A strange mix of MMORPG, solid RPG, pet sim and turn based combat are just some of the attributes one might use to describe the recently released MMORPG Wizard 101. Developed, produced and published by Kings Isle entertainment, Wizard 101 features itself as a casual MMORPG that can be enjoyed by younger players. Teens and young adults might also enjoy this game, but for those of a more mature perspective, it’s probably suggested that you look somewhere else for your gaming fix.

Essentially, Wizard 101 holds the concept of card-based combat at its foundation and unlike other MMORPG players must collect these cards and various other items and objects so that they may engage in battle and also to aid them in various quests. Similar to the idea proposed by popular Anime titles such as Yugio, players are able to build there own deck of cards, customizing their decks to suite their own individual battle styles, or to suite specific battle strategies. The two main cards you will come across throughout the game are divided into two categories; monsters and spells. Monsters are the beasts which you will be using to fight with and for you. Spells, on the other hand, covers everything from your basic attacks to complex stat-buffs, healing and so on.

Players are able to choose of the schools of magic they want to join. These schools include; fire, ice, myth, storm, life, death and of course, balance. Each school is different and thus the cards represented by each work in a variety of ways. The schools are unique unto themselves and represent various methods of play and strategies.

As combat is actually turn-based (think old school final fantasy) the controls throughout the rest of the game are relatively simple. You move your character around by using either the arrow keys or WASD, whilst much of what is needed for combat can be activated by the mouse, or through the hot-keys that you assign for various spells. When you begin the game, you will find 6 basic spells in your spell book. These spells, of course, will depend on what school you have chosen.

To engage in combat, simply find a monster and walk up to it. A circle will immediately appear around you and your opponent. Simply utilize the spells you have in your hand to reduce the monsters HP to zero which will result in your victory. Should, however, you be defeated, you are instantly transported back to the designated starting zone.

Levels are gain through experience, which is, in turn gained through defeating monsters and completing quest cards which you can receive from the various NPCs around the game. For a good starting point, you might want to check your own school. As your levels increase, you will be summoned back to the school and asked to visit your professor who will grant you new spells for use on the battle field. This will happen a number of times. Skills can be gained through both training and some quests. Though gained through training are added automatically. However, those granted by quests will require manual placement into your spell book.

As well as entering duels with monster NPCs, players also have the option of engaging fellow wizards in PvP duels. At the moment, PvP has no benefits associated with it besides general enjoyment and seeing as there is nothing to lose, this is a good place to practice new strategies and try out new spells. According to the games official website, this is likely to change in the near future when a more complex system is added. This may also include other facets such as a ranking system, titles and or PvP tournaments.

A feature I enjoyed in this game is that should you ever get bored of the questing and combat, you can take time out and enjoy one of the games featured mini-games. Games within games, now I like the sound of that. Mini-games can be found throughout wizard city and include a number of activates that closely resemble old-school arcade games and simple play formers.

As players advance through the game, they can customize their characters in terms of appearance, attire, equipment, and adornments. There are even pets that will follow you on your adventures. At the moment these little creatures are simply there to look pretty. However, it is suggested that in the near future, pets will come to hold a much greater role, aiding players in various areas of the game.

You will gain gold as you quest and defeat monsters, which is in turn used to perchance items and equipment to aid you. However, the game also features a cash-shop that works through micro transaction and includes a number of special items and features that you cannot find anywhere else in the game. Although the game has a free trial which can be used for as long as you like, subscribers will gain access to other areas and features non-paying players cannot enter.

All in all, Wizard 101 is a bit of silly fun and can be enjoyed by a wide audience. Younger gamers are taken into consideration and taking this into consideration, there is a lot of potential for development. The game is sizable, with decent graphics, combat, simple controls and a nice underlying theme which fantasy fans are sure to enjoy. Frankly, this game is rather unique and I enjoyed the time I spent playing it. However, at the end of the day, my more mature self wins out and makes me question why I am bothering. But, hey, I realize this game was not designed for people such as myself so 7 out of 10.