Wizardry Variants Daphne (GOAT RPG Series Returns to Glory)

 

I think it’s hilarious that no one has a clue why this game is called Wizardry Variants Daphne. I’ve seen various theories and explanations, but the mystery about it is such a troll move. And, to be honest, it’s part of the mystique of this awesome game, my current vote for best phone game in history, thus far. Having played the original Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (1981, first version), I’m very familiar with this groundbreaking series and what it’s done for the history of RPGs. Imagine my delight when I saw this advertised after it dropped in October 2024, but I hesitated until I learned more about it because it has that F2P (free-to-play) thing going on, which we know usually leads to P2W (pay to win). One of the two original devs on the team, though? Japanese programmers who actually give a crap about their demographic? Shit, let’s try it out and see about that.

   

If you’re not familiar with the original games, let me be clear, Wizardry is tough as balls. It’s one of the things it was known for with its permadeath feature, accidentally teleporting into walls, extremely difficult battles, and dungeons so detailed it would take you months to map them out. Even with a walkthrough it was hard as piss. In fact, I was about 2 when the first game came out, played the NES port around the age of 8, popped my rage quit cherry, and only just beat it in 2024 after that much time (45 now, do the math). Wizardry Variants Daphne takes that GOAT mantel and wears it with pride, dusting it off and reembroidering it with gold thread. You’re undead (no spoilers there), and after the expected tutorial bits you get deep in the dungeon crawling, which is the core play. But in this one, there’s a ton more workability and the details are impressive to the extent that it beats out recent AAA releases for PC. Character abilities can be boosted by combining traits from reanimated adventurers (done through your ghoul powers) into your current party. There’s also refinement of equipment, instead of grinding continually for better items, bonding with special characters for more abilities, and a ton of workability depending on your play style. But, uh oh, you heard it has gacha elements? It does, but being almost 30 levels in I can tell you from a ton of experience you absolutely do not need to spend any money on this. And considering that detail, which promotes challenge for the hardcore, you simply aren’t going to find a better smartphone RPG than Wizardry Variants Daphne, which the devs are currently stating will be transferrable to a Steam version that will hopefully release this year. Go deep, or as my ghost companion likes to say, adventuring is so fun.

 

Wizardry Variants Daphne Official Website

Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls

Wizardry Variants Daphne
Drecom Co., Ltd. (developer and publisher)
5 / 5