Wizard of Legend 2 is not quite what you might expect if you adored the pixel-perfect chaos of the original. Developed by Dead Mage and published by Humble Games, this follow-up boldly reimagines the world first brought to life by Contingent99. While the first game became a cult roguelite, hit thanks to its tight combat and pixel art charm, this new outing opts for a hand-drawn 2.5D look and voice-acted characters that lend a fresh layer of personality.
It’s worth mentioning that I never played the original, which, in a way, has worked in Wizard of Legend 2’s favour. I wasn’t burdened by nostalgia or artistic expectations. What I found here was a witty, weighty, and wonderfully chaotic roguelite with just a few rough edges.
Combat with Character (and Characters with Comedy)
The Floating Lands are your ever-shifting arena, and the Trials of Legend are no joke. You begin by picking your element: fire, water, lightning, air, or earth, which determines your starting Arcana (spells). Thankfully, you can unlock and swap these throughout, and there’s a brilliant little video preview of each one. Nevertheless, a written description wouldn’t go amiss. There is one later, but it seems to make more sense if it were there from the first Arcana Selection.
Combat is the star of the show. Every spell has a satisfying crunch, whether you’re smashing enemies into pits or unleashing an Ultimate with glorious flair. There are multiple types of Arcana (basic, dash, signature, standard), and the connection between them is where the real magic lies. You can mix and match freely as you pick up more throughout your run, or trade one in with Azul if something else catches your eye.
You’ll meet plenty of eccentric NPCs in the hub between runs:
- Serjik and Moulin guide you through spells and relics.
- Hasher sells relics and the occasional healing potion.
- Esme enhances your Arcana, while Virtuoso Faren peddles new spells.
- Nox tempts you with free cursed relics because, of course, he does.
- Nazradin offers Runes to make your runs easier (or more complicated, if you’re brave or daft).
The trials themselves are as randomised as you’d expect. Each biome has a distinct look: Fairytale Forest, Desert Ruins, or an opulent Castle, but oddly, the elemental bosses (e.g., fire, water) don’t match the theme of the biome. It breaks immersion slightly but doesn’t ruin the experience.
The Multiplayer is buttery smooth. Each player chooses their own Arcana and spends their own gold, which is a merciful design decision. Everyone even gets their own relic from the altars; no more fighting over the loot!
Still, there are a few spell hiccups: the UI for cooldowns is tucked away on the side, which isn’t ideal mid-fight. Plonking it in the middle would make for far better clarity.
Graphics and Audio – Hand-Drawn, Tongue-in-Cheek, and Magic in Motion
Gone is the pixel art. In its place is a gorgeously hand-drawn aesthetic. It’s vibrant, whimsical, and full of kinetic energy. Enemies are distinct, spells burst with colour, and upgrades after each boss feel visually meaningful, almost like a Pokémon evolution for your spellbook.
The voice acting is charming. It’s not triple-A calibre, but it doesn’t need to be. Serjik, Moulin, and friends are full of personality. And then there’s the humour, silly, slapstick, very British. Think Monty Python meets wizardry. A spell called “Flying Kicks” does precisely what it says on the tin, and a cursed relic from “Nox the Unfortunate” is as funny as it is dangerous.
Longevity – So Many Spells, So Little Time
This isn’t a game you’ll beat and shelve. Each run unlocks more Arcana, Relics, and Medallions, some of which dramatically alter your playstyle. The talking mirror eventually offers these Medallions, spending your Dark Gems on things like Vigor (extra health) or Pace (increased movement).
You’ll keep coming back not just for the progression but to test wild new builds. Fancy a dash-heavy lightning wizard? Or a brawler who flings ice while punching stone fists? Go for it. The possibilities are immense.
There’s no dating system like in Hades, but that’s not a loss. You’ll still want to chat with everyone between runs. They’re not romanceable, but they’re all loveable in their own bizarre way.
Comparisons – More Than Just Another Roguelite?
Is Wizard of Legend 2 just another roguelite with a pretty face and an established name? That’s a fair concern, especially if you’re a fan of the original. The change in art style, development team, and tone might initially feel like a betrayal.
But this isn’t Wizard of Legend 1.5. It’s Wizard of Legend Reimagined. If you let go of comparisons and embrace what it is—a fresh take by Dead Mage, not a strict sequel by Contingent99, you’ll find a mechanically rich and visually delightful game.
It doesn’t quite reach the narrative depth of Hades or the systems’ complexity of Dead Cells, but it holds its wand high in the roguelite ranks.
Final Thoughts – A Near-Legendary Experience
There’s no infinite lives mode, and I’d personally welcome one just for accessibility’s sake. But beyond that? Wizard of Legend 2 is a cracking game. It’s got the charm, the challenge, and the character to keep you hooked for dozens of hours.
Whether you’re a spell-slinging soloist or dragging your mates into magical madness, this is one roguelite that casts a long and delightful shadow. And while some might miss the pixel art of the original, what we have here is a lovingly crafted, spell-binding, joyful evolution of the franchise.
Wizard Of Legend 2 Trailer
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