14 DAY TRIAL // Magicka: Wizard Wars has entered open beta, allowing players worldwide access to the wide array of spell-mixing and fast-paced battling that the multiplayer-oriented title offers.
Wizard Wars takes Magicka's complex elemental-combat component and gears it toward competitive multiplayer action for 2 to 8 players. Gamers can combine a large number of elements in order to achieve the precise elemental effect they are looking for, making for an impressive amount of varied offensive and defensive spells, to be used either in one-on-one duels or team confrontations.
The game is completely free to play and is available on Steam Early Access, and players can also opt to buy various Starter Packs, which offer extra in-game goodies such as robes for the magi, weaponry and currency.
The open beta kicks off with the introduction of a new 4-on-4 Wizard Warfare map, where hostilities take place in the dark caves of Galdrholl Halls, where the spectacular lighting effects of the various spells can truly shine.
In addition to this, a new spell, Raise Dead, allows players to summon undead companions to help crush their enemies.
Magicka: Wizard Wars has a very complex spell system, allowing players to combine elements on the fly and expand their arsenal according to their current situation, making the gameplay feel very engaging, just like in a fighting game.
Publisher Paradox Interactive has released a new trailer to mark the commencement of the open beta, featuring the humor that Magicka players have grown fond of and offering a sneak peek at the kind of action gamers can expect from the title.
The upcoming game is the reinvented version of 2011's Magicka, now bringing its spell-cooking mechanic to the player-versus-player realm. Developer Paradox North is committed to steadily improving the experience until the final version can go live, with constant patches rolling out introducing various tweaks and fixes.
The game is not exactly your typical multiplayer online battle arena, as you can do all kinds of crazy stuff such as summoning a mighty latrine to serve your opponents your kind of twisted justice. Also, murdering sheep is not frowned upon.
Magicka: Wizard Wars is all about fun and fast-paced action and it keeps an overall lighthearted vibe that will prevent it from devolving into a cursing match for not picking the right color robe.
That being said, it's still a pretty competitive experience, and, if you're not familiar with the game's spell-creation system, prepare to get mopped around by the more experienced players, as the game is far from being simple.
