Rift Wizard 2
- March 24, 2024
- Dylan White
- 7h median play time
Get on SteamRift Wizard 2 is a challenging roguelike wizard simulator where you build unique spell repertoires and gather magical artifacts in each run. With procedurally generated levels, you'll encounter different challenges every time, requiring strategic planning to navigate through and reach your build's end goal. The game's unique portal system lets you choose the levels you visit, giving you agency over the challenges you face.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Rift Wizard 2 offers a deep and satisfying wizard simulation experience, with a vast array of spells and strategic planning required to succeed.
- The game features a fantastic soundtrack that enhances the nostalgic feel and overall enjoyment.
- The addition of equipment and new mechanics significantly improves gameplay variety and encourages experimentation with different builds.
- The game can be excessively difficult and punishing, leading to frustration for players who struggle to progress.
- There is a steep learning curve, with a lot of information to digest, which can be overwhelming for new players.
- Some players feel that the game suffers from balance issues, with certain builds being far more viable than others, making it feel less fair.
- gameplay48 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Rift Wizard 2 is characterized by its depth and variety, offering a mix of strategic mechanics and build options that encourage experimentation. However, players note a steep learning curve due to a lack of clear information about game mechanics and modifiers, leading to a reliance on trial and error. While the game retains core elements from its predecessor, it introduces significant changes that can make it feel both familiar and distinct, with some players expressing a desire for more gradual learning opportunities and clearer mechanics.
“This game is genuinely mind-blowing in terms of the depth of its mechanics.”
“Lots of fun mechanics and build variety.”
“The gameplay loop of freely being able to build your wizard's spell sets and passives, and choosing which portal to progress through, is the perfect mix of strategy and character builds, mixed with a healthy kind of RNG in levels and items.”
“Good base but very little information about the game, mechanics, etc. Tons of trial and error, zero information about the dozens of modifiers, equipment, etc. So if trial and error is your thing, then maybe it's very positive.”
“If you are a devout fan of the first game, RW2 definitely sports a suite of minor improvements, but like its predecessor, the game expects you to display mastery or die. I personally prefer games that give the player space to learn the mechanics at a more natural rate.”
“New mechanics are limited: there are no big changes like alternative stage clear conditions, run modifiers, optional rewarding challenges, or risky shortcuts.”
- music22 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the nostalgic and impressive soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. While some players enjoy the retro style and variety of the music, others feel there isn't enough of it or find certain tracks annoying. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a strong aspect of the game, contributing positively to its atmosphere.
“The soundtrack in this game absolutely rocks in a very nostalgia-inducing way.”
“Fantastic soundtrack and spells elaborate and diverse enough to take some true diligent wizarding studies to unlock its secrets and master.”
“I also really enjoy the retro art style, music, and sound effects in this game.”
“My only critique is the music/sound design.”
“The music is quite annoying.”
“The soundtrack has improved, but the animation quality hasn't changed.”
- graphics22 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming retro art style that enhances immersion, with clean and intuitive visuals that effectively support gameplay. Players appreciate the simple yet impactful sprite work and the unique design of enemies, which adds depth to the experience. Overall, while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they are well-executed and complement the game's focus on gameplay over visual fidelity.
“Very crunchy and cleverly designed roguelike, cute graphics and sound, and about a million spells to choose from.”
“Graphics are raw but charming; it actually feels kind of immersive for some reason with the old school style.”
“I adore games with simple graphics when done right, and the sprite work is done well enough that I can usually tell what I'm looking at first glance. The effects and sounds, though simple, give the feeling of such impact.”
“The visuals are clean and intuitive, and the level generation adds a unique flavor to the levels you will beat on your way to the boss.”
- replayability13 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its high replayability, with players enjoying the depth, variety of builds, and the challenge it offers. Many reviewers highlight the significant improvements over its predecessor, noting the increased enemy variety, maps, and equipment that contribute to an addictive experience. While some mention that complexity may lead to reliance on a few spells, the overall consensus is that the game remains engaging and offers ample opportunities for mastery and experimentation.
“A spectacular evolution from Rift Wizard 1; better replayability in every aspect, from enemy variety to maps to equipment to spells.”
“When I purchased this game, I expected it to be just a fun little one-off indie game that I'd enjoy for a few hours, but the game is incredibly addicting and fun. The build, level, and enemy variety is insane, which makes this gem highly replayable.”
“What a glow up from RW1, which has almost no replay value when you've seen all the spell combos.”
“The complexity doesn't even really add replayability, because you'll be leaning on the same few low-level spells 90% of the time.”
“Puzzley, deep, hugely replayable, lots of room for theory crafting and mastery.”
- grinding11 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and slow, particularly in later levels where managing numerous enemy abilities and animations can stretch turns into lengthy processes. While some appreciate the reduction of resource management, the need for constant micro-management and tracking of threats leads to a frustrating experience that detracts from the overall enjoyment.
“The game is tedious and not very deep in the end.”
“In the later levels, things tend to slow down and get a little grindy, with dozens of enemies and animated attacks making each turn stretch into a couple of seconds. When you have enemies that spawn more enemies, even the biggest area spell feels like it's not quite enough.”
“In the late game, it becomes quite a tedious task to check every possible threat every turn, primarily due to long-range snipes, chain-bouncing projectiles, or translocation spells that can spell your end.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users generally find the humor in the game to be appealing, with multiple comments indicating a positive expectation of its comedic elements.
“I think it would be funny.”
“Funny”
“I think it would be funny.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is viewed with skepticism, as it walks a fine line between being fair and potentially exploitative, reminiscent of cash grab tactics common in live service games. However, some players express optimism that the game may not fully succumb to these harmful practices.
“In the time of live service games, microtransactions and other harmful practices, you show the world that there is still hope.”
“I'm not saying it's a cash grab... but I'm not saying it's *not* a cash grab, either.”
“In the time of live service games, microtransactions and other harmful practices you show the world that there is still hope.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Rw 2 emphasizes build optimization, requiring players to balance the acquisition of raw power with maintaining a minimum level of efficiency. This focus on strategic resource management is central to the gameplay experience.
“Rw 2 is more of a build optimization game where you primarily focus on acquiring the most raw power while still needing to meet a minimum threshold of efficiency.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story emphasizes the importance of utilizing summon spells, suggesting that they play a crucial role in the game's narrative and mechanics.
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers express deep appreciation for indie developers, highlighting their passion and innovation as vital to preserving the emotional essence of gaming. This heartfelt gratitude underscores the impact of indie games on players' experiences and the gaming community as a whole.
“I just want to finish this review with a heartfelt thank you to all indie developers for keeping on innovating, exploring new things, working on passion projects, and ultimately for keeping the essence of gaming alive.”
