Update: August 3, 2006
«©NCSX» Anyone hankering for an RPG that looks and plays like something transplanted from 1988 is in luck. Wizardry Gaiden: Prisoners of the Battles is a visually stark adventure game that moves in stutter step and relies on text-based menus to execute attacks, manage inventory, and ration gold amongst party members. The PS2 d-pad is used to move the party across dungeons and when monsters attack, there's no forewarning or a glimmer of them in the distance. They just appear automatically and a battle ensues where the player directs a party of six adventurers to attack by pressing the "O-Button." Verily, an entire battle may be fought by tapping that single button until all monsters are dead. NCS wouldn't recommend such a foolhardy fighting style however since tougher monsters will inflict mass damage and party members will require healing lest they all go to an early grave. Similar to other Wizardry games, the adventure starts in a tavern where party members are recruited or created. Once outfitted with arms and items, the party descends into the closest dungeon to gather gold, slay monsters, and gain experience to more efficiently perform the former two tasks. View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website. Jan Code: 4988611206423
Alternate SKU: SLPM-62742 NCS Game Notes
» The title screen is reminiscent of late 80s RPGs which featured simple designs and logos. The Wizardry Prisoners of the Battles title is located on the top box while the lower box shows off pairs of monsters that alternate every couple of seconds. We watched it for about 2 minutes and saw roughly 50 different types of creatures all rendered in color illustrations. On the bottom of the screen, "GAME START" and "OPTION" are selectable. » After starting a new game, a static view of a castle is shown in the background while a town is in the foreground. Add heroes to your party by pressing "O" on the first option and press "O" again on the top option on the subsequent screen. Six pre-configured warriors are available for immediate adventuring. While in town, it's possible to visit the armory or the church. Once done exploring the town, highlight the bottom option on the main menu screen and it's off to the nearest dungeon. » The initial crew that we got from the Tavern was: Human | Good | Samurai
Gnome | Good | Priest
Hobbit | Neutral| Thief
Elf | Neutral| Mage
Human | Good | Bishop
Dwarf | Good | Fighter Classes in the game series: Bishop, Fighter, Lord, Mage, Ninja, Priest, Samurai, Thief. » Commands in the menu include gather gold to one player, distributing gold evenly, setting party order, managing inventory, etc. » Movement is made through the d-pad only. Push up to make the party move forward and they'll make a sound akin to a piece of stone hitting a slab. Bump into a wall and watch the warning pop up. When monsters are encountered, a chorus chimes and the creature is shown in front of the party where commands are selected to deal blows. » The movement in the game is stutter step where each controller tug sends the party shuffling forward. This is pure 80s RPG styling although the music is better than the beeps and blaps of yesteryear. » Party members may change professions to gain new skills and abilities. » The game features 250 magic spells and thousands of items that may be purchased, found, or plundered from defeated monsters. This document is ©NCSX 2006. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.
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