Drop Wizard Review

Drop Wizard is a tough walk down memory lane. Invoking vague comparisons to Bubble Bobble thanks to its single screen approach, it offers a difficulty curve that 80s gamers will revel in and modern, more casual players will balk at.

You control Teo, a wizard, who has to clear each level of enemies in order to save his friends. The problem is that, while Teo has a magical staff, he can only shoot stars from it when dropping from one platform to the next. Levels loop, meaning a lot of Drop Wizard feels more like a puzzle game than a platformer as you figure out the best path to take.

Teo automatically runs with taps to the left or right dictating his direction, making things that bit trickier. Also, while stars will stun enemies, you then have to hit them so that they roll into a ball and make their way towards other enemies at speed.

It's a somewhat tricky way of doing things, given that Teo is actually quite vulnerable. At times you'll find yourself stuck between two enemies, merely waiting to lose a life. It's a double edged sword in that it's a little frustrating, but it's also deeply reminiscent of classic games of old. Boss battles are where Drop Wizard feels most infuriating, given that if you die you go straight back to the start of the stage rather than the fight. In turn, that's where it proves most satisfying, too.

Such a difficulty curve means that Drop Wizard will be most appealing to those used to older games, rather than those who prefer the hand holding of more recent inclusions. There's sufficient charm here, though. It's ridiculously adorable while also mixing things up to keep you interested.