is a smutty and humour-filled affair that’ll drive you insane. Between the many belly laughs you’ll scream as you are killed for the nth time. However, the balanced gameplay and amusing characters mitigate the ball-breaking mechanics.
Developed by Rubber Duck Games and published by E-Home Entertainment Development Co, this is an action RPG. Moreover, it has Metroidvania elements and a story that sits in the gutter. Accordingly, it won’t be for everyone. However, if you like silly and often rude jokes, this will be right up your street.
Evil Wizard(Xbox) twists the narrative.
Rarely do we enjoy the villains’ viewpoint. Usually, we are programmed to destroy every nasty antagonist we encounter. Unusually, Evil Wizard(Xbox) successfully twists the narrative. As such, this weird approach was thoroughly enjoyable and something that took me by surprise.
You control the titular sorcerer who has been expelled from his gruesome castle. A heroic band of fighters has slayed his demonic followers and taken the castle for themselves. However, the Evil Wizard will not take this lying down and takes matters into his own hands. By exploring the many layers of his evil domain, this cruel protagonist will right the heroic wrongs.
Balanced mechanics.
Blending genres can be a tricky experience. Yet, Evil Wizard(Xbox) does it brilliantly. The excellent mechanics lead to a balanced time that is tricky but enjoyable. In the beginning, the wizard is restricted to a rusty sword. However, by exploring the castle, he’ll learn new spells and abilities. Furthermore, he’ll encounter some of his faithful companions that need to be saved.
This sounds pretty straightforward, but it isn’t. Thanks to the minor puzzle elements and the ever-expanding world, you have plenty of plates to keep turning. On top of this, each spell is created from a different element. As such, you’ll need specific magic to open different routes. However, this is not all! As you unlock new areas of the map, you’ll face special monsters and massive bosses. Consequently, there is plenty to understand and loads of elements to consider.
Bosses and monsters.
Your spells are a double-edged sword! Not only are they used to open new paths, but they are essential when killing your foes. With lightning, void, fire, ice, and earth, you’ll burn webs, freeze water, and activate switches. Yet, that is not all. Picking the right spell will undermine every monster you face. For example, you’ll want a fire spell against an icy creature. Alternatively, the lighting spell is perfect to stun large groups.
More importantly, though, is every boss fight. Each of these monstrous creatures has strengths and weaknesses. By selecting the right piece of magic, you’ll scythe down every opponent with ease. This was fantastic, as it added a layer of tactical nuance to the otherwise extremely silly gameplay.
Side quests.
The core gameplay focuses on exploration, fighting, and getting your castle back. Thankfully, though, the developers have incorporated some enjoyable side quests to increase the depth. These amusing endeavours play with modern clichés and social media. Moreover, they run alongside the main quest line as well.
This was an excellent choice, as you can take on many of the additional quest lines with very little effort. Therefore, it doesn’t feel like a tedious add-on. Instead, the hilarious characters and whacky dialogue make the extra tasks enjoyable and worthwhile.
Evil Wizard(Xbox) is wonderfully pixelated.
Pixelated games are an indie developer’s dream. Consequently, Evil Wizard(Xbox) delivers a wonderfully retro and gory finish. Furthermore, the excellent character models, varied backdrop, and masses of blood are interesting and gruesome. Additionally, the spell animations are great and the combat is slick, enjoyable, and fast-paced.
The audio doesn’t fare so well, unfortunately. The annoying sound bites work for the opening 5 minutes or so. However, after that, they aren’t effective and the constant grunts are annoying. Luckily, though, the music and sound effects are much better. The creepy music and OTT noises work with the fantasy theme. Subsequently, had the developers tweaked the sound bites, the audio would be vastly improved.
Who’d have thought a wizard would be so nimble?
This evil villain can’t half-move! He’s as nimble as a ninja and as quick as a sprinter. Moreover, he rolls like an Olympic gold medallist. Accordingly, every combat encounter is enjoyable and completing any task is simple. Thanks to the excellent UI and thorough tutorial, you’ll master the easy controls in no time.
Alongside the fighting and exploration elements, there are plenty of collectables to find. With hidden paths to discover, treasure chests to open, and wrapped ducks to find, there is plenty to keep you going. On top of this, the Metroidvania elements were fantastic. Consequently, there is plenty of replay value and longevity.
Evil Wizard(Xbox) is hilarious, smutty, and challenging to play.
Evil Wizard(Xbox) is a deceptive title that will push you all the way. The amusing dialogue, colourful characters, and modern clichés were great to experience. Furthermore, the incredible bosses were tough to defeat. Additionally, you must master each spell and understand your opponent’s weaknesses. Subsequently, this wasn’t easy, but when it clicked, the result was rewarding. As such, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you defeat the wholesome heroes? Rescue your friends, destroy your enemies, and get your castle back.
