I think we can all agree that Doom is pretty cool. But, while it might be one of the best PC games ever, it could be even better. Magical boomer shooter Wizordum dares to ask what Doom would look like if you were a wizard, and the result is an absolutely gorgeous retro-styled FPS game. First launched into early access in November 2023, Wizordum already boasts an impressive user review score of 93%, and its third, story-concluding chapter is set to arrive in early 2025.
Wizordum is a charming throwback to an era before even Doom, taking inspiration from classic ‘90s FPS games such as Hexen and Heretic. It’s got plenty of fast-paced action with a range of magical attacks at your disposal, along with all the puzzles, traps, and secret treasures you’d expect from a throwback to the era. Perhaps my favorite part is just how good it looks in motion, however, with a beautiful and vibrant pixel-art style that feels both retro and modern.
Along with the two episodes of its story campaign that are currently available, developer Emberheart Games has also included challenge modes with online leaderboards. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, there’s even the ability to build and share your own custom levels with a comprehensive in-game level editor that allows you to make either one-off levels or fully fledged episodes of your own. Revealed at the OTK Expo, Wizordum 1.0 arrives in March and will bring the concluding act to the main story.
Wizordum’s third episode takes your mage on “a supernatural chase into the most dangerous levels yet,” with you waging all-out war against the Keepers of Chaos across seven stages. You’ll have to deal with red-hot lava flows and frozen zones. To help come three new weapons: the Faewood Crossbow, the Staff of Chaos, and a mysterious third addition. Personally, the staff has me most excited – with the ability to pour out uncontrollable fire, ice, and storm attacks, it promises to live up to its name in style.
“Every step of our journey with Wizordum has been massively fulfilling, and with the upcoming launch of 1.0, we can’t wait to welcome new mages to confront Chaos,” Emberheart Games developer Primož Vovk says. “With new locations, weapons, and the conclusion of the epic story, we’ve succeeded in creating a fitting ending to our homage to fantasy shooters of the past.”
Wizordum 1.0 will launch Wednesday March 5, 2025 on Steam, priced at $14.99 / £12.79. If you want to get in ahead of the release at a discount, it’s currently 20% off through Wednesday December 11, meaning you’ll pay just $11.99 / £10.23. You can find it right here.
Alternatively, you could jump into one of the best old PC games you can still play today. For more hidden gems you might have missed, here are the best indie games in 2024.
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