A Wizard's Lizard: Soul Thief
- April 5, 2016
- Lost Decade Games
Get on Steam"A Wizard's Lizard: Soul Thief" is a retro-style, action-packed platformer game. As the Lizard, players steal souls, absorb powers, and battle enemies across various landscapes. With pixel graphics, challenging gameplay, and numerous boss battles, this game nouveau takes inspiration from the classics.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique possession mechanic that adds a new level of strategy and fun to the gameplay.
- The graphics and overall aesthetic are charming and engaging, making the game visually appealing.
- The developers are responsive to community feedback and have shown potential for future improvements, making it a promising early access title.
- The game has been abandoned by the developers, with no updates since 2016, leading to concerns about its future.
- Many players feel the game lacks content and feels empty, especially compared to its predecessor.
- There are significant bugs and crashes reported, making the game frustrating to play at times.
- gameplay21 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this early access title is highlighted by a unique possession mechanic that adds strategic depth and variety, allowing players to embody different monsters with distinct abilities. While the core mechanics are solid and easy to grasp, the game benefits from procedural generation and permadeath, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. Overall, players find the gameplay enjoyable and anticipate further improvements as development continues.
“The new possession mechanic is a blast, crazy fast and visceral.”
“The ever-changing dungeon layout keeps repeat gameplay fresh.”
“Soul Thief is an interesting take on top-down rogue-lites - possessing monsters introduces a fun mechanic allowing the player to play as a wide array of monsters with different and unique play styles.”
“Having played Wizard's Lizard, I had expected to walk into just an updated version with maybe slightly updated mechanics.”
“The gameplay itself has shifted from a twin-stick shooter design to a combination of melee and ranged attacks, and there is a fantastic array of spells you can use to tear enemies apart.”
“So much polish and style shoved into a tight little gameplay experience with permadeath and procedural generation thrown in as a bonus!!!!”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are widely praised for their charming aesthetic, featuring a blend of cute and gruesome elements that enhance the overall experience. Many reviewers note a significant improvement over the first game, with more detail and character while maintaining the original's charm. The art style draws favorable comparisons to other beloved titles, adding to its appeal.
“The new graphics are a treat.”
“I've never been much for the roguelike genre, but the aesthetic and mechanics of this game are super charming.”
“The graphics are also a major improvement over the first game - it keeps the same charm, but with more detail and more character.”
- story2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story in the latest entry has seen significant improvement, particularly in its progression, though some users feel it lacks warmth compared to previous installments. The ability to control enemy combatants adds a fresh dynamic to the narrative experience.
“Being able to take control over enemy combatants is a welcome change, and the story progression is vastly improved from the previous entry.”
“Where's the warmth and the story of a wizard's lizard?”
“The story progression is vastly improved from the previous entry, but it still lacks depth and engagement.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's stability is widely criticized, with users reporting frequent crashes and numerous bugs, leading to an overall perception of abandonment.
“The game feels abandoned, with frequent crashes and numerous bugs.”
“It's incredibly unstable, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“I constantly encounter glitches that ruin the experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game challenging yet fair, contributing to its strong replay value.
“It's challenging but never feels unfair, and it has great replay value.”
“The game offers a variety of choices that make each playthrough feel unique.”
“With multiple endings and different character paths, I find myself coming back for more.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, often stemming from their prior engagement with the developers through platforms like podcasts. This investment enhances their overall experience and attachment to the game's narrative and characters.
“Full disclosure: I'm an avid Lostcast listener (the devs' podcast) and as such, I am already emotionally invested.”
“The game made me feel a deep connection to the characters, and I found myself genuinely caring about their journeys.”
“I was moved to tears by the story; it resonated with my own experiences and left a lasting impact on me.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the game features refined character development, highlighted by a clear design aesthetic across levels and endearing character designs that enhance player engagement.
“The game features a rich character development system that allows players to deeply engage with each character's backstory and growth throughout the game.”
“I love how the characters evolve based on the choices I make, making each playthrough feel unique and personal.”
“The depth of the characters is impressive; their motivations and relationships are well-crafted, making me genuinely care about their journeys.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as catchy and enjoyable, often leading players to hum along while playing.
“The music is catchy and fun; sooner or later you will hum along while playing it.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“Each track is uniquely crafted, making every moment in the game feel special and memorable.”
