Wizardry: Crusaders of the Dark Savant Overview
Wizardry: Crusaders of the Dark Savant continues the narrative from its predecessor, beginning after the Cosmic Forge artifact is seized. This event directs various factions to the planet Guardia, where they compete to locate another powerful relic known as the Astral Dominae. The player's party, which can be imported from the previous game to alter the starting scenario, navigates alliances and betrayals among groups like the Umpani and the T'Rang, the latter serving the enigmatic Dark Savant.
The game expands its exploration beyond dungeons to include towns and outdoor forest areas, creating a more interconnected world. Non-player characters operate independently, sometimes acquiring key items and moving between locations, which can force the player to adapt their strategy. The setting blends traditional fantasy with science fiction elements, and story developments are conveyed through descriptive text.
Core mechanics from earlier titles are retained, including first-person dungeon crawling, turn-based combat, and a magic system organized into four distinct schools. Character development involves improving skills through use, with new additions like swimming, climbing, and diplomacy reflecting the increased importance of interaction and environmental navigation. A mapping skill, when learned, provides an automap during exploration. Progression is managed through separate bonus point categories for different skill types.
