Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Steam

Playstation

Twitch

MONSTER

Wizard with a Gun

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Wizard with a Gun
Item: Wizard with a Gun
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Open World, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 16, 2023

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperGalvanic Games

Overview

Wizard with a Gun is an online cooperative sandbox survival game set in a magical wilderness wrought with dangerous creatures and arcane mysteries. Embark on a journey alone or with friends to collect, craft, and outfit your wizard however you see fit as you explore the unknown.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the Story of Wizard with a Gun. Some praise its setup and lore for being engaging and intriguing, while others criticize its lack of depth, incomplete storytelling, and generic elements. Positive aspects include a simple narrative with interesting elements to uncover, a dense and enjoyable story with sinister undertones, and a whimsical start that grows in depth. However, negative comments point out issues like lack of depth, incomplete storytelling, and generic elements. Overall, opinions are divided, with some critics appreciating the story's potential while others are disappointed with its execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

81%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Wizard with a Gun are varied, but there are some common positive aspects that emerge. Several critics, such as Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin, appreciate the game's setup and lore. They mention that the game has a simple narrative with interesting elements to uncover as players progress. Hardcore Gamer also highlights the dense and enjoyable story, with intriguing lore and a sinister undercurrent. Digital Chumps adds that the story starts whimsically and grows in depth, taking on a more sinister tone as players uncover the truth. These positive comments indicate that the game's story has potential and offers engaging elements for players to explore. On the other hand, there are critics who express negative opinions about the story of Wizard with a Gun. IGN Portugal mentions that the story lacks depth, while IGN criticizes it for being incomplete and lacking worth. PC Invasion criticizes the story as generic and the NPCs as lifeless. ZTGD simply states that the narrative is lacking. These negative comments suggest that the story may not meet the expectations of some players, with issues such as lack of depth, incomplete storytelling, and generic elements being mentioned. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Story of Wizard with a Gun is mixed. While there are positive comments about the setup, lore, and potential depth of the story, there are also negative remarks about its lack of depth, incomplete nature, and generic elements. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming, GameGrin, and Hardcore Gamer appreciate the story's setup and lore, while IGN Portugal, IGN, and PC Invasion express disappointment with its depth and execution. The overall sentiment leans towards a more critical view of the story, with some critics highlighting its shortcomings. However, it is worth noting that there are still positive aspects mentioned, indicating that the story may still have some redeeming qualities for certain players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics love Wizard with a Gun for its addictive gameplay loop, inventive combat options, and variety of mechanics. Positive feedback from But Why Tho? and Digital Chumps highlights the engaging experience, while Noisy Pixel praises its roguelite quality. However, criticisms from IGN and Shacknews mention balance issues and floaty controls. Overall, while some areas could be improved, the consensus is that Wizard with a Gun offers an enjoyable and immersive gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Wizard with a Gun are generally positive. Many critics highlight the addictive and captivating gameplay loop, which keeps players engaged and makes it hard to put the game down. Critics like But Why Tho? and Digital Chumps emphasize the enjoyable gameplay loop and inventive combat options, while Noisy Pixel praises the addictive gameplay loop with a roguelite quality. The game offers a variety of mechanics such as exploration, boss battles, collecting resources, battling creatures, and improving the wizard tower base, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming. The combat system is often praised for its flow and variety of enemy types, as noted by Gamereactor UK. The combination of different bullet types and modifiers adds depth to the gameplay, according to IGN Portugal. Overall, the positive aspects of the gameplay include its addictiveness, variety of mechanics, and enjoyable combat system. On the other hand, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Wizard with a Gun. IGN mentions balance issues, stating that solo mode can be too difficult while co-op mode is too easy. Shacknews points out that the controls can feel floaty and cumbersome at times, which can detract from the overall experience. Screen Rant criticizes the combat for being limited and repetitive, with simple twin-stick point-and-shoot mechanics and a dodge roll on cooldown. PC Invasion mentions that while the combat is fine, it lacks addictiveness. These criticisms suggest that there are areas where the gameplay could be improved, such as balancing the difficulty levels and refining the controls. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Wizard with a Gun offers an enjoyable and addictive gameplay experience. The positive aspects of the gameplay, such as the captivating gameplay loop, inventive combat options, and variety of mechanics, are frequently mentioned by critics like But Why Tho?, Digital Chumps, and Checkpoint Gaming. However, there are some areas of improvement highlighted by critics like IGN, Shacknews, and Screen Rant, including balance issues, control responsiveness, and combat depth. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Wizard with a Gun remains positive, with critics praising its immersive experience, engaging combat system, and addictive gameplay loop.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics praise Wizard with a Gun for its gorgeous visuals, art style, and charming characters. The game's stunning aesthetics, fantasy-Western blend, and enchanting environments receive high acclaim. However, criticisms include repetitive gameplay and underwhelming boss battles. Despite some flaws like lack of enemy variety and visual glitches, the consensus is that the game's visually appealing design and engaging art style make it a positive experience overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Wizard with a Gun are generally positive. The game is praised for its gorgeous visuals and art style. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming, Gamereactor UK, and Hardcore Gamer highlight the game's stunning aesthetics, with a mix of fantasy and Western elements, eye-pleasing and cartoonish art style, and sweet character designs. The game's colorful and personality-filled visuals are also commended by Hey Poor Player and IGN Portugal. The art direction and animation style are considered highlights, reminiscent of Cult of the Lamb, according to Gamereactor UK. The game's distinctive aesthetic and character in its visuals are mentioned by SpazioGames. The enchanting environments, well-designed enemies, and varied biomes contribute to the overall positive sentiment towards the game's visual design, as noted by PlayStation Universe and Push Square. However, there are some criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Wizard with a Gun. Gamersky mentions repetitive dungeon process and an underwhelming final boss battle, which could affect the overall visual experience. Noisy Pixel points out that while the game is described as gorgeous, the enemy variety and practicality are lacking. Screen Rant mentions that while the game has an adorably animated presentation and style, the vast quantity of cosmetic furniture in the base has no gameplay benefit. Windows Central also highlights some visual glitches and oddities that can detract from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Wizard with a Gun has a visually appealing and engaging art style. The game's graphics are praised for their attention to detail, delightful cartoony yet deep visuals, charming art style, and well-designed characters and creatures. The mix of heavily shadowed, 2D cartoon artistic design and a world on a 3D plane is also appreciated for its moody edge without being too dark, as noted by Siliconera. The game's unique and consistent visual design, along with its enchanting environments and color-coded icons and logos, contribute to the positive reception. While there are some criticisms regarding repetitive gameplay elements, lack of enemy variety, and occasional visual glitches, the overall sentiment towards the Graphics and Visual Design of Wizard with a Gun is positive.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics rave about Wizard with a Gun's music, praising its immersive, eclectic sound that enhances the game's atmosphere. Some mention dreamy guitar tunes, bardcore vibes, and a foreboding country music feel. While a few critics offer more neutral feedback, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding the successful integration of music to elevate the game's visuals and tension.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Wizard with a Gun are largely positive. The majority of the critics praise the game's soundtrack, highlighting its ability to enhance the immersive atmosphere and complement the game's aesthetics. Checkpoint Gaming mentions the dreamy guitar soundtrack that adds to the immersive atmosphere, while Hardcore Gamer describes the soundtrack as particularly lovely, with tunes that feel like a mix of acoustic guitar ballads and bardcore. Worth Playing also notes the eclectic soundtrack with elements of country music, which sets a foreboding tone that fits the dire situation of the game. The critics' positive remarks indicate that the music successfully contributes to the overall experience of Wizard with a Gun. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Wizard with a Gun is positive, there are a few critics who provide more neutral or brief opinions. PC Invasion simply states that the game has a nice soundtrack without elaborating further. This lack of detail suggests that the music may not have made a significant impact on their gaming experience. However, the brevity of their comment makes it difficult to draw a definitive conclusion about their sentiment. Additionally, IGN Portugal mentions that the game features a soundtrack inspired by Ennio Morricone's work, adding a Western touch to the game's unique mix. Although this comment does not explicitly express a negative opinion, it does not provide much insight into the quality or effectiveness of the music either. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Wizard with a Gun are positive aspects of the game. The positive comments from critics such as GamingTrend, PlayStation Universe, and WellPlayed highlight the successful integration of the music with the game's visuals and atmosphere. The use of dreamy guitar chords, haunting melodies, and elements of country and bardcore genres contribute to the immersive experience and enhance the overall charm and tension of the game. While there are a couple of more neutral opinions, the majority of the critics' positive remarks indicate that the Sound Design and Music of Wizard with a Gun are well-received by reviewers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Wizard with a Gun performs well on PC with smooth gameplay and good frame rates, but faces technical issues on PS5 like frame skips and freezing. Xbox Series X has stable performance with occasional hiccups. Mixed reviews from critics highlight platform-specific challenges in technical performance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PC, GameGrin and Worth Playing both had positive experiences with Wizard with a Gun. GameGrin states that the game ran smoothly without any bugs, indicating a well-optimized performance. Worth Playing, while playing on the Steam Deck, mentions that the game performs well, consistently hitting 60fps, which is a desirable frame rate for a smooth gaming experience. However, Worth Playing does note occasional bouts of traversal stutter, which can slightly disrupt the gameplay. Overall, the technical performance on PC seems to be commendable, with smooth gameplay and satisfactory frame rates. On the PS5, the opinions of PlayStation Universe, Push Square, and WellPlayed highlight some negative aspects of the technical performance. PlayStation Universe mentions regular frame skips, stuttering, and occasional freezing, which can be off-putting to players. Push Square points out unoptimized controls, occasional frame rate drops, and weird button mapping, which can hinder the overall gameplay experience. WellPlayed also mentions occasional technical hiccups, although they do not specify the exact nature of these issues. These criticisms suggest that the technical performance on the PS5 may not be as polished as desired, with various issues affecting the smoothness and responsiveness of the game. Moving on to the Xbox Series X, LevelUp and Windows Central provide insights into the technical performance on this platform. LevelUp mentions frame rate drops when there are many enemies and elements on the screen, indicating potential performance issues during intense gameplay moments. Windows Central, on the other hand, states that the performance and stability of the game are mostly fine, but there are occasional dropped frames and stutters. While these criticisms highlight some technical shortcomings, they do not seem to be as severe as the issues mentioned by the PS5 reviewers. Overall, the technical performance on the Xbox Series X appears to be relatively stable, with occasional hiccups that may not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. Taking into account the opinions of the critics across all platforms, it is evident that the technical performance of Wizard with a Gun is generally positive on PC, with smooth gameplay and satisfactory frame rates. However, the PS5 version seems to suffer from various technical issues, including frame skips, stuttering, freezing, unoptimized controls, and occasional frame rate drops. The Xbox Series X version, while not without its flaws, appears to have a more stable performance overall, with occasional frame rate drops and stutters being the primary concerns. It is important to note that the overall consensus leans towards a mixed sentiment, with some reviewers praising the technical performance on certain platforms while others express disappointment with the issues encountered.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Wizard with a Gun receives positive reviews for its replay value due to procedurally generated maps, variety of enemies, and diverse gameplay elements like bullet types and upgrades. Critics praise the fun loop of killing and looting, short runs, multiple goals, and cooperative gameplay. However, some mention concerns about repetitive gameplay, lack of variety, and limited progression hooks that may impact long-term replayability. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers enjoyable gameplay loop and addictive nature, making it worth replaying for fans of its core mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Wizard with a Gun are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's various elements that contribute to its replayability. Checkpoint Gaming mentions the procedurally generated maps and variety of enemies, which adds to the game's replay value. GameGrin notes that the loop of killing and looting provides a fun experience for players who enjoy this gameplay loop. God is a Geek praises the variety of bullet types, guns, and upgrades, which offer replay value through experimentation and progression. Hey Poor Player emphasizes the short runs, multiple goals, and cooperative gameplay as factors that make the game highly replayable for players who enjoy the core gameplay. However, there are also some negative aspects mentioned by critics that may limit the game's replay value. Gamersky mentions that while the fast-paced and randomized world exploration ensures each playthrough feels different, the gameplay can become repetitive and monotonous at times. IGN Portugal points out that the simplicity of the gameplay may limit its replayability. PC Invasion criticizes the lack of strong progression hooks and unimpressive build variety, which makes replaying the game less appealing. Screen Rant highlights the lack of variety and progression in gameplay as a potential limitation to the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Wizard with a Gun offers replay value through its various gameplay elements. The game's roguelike and roguelite elements, crafting systems, cooperative gameplay, and the ability to experiment with different strategies and combinations of bullets and upgrades are praised by multiple critics. The multiplayer aspect is also mentioned as enhancing the experience. However, some critics express concerns about repetitive gameplay, lack of variety, and limited progression hooks, which may impact the game's long-term replayability. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with many critics acknowledging the game's enjoyable gameplay loop and addictive nature, making it worth replaying for players who appreciate its core mechanics.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

51%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Wizard with a Gun, it becomes evident that the game has received a generally positive reception. The first paragraph focuses on the positive aspects highlighted by the critics. But Why Tho? praises the game for its balance between gameplay and crafting, recommending it with a score of 9/10. Checkpoint Gaming commends the thrilling and satisfying experience offered by the stylish visuals, engaging gameplay, and replay value. GamingTrend highlights the deep magic system and captivating world, making it an excellent choice for players seeking a wide range of options for destruction and regeneration. Moving on to the negatives, the second paragraph addresses the criticisms raised by some reviewers. Gamereactor UK mentions that the overwhelming and demanding crafting, RPG, and progression mechanics hold the game back, despite its well-made and fun nature. IGN points out that Wizard with a Gun feels unfinished and lacks balance, with an incomplete story and disappointing ending. Hey Poor Player mentions a dislike for the gunplay and movement, which may deter some players from fully enjoying the core gameplay. Taking into account the overall consensus of the critics, it is clear that Wizard with a Gun has managed to create an engaging and enjoyable experience for players. The game's unique premise, combined with its crafting and roguelike isometric action, is praised by God is a Geek, who states that it is Worth Playing despite feeling repetitive and grindy. Noisy Pixel also emphasizes that the game offers an enjoyable experience, even for those who are not typically enthusiasts of the survival genre. Worth Playing commends the game for scratching the survival roguelike itch, offering variety in levels and enemies, and a more forgiving gameplay experience. Overall, Wizard with a Gun appears to have garnered positive feedback from the majority of critics. The game's strengths lie in its engaging gameplay, stylish visuals, deep magic system, and replay value. However, some reviewers have noted issues with crafting mechanics, lack of balance, and technical problems. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus suggests that the game is enjoyable and recommended, particularly for fans of crafting, survival, and roguelike genres.

TL;DR

Wizard with a Gun has received generally positive reviews for its engaging gameplay, stylish visuals, and deep magic system. Critics praise its balance between gameplay and crafting, while some mention issues with overwhelming mechanics and lack of balance. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience with replay value, making it recommended for fans of crafting, survival, and roguelike genres.

MONSTER

Reviews

47 reviews found

GamingTrend

Oct 16, 2023