Wizard of Legend 2 brings players back to the magical Trials with a bold new look and four-player co‑op, but it’s not merely a visual upgrade – it’s a transformation that feels both refreshing and somewhat ‘out of place’ at the same time. Gone is the pixel-art charm of the original, replaced by slick 3D visuals and isometric angles that clearly borrow from Hades-style presentation, giving it the polish of bigger roguelikes – but sometimes undermining the character of the original. The world now shimmers with vibrant environments, and character portraits are expressive, yet the experience often feels like Hades-lite rather than a true Wizard successor.
The heart of the game – its combat – remains mechanically sound. Dodges, elemental Arcana, and frantic spellcasting deliver satisfying moments of chaos and clarity. Having been polished through an early-access period on PC, the launch build brings combat that’s smooth and responsive. That said, the pacing feels less crisp than in the first game. A heavier dodge rhythm leans into reactive play instead of the nimble, fluid combos beloved in the original, sometimes making boss encounters feel slower and more based on attrition than on player skill.
One of the game’s best additions is its revamped co‑op: up to four players can now cast spells together, and friendly item-sharing fosters teamwork. But without matchmaking or public lobbies, the play‑with‑friends option is limited to those you already know. It’s a great concept that feels underutilized due to logistical friction at launch. For solo players, it’s solid, but feels like a platform built primarily for multiplayer.
The new progression system amplifies variety at the cost of cohesion. Arcana unlock through a shop-like hub rather than by discovery in-game; relics are assigned randomly instead of earned by exploring; and stat upgrades come from Hades-style mirror upgrades. The result is a less organic build flow than we were expecting. Some run‑breakers are exciting, but others feel tacked on, and the loss of a sense of continuous discovery dims the run‑to‑run momentum.
Narratively, the world is more present – vendors and NPCs have voice work and personality, and the Floating Lands feel like a lived-in place. But these characters rarely deepen beyond utility – for arcana, relics, or lore – leaving them feeling like polished shopkeepers rather than integral story people. It’s a common issue within the genre, and we’re hoping future expansions or sequels build on this. Voice acting is solid, but lacks the unique spark that might give your journey emotional weight.
When it comes to length and variety, the game sits in a curious middle ground. Despite boasting a Chaos biome, 12 new Arcana, and a final boss, the main loop plays out in just a few hours. What’s here works well, but feels like a foundation craving more content, such as additional biomes, rogue modifiers and more bosses.
Performance on PS5 is stable, framed at a smooth clip, and the audio design is energetic, with satisfying spell impacts and elemental whoosh. But the soundtrack and ambient layers lack the memorable punch of the original; it supports the mood without becoming a standout element, which feels like a missed opportunity given the vibrant visuals.
In the end, Wizard of Legend 2 is a compelling yet cautious sequel. It smartly introduces co-op, enriches combat options, and elevates presentation. Still, it loses some of its predecessor’s charm and reflexive pace in favor of a more measured, commercially-minded roguelike template. For Hades fans and co-op seekers, it’s a solid entry. But purists who loved the precise combos, pocket‑sized progression, and pixel‑lit ambiance of the original might find it a step too far into mainstream fare – even as it hints at greatness if built upon in future updates.
Score: 7.3/10
Press Play Media 