Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord

Mechanics

Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is a dungeon-crawler mostly revolving aroud combat. First, we must form our party by choosing pre-made characters or creating custom ones. To create a custom character, we must choose one of five races (human, dwarf, elf, halfling, gnome), attribute stat points (strength, intelligence, dexterity, luck, etc.) and alignment (good, neutral, evil). Each of the six party can represent one of the standard classes (fighter, thief) or hybrid ones, combining different abilities (like bishop, who combines cleric spells with arcane magic).

Having prepared our party, we can venture down into the dungeon. We can issue commands to them during combat, ordering them to attack, defend, cast spells or run away. After issuing orders, our characters execute them, then so do the enemies. Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is difficult and our party will die often. Losing our entire party doesn't end the game, but it forces us to create a new one.

The player will often return to the town, where they can recruit new characters, resurrect fallen adventurers, rest in the tavern (which is required to level up) or purchase new gear.

Technical aspects

Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord features remastered, 3D visuals, but the player can switch to the original 1981 interface at any time.