Hey there, cozy gamers! Back with another laid-back review. Today, I’m talking about Wizard with a Gun, a sandbox survival game for 1–4 players. Galvanic Games developed this magical wilderness romp, and Devolver Digital published it on October 17, 2023. Here’s my friendly take on what shines, what stumbles, and where it sits in the cozy-meets-survival genre.
Overall Impressions
I hopped into Wizard with a Gun hoping for a stress-free exploration game. From the start, the premise drew me in: a wand that doubles as a gun, procedurally generated realms full of arcane beasts, and a crafting loop to suit every whimsical wizard. It rivals cozy survival titles like Don’t Starve Together for charm. Yet, when it comes to content depth, it falls short compared to heavy hitters like No Man’s Sky. For instance, I earned roughly nine hours of fun before feeling the build-up plateau. Interestingly, some players even wish the devs had kept working on it. “They dropped development before the game was finished,” one review notes—and that stuck with me.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, the heart of the game lies in resource gathering, shooting elemental bullets, and upgrading your base. You collect rocks, ores, and flora to craft spells, ammo, and station upgrades. Personally, I loved experimenting with fire, ice, and lightning bullets. One epic moment saw me freeze a hulking stone golem, then blast it with charged lightning—and it was pure joy!
On the other hand, the level-scaling system feels rocky. As one fellow player pointed out, “Level-scaling sits at the core, and it hurts the loop.” I have to agree: when you’re under-leveled, you can’t damage enemies or harvest high-tier resources. Once you level up, basic materials turn worthless. This whiplash in progression can stall your groove. Still, I enjoy the core combat loop—shooting elemental spells feels fresh and responsive.
Story and Characters
Wizard with a Gun leans into emergent storytelling rather than offering deep character arcs or lengthy dialogue. Instead, the world’s arcane mysteries slowly reveal themselves through runes, sketches, and abandoned campfires hinting at past adventurers. For example, I found a hidden chapel with glyphs telling a mini-tale of a forgotten order—and that moment felt magical. Meanwhile, there’s no voiced protagonist, so you craft your own wizard’s identity. Ultimately, you decide if they’re a chilly ice mage or a fiery combatant. This flexible roleplay adds a personal touch, even if it lacks a structured narrative.
Visuals and Graphics
Visually, Wizard with a Gun sports a charming low-poly art style. Think bright pastel woods, glowing crystals, and soft lighting that feels hand-painted. The wilderness glows at dusk, and swirling magic spells leave colorful trails. I paused often to admire my fire bullets lighting up a dark forest. In addition, the simple visuals suit the indie budget: they never distract or feel too busy. As a result, the world feels playful yet dangerous, and that balance keeps me exploring.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack stands out as a true highlight. I was hooked by the trailer’s melodies long before I picked up the controller. Chiming harps blend into atmospheric drones. Ambient forest sounds and crackling magic bring the world to life. My fire spells crackled like tiny bonfires, and ice bullets sounded like freezing droplets. The audio team clearly put love into every bite-sized track. I only wish for more music tracks to avoid loops after long play sessions. Still, the soundtrack earns top marks for mood-setting.
Difficulty and Replayability
I found the difficulty curve friendly at first and challenging in mid-game. Boss fights can demand precise timing and resource management. I struggled to dodge lightning salamanders at one point. That felt rewarding after I finally bested them. Yet once I maxed my stations and gathered top-tier mats, the game’s charm tapered off. Replay value hinges on your love for procedural worlds and co-op shenanigans. Playing with friends spices up the loop, but solo runs can feel repetitive. One player said they struggled to justify the $24.99 price tag after nine hours. I see where they’re coming from. More post-launch content or deeper customization could spark fresh adventures.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
Galvanic Games may be small—just a tight-knit team of passionate developers—but they’ve crafted something that punches well above its weight. Backed by Devolver Digital, whose roster of quirky, high-quality titles speaks for itself, this latest release has already earned “Very Positive” reviews across the board. The team even teased seasonal events on social media before falling silent, hinting that a future patch could unlock new spells and epic boss battles. All signs point to more surprises ahead!
Final Thoughts
Wizard with a Gun offers an enchanting sandbox brimming with elemental combat and cozy crafting. It shines most in short bursts or co-op play. The low-poly visuals and magical soundtrack keep me smiling. Yet the level-scaling quirks and limited content hold it back from being a lasting cozy obi-world. I hope Galvanic Games returns with DLC or a free update to tap its full potential. For now, I recommend it as a casual weekend pick-up. Dive in with friends, chase arcane secrets, and blast some elemental bullets.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If you love cozy survival with a twist of magic, give it a try when it drops on sale. And don’t forget your wand—it doubles as a gun! Stay cozy, dear wizards, and happy gaming.
