Introduction

What do you get when you fuse fantasy with old-school Doom? You get Emberheart Games’ Wizordum. This may seem like a weird combination at first—trust me, I thought so too—but after charging through its bizarre fantasy world at what felt like 50 mph, I was sold within minutes.

Grab your old-school nostalgia glasses, readers. We here at SunsetNerdVerse are ready with our review of Wizordum! Huge thanks to Emberheart Games for the review copy!

Gameplay

The easy way to describe Wizordum is: imagine Doom—but replace the guns with magic. That comparison might be obvious, but there’s more to this retro FPS than just its resemblance to that iconic shooter.

In Wizordum, you take control of either a Cleric or Sorceress and explore fantasy-themed levels while hunting down evil eyes. Classic fantasy enemies like goblins, orcs, and giant rats stand in your way. You start with basic weapons like a mace or a wand (the latter shoots weak fire bolts), but you’ll soon gain access to more powerful magical tools such as fire rings, ice wands, and more. These weapons require mana, which can be replenished by collecting orbs as you explore.

Gold is scattered throughout levels and can be used to upgrade your powers or expand your toolkit. There are also secret doors, traps, and other surprises to discover. The game caters to both completionists and speedrunners, as levels are rich with secrets and time-based challenges.

However, if you’re not a fan of fast-paced retro shooters, Wizordum may not be for you. The rapid movement, projectile dodging, and key hunting can feel overwhelming or outdated for modern tastes. Also, while fun, the key-hunting mechanic does feel like a relic of the past.

On a positive note, Wizordum features a robust level editor. While I didn’t dive too deeply into it myself, I saw some incredible player-made levels. Once you create an account, you can download fan-created content, including full-on Doom-themed mods that transform you into the “Mage Slayer.”

Graphics

I told myself I’d stop mentioning Doom, but it’s hard not to. Wizordum unapologetically emulates the visual style of retro shooters like Doom and Wolfenstein 3D. The pixelated graphics, flat sprites, and level design are direct nods to the classics. That said, there’s plenty here for fantasy fans to enjoy: elemental spells, wizard gear, and gothic architecture all add a unique flair.

Sound

Thankfully, this is one area where Wizordum doesn’t sound exactly like the games it pays homage to. The sound effects and music are serviceable, though not standout. Spellcasting sounds solid enough, but nothing here particularly blew me away in terms of audio design.

Story

At first glance, the story in Wizordum seems overly simple: an ancient evil force has broken a sacred seal, and you, one of the last surviving mages of the Wizordum sanctuary, must stop them. While the plot won’t win any awards, it gradually reveals hidden lore and world-building as you explore. Through scrolls and environmental storytelling, you’ll learn about the fate of other mages and the mystical land you’re trying to save. It’s basic but fitting for the experience.

Overall Impression

There’s been a recent surge in retro-style shooters, and while some rely too heavily on nostalgia, Wizordum strikes a balance between tribute and originality. Yes, it plays a lot like Doom, but it offers enough new features—like magic-based combat, custom levels, and a fantasy setting—to feel fresh. I enjoyed my time with it and think fans of classic FPS games will too.

Conclusion

As a fan of the golden age of FPS games, where reflexes beat loadouts and story was second to gameplay, Wizordum is a nostalgic treat. It won’t blow minds or reinvent the wheel, but it’s a lovingly crafted indie title with plenty to offer. For only $20, you get a decently long story mode, unlockables, and a full-featured level editor with access to community-made maps. Wizordum made me smile, and for fans of classic shooters, it’s well worth a look.

ーAaron