Wizardry: Bane of the Cosmic Forge
Description official descriptions
It is said that the Cosmic Forge is a magical pen possessing an enormous power: whatever is written with it instantly becomes true. A group of explorers ventures into the castle where the king, the queen, and the wizard who created the pen used to dwell. Nobody knows what has been happening there for the last hundred years, since nobody dares to enter the haunted castle. As the heroes step in, the doors behind them close forever. They are left alone to discover the truth about the Cosmic Forge and the drama that occurred between the castle's inhabitants.
Bane of the Cosmic Forge is the sixth entry in the Wizardry series. While retaining the basic premise of creating a party of up to six adventurers to roam first-person dungeons and fight enemies in turn-based combat, this installment contains numerous enhancements and new features. It is the first game in the series to feature full color graphics and a mouse-driven interface. Combat options are more detailed, with precise weapon moves (such as thrust and bash) available. Magic is divided into six different schools, the spellcaster's powers increasing if he or she concentrates on one of them. Picking locks or disarming traps by thief-like classes is done actively by participating in a simple minigame. Characters can learn skills unique to their class when leveling up. These skills range from weapon proficiencies to field abilities that can be used outside of combat.
In addition to the traditional races of humans, elves, dwarves, hobbits, and gnomes, the player can choose between the Lizardman, the cat-like Felpurr, the canine Rawulf, the pixie-like Faerie, the intimidating Dracon, and the furry Mook. Each race has its own strengths and weaknesses, as well as predispositions to certain classes. Exotic character classes such as Valkyrie, Alchemist, Psionic, Ninja, Samurai, and Monk are also available during character creation, though they require a higher amount of bonus points received during the initial dice roll. It is also possible for characters to switch to another class during the course of the game.
Conversations with NPCs have been extended, the player being able to talk about various topics with the same character. The game also features a branching storyline: depending on the player's choice to believe or mistrust a key character, the plot will split into different directions, resulting in several different endings. The entire game takes place within the castle and its surroundings, without the possibility to travel back to the town or create other characters after the game has started. Unlike the previous entries, it is possible to save the game anywhere manually.
Spellings
- ウィザードリィⅥ 禁断の魔筆 - Japanese Super Famicom spelling
- 巫術6:創世神筆之詛咒 - Chinese spelling (traditional)
Groups +
- Fantasy creatures: Dragons
- Fantasy creatures: Dwarves
- Fantasy creatures: Elves
- Fantasy creatures: Gnomes
- Fantasy creatures: Halflings / Hobbits
- Fantasy creatures: Trolls
- Gameplay feature: Character development - Repetition
- Gameplay feature: Multiple endings
- Protagonist: Female (option)
- Wizardry games
Screenshots
Promos
Credits (DOS version)
53 People (51 developers, 2 thanks) · View all
Written and Programmed by | |
Playmaster's Guide written by | |
IBM, Macintosh and Amiga Technical Programming | |
Computer Graphics | |
Digitized Sound Programming |
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Sound Effects | |
Manual Illustrations | |
Special Consultants |
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Manual Translation (German) | |
Localization (German Version) | |
Special Thanks |
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Proofing and Editing |
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[ full credits ] |
Reviews
Critics
Average score: 83% (based on 17 ratings)
Players
Average score: 4.2 out of 5 (based on 34 ratings with 1 reviews)
The Good
The game is big and you will spend a long time with it. There are many classes and races to choose from to build your party, some unique to Wizardry and many spells are available.
The game won't let you drop important items which is a good thing. You will have to solve many puzzles and fight many battles until you find the Cosmic Forge.
There are different endings and the party can be imported in Wizardry 7. You will even start in different locations in part 7 depending on the way you have finished the game.
The Bad
Hints for puzzles are sometimes too vague. Fighting can be very challenging (some would say frustrating) if you haven't created a high-end party at the beginning. No auto-mapping.
The Bottom Line
This game is a real classic. You should have good experience with computer RPGs because this one is not for beginners. Graphic and sound are poor but the inner values are high and rewarding.
If you plan to play Wizardry 7 you should try this one first. It's easier and the "import party" feature is very nice.
DOS · by Sullivan (2) · 2004
Trivia
Reception
Wizardry: Bane of the Cosmic Forge was considered a "Second Generation" Wizardry game. D. W. Bradley created a brand new engine that changed the look, feel, and narrative of the classic games while remaining faithful to the core elements.
References
In an obscure room in the early part of the first dungeon, there is an inscription on a wall which reads, "For that special someone 1-900-LADY"
Awards
- CompuServe Information Services
- 1991 Best Game of the Year
- 1991 Best Fantasy Role Play Game of the Year
- Strategy Plus Magazine
- 1991 Best Role Playing Game
- Computer Gaming World
- Top Role Playing Game, April 1991
- Questbusters
- 1990 Best Fantasy Role Playing Adventure Game of the Year
- 1990 Best Quest of the Year
- Power Play
- Issue 02/1992 – Best Role Playing Game in 1991
Information also contributed by D Michael
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Related Sites +
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Fan Site for all Wizardry games
A Wizardry fan site dedicated to the series
Identifiers +
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Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Tony Van.
Linux, Windows added by Kam1Kaz3NL77. Amiga added by Martin Smith. SNES added by Mobygamesisreanimated. FM Towns, Macintosh, PC-98 added by Terok Nor.
Additional contributors: Yakumo, Indra was here, Jeanne, lights out party, Paulus18950, Patrick Bregger, Rik Hideto, Christopher Appel.
Game added January 11, 2000. Last modified April 3, 2024.