Dark Wizard is a single player tactical role playing game that was both released and developed by SEGA. It was released in the middle nineties, and features some cool strategic elements, along with the RPG. The game plays out in the isometric view, and all of the characters are made up of very cool anime graphics. The theme of the game, which goes nicely with the manga look, is fantasy. It is sort of a Final Fantasy and Shining Force hybrid.
Dark Wizard is not very complicated.
However, it is very interesting and comes filled with dozens of unique and standard spells, tons of weaponry and armor, and a lot of other odds and ends type items to find, buy and use. The storyline of the game is a little bit different depending on what player the gamer chooses as his character. There are four characters from which to choose, and each one has a different background story and a different reason for wanting the Dark Wizard dead. Regardless, much of the back story is similar. The high priest of the Kingdom of Cheshire summoned the dark god, Arliman, many years ago in an attempt to disturb the balance between good and evil. The Goddess
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of Light, Sabrina, was able to preserve the kingdom by bestowing great powers on two of Cheshire’s leaders. Together, they defeated the high priest and helped to imprison Arlimon who was exiled to a remote island and placed under guard by a lonely apprentice, Veonese. As his days wore on, the apprentice became lonelier, and angrier, and became determined to free Arliman. He now controls four generals and is taking over the lands in Arliman’s name. The four playable characters will go against this force and take back the lands in the name of goodness, becoming the new leader of Cheshire.
The battles of Dark Wizard occur on a standard hex-based tile map and are turn based. During the battles, you will be able to summon monsters, or hire troops to help with the battles. Summoning costs magic points, and hiring costs money. How much you have of each depends on which character you choose to play and how you have advanced in the game. The more powerful you become, the more power you many wield in one way or another. Your troops can advance with you, and you have the ability to build a very powerful army. Your units are also able to enter towns and upgrade their equipment to become stronger.
Dark Wizard is a sure winner. The graphics are good, the sound is well orchestrated, the story is nicely detailed and the game play is awesome. Given its age, it is practically a work of art.
