Wizordum

Play it on: Windows PCs (Steam Deck: Playable)
Current goal: Sling spells and smite foes, retro-style

Yes, I know that Doom: The Dark Ages just came out, but it’s another new first-person shooter with medieval fantasy vibes that’s calling to me right now: the fast-paced Wizordum, a pixel-art FPS that just emerged from early access into its full release and is bursting with color. There’s at least one gun in the game, but from what I’ve seen (I have yet to play much of it myself), it largely forgoes the weaponry we typically assort with “boomer shooters” for a wonderful assortment of magical spells you sling at enemies. The trailer suggests that it sports a terrific variety of environments as well, with traditional fantasy towns, dank, spider-infested dungeons, icy caverns, and much more. I may give The Dark Ages a whirl eventually as well, but right now, its more muted color palette and grim tone just aren’t calling to me the way Wizordum’s vibrancy is. It seems to be the type of game in which gems as bright as candy sometimes burst forth from your vanquished enemies, and right now, that’s the kind of fantasy hyperviolence that’s calling to me. Still fast and over-the-top, but in a cheery, pixel-y way. — Carolyn Petit