Rift Wizard 2
- March 24, 2024
- Dylan White
- 11h 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 significant improvement over the original with new mechanics like equipment and spell upgrades, enhancing build diversity and gameplay variety.
- The game is challenging yet rewarding, providing a satisfying experience as players learn to navigate its complexities and develop powerful spell combinations.
- The addition of new spells, enemies, and the ability to refresh health and spells after each level makes the game feel more dynamic and less punishing than its predecessor.
- Some players feel that the game can be overly difficult and punishing, with certain enemy immunities making it frustrating to progress without the right build.
- The UI can be cumbersome, with a lack of clarity in enemy resistances and abilities, leading to potential confusion during gameplay.
- While the game introduces new elements, some players believe it feels more like an expansion of the original rather than a fully distinct sequel, lacking some of the innovation expected in a new title.
- gameplay35 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Rift Wizard 2" is praised for its depth and variety, offering a mix of strategic spellcasting and character builds, while maintaining a familiar core from its predecessor. Players appreciate the balance of trial and error, with some noting the challenge of adapting to new mechanics and enemy types that can hard-counter specific builds. However, the game is also critiqued for its steep learning curve and occasional lack of clarity in mechanics, which may frustrate those seeking a more guided experience.
“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, combined with a healthy dose of RNG in levels and items.”
“And unfortunately, if you don't, you've got a very good chance to simply be hard-countered entirely by one or more enemy types, which can even include the common types - as they too can come with 100% immunities in multiple damage types or showstopping mechanical annoyances.”
“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 very positive.”
“New mechanics are limited: there are no big changes like alternative stage clear conditions, run modifiers, optional rewarding challenges, or risky shortcuts.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a retro style that some players find charming and immersive, despite acknowledging their simplicity and lack of modern polish. Many reviewers appreciate the clean and intuitive visuals, which complement the gameplay, while the art style and soundtrack receive positive remarks for enhancing the overall experience. Overall, the graphics may not be cutting-edge, but they effectively support the game's focus on gameplay and strategy.
“The graphics are raw but charming; it actually feels kind of immersive for some reason with the old school style.”
“Very crunchy and cleverly designed roguelike, cute graphics and sound, and about a million spells to choose from.”
“I also really enjoy the retro art style, music, and sound effects in this game.”
“Objectively, they're bad graphics, but nobody plays roguelikes for graphics.”
“Graphics are raw but charming; it actually feels kind of immersive for some reason with the old school style.”
“The graphics are very retro and remind me of Qud.”
- music13 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for being catchy, nostalgic, and well-integrated with the art style, though some players feel it can be repetitive and wish for more variety in tracks. While many appreciate the soundtrack's quality and its availability on platforms like Bandcamp, a few critiques mention a lack of sufficient music and occasional annoyance with certain tracks. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.
“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 incidentals are fine, the art works well and I actually like the music, even though there isn't enough of it.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its high replayability, with players enjoying the short individual runs that encourage experimentation with various builds and strategies. Despite some reliance on low-level spells, the diversity in enemy types, maps, and equipment keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, making it an unexpectedly addictive experience. Overall, it offers immense replay value, allowing players to continuously explore new combinations and challenges.
“Puzzley, deep, hugely replayable, lots of room for theory crafting and mastery.”
“So many builds to try and so much replayability, it just eats up hours without you noticing.”
“A spectacular evolution from Rift Wizard 1; better replayability in every aspect, from enemy variety to maps to equipment to spells.”
“The complexity doesn't even really add replayability, because you'll be leaning on the same few low-level spells 90% of the time.”
“What a glow up from RW1, which has almost no replay value when you've seen all the spell combos.”
“Individual runs are very short, especially if you die (and you will keep dying). An hour max, but the game has such immense replayability that you could take it onto a deserted island.”
- grinding7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- -29 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, especially in the late game where tracking enemy abilities and managing numerous animated attacks can slow down gameplay significantly. While some appreciate the removal of certain resource management tasks, the overall experience can feel drawn out and lacking in depth, making it less enjoyable.
“Grinding in this game feels rewarding and keeps me engaged for hours.”
“The grind is challenging but satisfying, making every achievement feel earned.”
“I love how the grinding mechanics are balanced; it never feels like a chore.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“In the later floors, you also need to track enemy abilities and ranges; this level of micro is simply not fun and it becomes incredibly slow and tedious.”
“My only issue is that in 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.”
- story4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is minimal, with many users noting a near absence of plot, which aligns with the classic roguelike style. Some players appreciate this lack of narrative, focusing instead on gameplay mechanics like summon spells. Overall, the story is not a significant element of the experience.
“There is no story.”
“The moral of the story is to get summon spells.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is viewed with skepticism, as some players suggest it may lean towards being a cash grab, while others appreciate the presence of hope amidst prevalent microtransaction practices in live service games.
“In the time of live service games, microtransactions, and other harmful practices, you show the world that there is still hope.”
“The monetization model is fair and doesn't pressure players to spend money to enjoy the game.”
“I appreciate how the game offers cosmetic items that enhance the experience without affecting gameplay balance.”
“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.”
- humor2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users generally find the humor in the game to be enjoyable and entertaining, suggesting that it effectively elicits laughter and amusement.
“The humor in this game is absolutely hilarious!”
“I think the jokes and gags throughout the game are genuinely funny.”
“The witty dialogue and comedic situations had me laughing out loud.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Rw 2 emphasizes build optimization, encouraging players to focus on maximizing raw power while maintaining a necessary level of efficiency.
“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.”
- emotional1 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 gratitude underscores the connection between heartfelt storytelling and the gaming experience.
“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.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its highly replayable nature and a unique atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
“The game has a highly replayable nature and carries a distinct atmosphere.”
“The immersive atmosphere draws you in and keeps you engaged for hours.”
“Every corner of the game world is filled with a unique atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
