Wizard Land is a mystical, fantasy style puzzle game similar to matching games like the famous Bejeweled. When you first start the game, you find that the magic world is currently in danger of dying, since the flower that keeps the magic alive has been turned to stone. Using magic that you gather from completing puzzles, you are able to save this magical kingdom from being turned into a world of shadows. With three different ways to play, players of all ages are absorbed into a world of fantasy where they are able to save the world through of mix of mental and magical power. 

Graphics: 10

For a matching puzzle game, I thought the graphics were impressive with the game pieces being of cheerful bright colors and consisting of shapes you typically don’t see in this genre of puzzle game.  I’m typically not easily impressed by artistic drawings in games but the artwork in the game helped complement the whimsical feeling that one should expect for a game taking place in a fairy tale setting.  One of the most impressive graphical features in the game has to be the magical effect that can occur once you reach a certain score.  As the magic blows up the pieces, the graphics look dazzling and making clear the effect of the magic as destructive and powerful for the player.

Sound: 10

When it comes to music in games, I am typically very critical, but this is not the case with Wizard Land.  From the first introductory screen, the player is graced with amazing vocals that are impressive to many who enjoy Celtic or medieval style music.  Even as impressed as I was with the opening, I expected this to end quickly, but wonderful music continued throughout the game.  What was even more shocking was having male vocal effects as part of the game, announcing important events to the player, as well when features were available during game play.  Taken as a whole, the sound helped add to the adventurous, exciting experience players should be anticipating with this game.  

Game Play: 10

With three different play styles available in the game, players can stick with the style most comfortable for them, or jump mid level to another play style if they become bored.  I found this especially intriguing since I have never seen another puzzle game that allowed you to change the rules as you were playing through a level. The three styles that players have to choose from are group mode, chain mode, and swap mode.  Players are not able to choose anytime they desire, forcing them to carefully consider what they believe may be more entertaining for them.  Usually this feature can only changed at the beginning of the level or once a certain amount of points have been achieved, allowing a player to switch if the game starts feeling monotonous.

Options: 9

Having played multiple puzzle games, I have become accustomed to games having very few options to help change the gaming experience.  Most games have fairly typical options of volume controls and basic video settings.  I knew immediately that this game would be interesting since one of the options available was the ability to turn off the wizard’s voice.  From there, the player is then able to chose between two difficulties, relaxed mode (which has no timer) and timed mode.  Having seen these options, along with the three game play modes, I was already impressed with this game.  When the developers offered me more options, however, I was not one to complain, since the in-game ability to blow up blocks in the level and shuffle were both solid features incorporated in a fun, entertaining way. 

Fun: 10

Since matching games are commonly available on nearly every platform, I typically don’t even bother with these types of games, expecting all of them to be almost exactly the same as their competition.  After playing Wizard Land, I feel I need to give this genre of games more of a chance.  It has been years since I have felt any draw to this style of game, or found it to be challenging – until now.  With its entertaining atmosphere, I can easily see players of all ages having fun with this game.

Overall:  10

I am not sure I can express how impressed I am with Wizard Land.  When I first installed this game, I had no expectations, knowing that I was more than likely going to be playing “yet another matching game.”  What Wizard Land did was once again remind me how much I can enjoy this genre.  For those who love matching puzzle games or wish to give this style of game another chance, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this game, especially if you are introducing a child to this type of puzzle game.

Download and try Wizard Land now.