I remember from an interview that the first JRPG, Dragon Quest, was heavily inspired by Wizardry (as with other CRPGs of the time). Most others copied that design, including Final Fantasy, so in many ways we can thank Greenberg for helping lay the groundwork for virtually all RPGs, not just CRPGs.
Wizardry was great. I’ll never understand how I lived in one of those ultra religious eighties homes that wouldn’t let me play D&D but wizardry, Ultima, and bards tale were just fine.
they had no idea what that computer stuff was.
They had no idea what any of it was. “Ultra religious” usually means they just believed their leaders when they were told something was bad or good.
It amazes me the stuff that flys under the radar with them. Close to the time they were boycotting the last temptation of christ piers anthony wrote a book where a woman takes over for god.
Wizardry V, The Heart of Maelstrom was probably the hardest game I’ve ever played. Without the internet to cheat, it was a incredibly frustrating challenge and I never beat it until much later when I used walkthroughs and an emulator. Great game though. RIP, Andrew.
My gateway not only into ‘real’ computer gaming but also D&D.
My family would play this as a group. We napped at least the first 12 levels, maybe more. My father loved making maps of old video games. I’m certain that his map of the thieve’s cave in Adventure is still floating around the house somewhere.
My first CRPG, and my only RPG had been D&D.
My dad ran a campaign for our family when I was seven or so. Original D&D, not even advanced. It didn’t last terribly long but left a lifelong impression.
I recently inserted Creeping Coins to my Curse of Strahd campaign, as a matter of fact.
It was an unpopular twist, despite the group carrying a fortune in cursed money and having nothing whatsoever to spend it on.
but what of the unsung hero who made wizmaker?
Wizardry 8 will always be a part of my life.
How about one more solo pixie ninja playthrough
i spent a lot of hours as a kid playing that first wizardry game. never made it far and found it confusing and unsatisfying. later when i found nethack i learned how to be satisfied with the confusion :*)
