Wizardry: The Five Ordeals Coming to Switch on January 30, 2025

GameSpark Publishing and developer 59Studio have officially announced the release of Wizardry: The Five Ordeals for the Nintendo Switch on January 30, 2025. This highly anticipated dungeon-crawling RPG, originally released in Japan in 2006 under the title Wizardry Gaiden: Itsutsu no Shiren, has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years. The upcoming Switch version aims to deliver an enriched experience with both nostalgic elements and modern enhancements, making it a must-play for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.

The game will be showcased at the Tokyo Game Show 2024, offering attendees a first-hand look at its gameplay and features. The Switch release will include six base campaigns and two additional downloadable content (DLC) scenarios available at launch. Players can also expect a day-one update that introduces user-created scenarios, significantly expanding the game’s replayability. This feature is particularly exciting as it allows the community to craft their own adventures, adding a layer of creativity and personalization to the game.

In Japan, Wizardry: The Five Ordeals will be available in various editions, each catering to different types of collectors and players. The digital edition provides a straightforward option for those who prefer convenience, while the physical edition includes tangible goodies that enhance the overall experience. The collector’s edition is the most comprehensive, featuring exclusive items such as a downloadable content scenario, a soundtrack CD, an acrylic stand, and monster cards. These additions not only provide extra content but also serve as memorabilia for die-hard fans.

The Switch version of Wizardry: The Five Ordeals comes packed with the default scenario and five additional scenarios, promising hours of immersive gameplay. Each scenario is meticulously designed to offer unique challenges and narratives, ensuring that players remain engaged throughout their dungeon-crawling adventures. The portability of the Nintendo Switch adds another layer of convenience, allowing players to delve into these dungeons from virtually anywhere, whether at home or on the go.

A significant update on day one will enable support for user-created scenarios, a feature that has been eagerly awaited by the community. This update will allow players to design and share their own dungeons, providing endless possibilities for exploration and adventure. Additionally, two DLC scenarios will be available at launch for an additional fee, further expanding the game’s content and offering more depth to the overall experience.

Currently available for PC on Steam, Wizardry: The Five Ordeals has already captivated a global audience with its deep dungeon-crawling RPG mechanics. The game was initially released in early access in December 2021, with English support added in August 2022. The full release followed in October 2023, featuring enhanced graphics and a revamped user interface, thanks to the Unity engine. These improvements have made the game more accessible to modern audiences while retaining its classic hardcore gameplay.

The creators behind Wizardry: The Five Ordeals are veterans of the RPG genre, having worked on the popular series back in 2006. Their expertise is evident in the game’s intricate design and engaging mechanics. Players can experience multiple dungeon crawler RPGs using the same base system, offering a variety of gameplay experiences within a single title. This versatility is one of the game’s standout features, allowing it to cater to different playstyles and preferences.

For the first time, Wizardry: The Five Ordeals is available outside of Japan, thanks to its release on Steam. This global availability has introduced the game to a wider audience, many of whom have praised its challenging yet rewarding gameplay. The user interface has been significantly improved to appeal to modern players, making it easier to navigate the game’s complex systems without sacrificing depth or complexity.

The game’s combat system is turn-based, blending the simplicity of Japanese RPGs with the difficulty of tabletop RPGs. Players create their own characters and venture into grid-based dungeons with a party of up to six members. The turn-based combat requires strategic thinking and careful planning, as character deaths are permanent and saves can be overwritten. This level of difficulty adds to the game’s appeal, providing a true test of skill and strategy for RPG enthusiasts.

The Steam version of Wizardry: The Five Ordeals has been updated using the Unity engine, resulting in overhauled graphics and a more modern user interface. While the core gameplay remains true to the original 2006 version, these enhancements ensure that the game meets the expectations of today’s gamers. The official scenarios included in the game offer dozens of hours of gameplay, each with its own unique challenges and storylines.

In addition to the main game, the collector’s edition offers a wealth of bonus content. This edition includes an original soundtrack CD, an acrylic stand, and monster cards, along with two bonus scenarios. These extras provide additional value for fans who want to immerse themselves fully in the world of Wizardry: The Five Ordeals. The inclusion of these items makes the collector’s edition a highly sought-after version of the game.

Overall, Wizardry: The Five Ordeals promises to be a challenging and engaging RPG for fans of the genre. Its release on the Nintendo Switch offers players a new way to experience the game, with the added benefit of portability. The combination of classic hardcore gameplay, modern enhancements, and extensive content makes this game a standout title in the RPG landscape. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer looking for a deep and rewarding RPG experience, Wizardry: The Five Ordeals is sure to deliver on all fronts.