Wizard101for Windows

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games have come a long way. Franchises like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy continue to improve their graphics, story lines, and gameplay. Their growing fan base only proves their lasting power. But, there comes a time when you want a break from the latest advances in MMORPGs, and enjoy the ones that made your childhood great. Wizard101 was one of those free-to-play MMORPG back in the day. The game swept millions of fourteen-year-olds off their feet, making the most average day into a magical one. Now it's time to accept the mission once again and go save the Spiral galaxy from enemies. Ready?

One with the universe

This magic-packed adventure game has the right mix of campy characters, zero-to-hero story line, and double meanings to take you back to a simpler time.

Logging into Wizard101 will make the kid in you leap for joy. Called to be a wizard by Merle Ambrose, the Headmaster of Ravenwood Academy. you undergo a complete character customization process. You can choose the standard hair, apparel, and skin tones found in other fantasy-based online games. What sets it apart is the personality test. Based on your answers to the questions, you will be sorted into one of the seven schools of magic, namely, Fire, Ice, Life, Myth, Balance and Death. It’s not set in scrolls, though. The gameplay will show you each school’s specialty so you can choose the one that you prefer.

Much like your character, the graphics are suited for kids 13 and below. The cartoon style, slick animations, and bright colors will bring you back to your teen years. But, it’s not to say that advanced gamers won’t be challenged by the city’s attackers.

Wizard-in-training

The gameplay mechanics can be challenging to manage but easy-to-follow. Expect turn-based combat where points are equivalent to your lifeline. Casting powerful spells during a boss battle will require more points, while a low damage-valued spell will cost you nothing. So, tread carefully! Another great feature is the Treasure Cards. These are one-use spells that are at the library and arranged in your deck.

The game’s tension rises during a duel with MOBs. Once they enter your aggro radius, the two of you square off at opposite ends. See the spells chosen by each player and the NPCs they’re targeting. The fight is on.  Work your magic with the spell you select, or discard and change it during your 30-sec turn.

No pain, no gain

Loots are at stake whenever you play, making winning all the more important.  Wearables, treasure cards, and even gold can all be possibly found in the pile. You can also earn more of these valued goods when you complete a quest or accept mini-games. Take advantage of these opportunities in order to collect powerful spell cards and add them to your deck.

You’re in (parental) control

KingsIsle did develop this game for children, which may explain the absurd amount of in-game purchases. You can play the game as a subscriber or use the ‘free-to-play’ mode. F2Ps will have to purchase access to different areas of content using Crowns or the game’s currency. Subscribers, on the other hand, can unlock all playable worlds, compete in ranked PvP matches, collect gold in tournaments, and post on the Wizard101 Message Board. If you don’t see yourself playing this game often, then paying for features will be the best option for you.

Where can you run this program?

If you’re ready to put on your wizarding hat, here are Wizard101’s system requirements.

Windows

· Internet: internet connection required

· Operating System: Windows operating system currently supported by Microsoft Vista Service Pack 2 or higher

· DirectX: 9.0c or newer

· Processor: 1GHz Intel Processor

· RAM Space: 512 Megabytes

· Video Card: Best results with GeForce 2 or equivalent (standard in most PCs)

· Disk Space: 5 Gigabytes

Note that the game automatically initiates a download in the background when you log in to play for the first time. No special installation process is required.

Mac Users

· Internet: internet Connection Required

· Intel-based Macintosh system running Mac OS X (note: Wizard101 will not run on iPads, iPhones, Android devices, or PowerPC systems)

· Operating System:: Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) or newer

· Disk Space: 5 GB of free disk space

· RAM Space: 512 MB of RAM

· Mouse: minimum two-button mouse or track pad

Is there a better alternative?

The Elder Scrolls Online is the grown-up version of Wizard101. Developed by ZeniMax Online Studios, the MMORPG merges the unmatched exploration of rich worlds the franchise is known for with the vastness and interactive aspects of an online game. This version of TES is set a millennium before the events of Skyrim, making it a gateway to console and PC titles. In fact, you can even play TESO on your Windows, Mac, Playstation 4, and Xbox One.

Our take

Wizard101 is not like massively multiplayer online role-player games today; you’re all the better for it.

Should you download it?

Do download this if you like games with a youthful, colorful comic-style environment.