Wand Wars

Wand Wars was a game that flew right past most of our radars, but is absolutely a wonderful hidden gem. The raw mechanics of the game are simple, but the skill ceiling is extremely high. I went in completely blind, and have spent over a dozen hours so far enjoying the wonderful experience that this game holds. There are many fun game modes, all with a distinct feel in the way they play. Some are straight death match modes, using only hexes and power-up spell gems to destroy your opponent. The main mode is Merlin Ball, where you try to destroy the opponent by hitting them with a ball last struck by you. This makes the basis for most of the game. As you hit and charge the ball, it gains size and speed. Eventually, it shoots around the screen at lightning speed. The ball can be deflected back, grabbed and charged and released, or stopped with a "chicken hex" spell, which neutralized the ball or turns the enemy into a harmless chicken for a short time period if it hits them. The balance between getting managing the field, ball, players, and special spell gem power-ups, can seem overwhelming, but you begin to adapt and learn. Each match is an individual challenge with every moment depending on how you and your opponent play. You have to be good at timing, parrying, catching, angles, and have quick reactions. The game feels like playing dodgeball crossed with billiards, but on brooms. It truly is something special and unique. On top of the witty and enjoyable single player campaign and local coop, there is also the Trails mode, which is a rouge-like experience where you advance one Trial at a time. There are regular Merlin Ball matches, as well as boss fights with bullet hell attacks. Between each Trial, you get to choose a card that allows new abilities or buffs. Building a successful deck takes strategy and some luck. It has been a very fun experience climbing the Leader Board there! The later Trials get more insane than pretty much any game I have ever played, and take a great loadout and near-perfect gameplay to advance. The team who developed this game cares about their work, and even fixed an issue with the Leader Board years after the game has been released. There is love and dedication oozing out of this game. To anyone who loves skill-based arena matches, this game is a must-play. It's mechanics are solid beyond belief, and let's not forget that is has one of the most bangin' Soundtracks I have heard in my 20 years of gaming. Each song is catchy and really pulls you into the experience. Wand Wars is a fantastic hidden gem, and deserves much more recognition than it has received! I can't wait to see the future of this wonderful development team!

I REALLY wish this game has online multiplayer given the price they're asking for. Definitely an amazing game though. WARNING: Steam Remote Play lags like CRAZY no matter how good your internet is

Unfortunately, this little title didn't get the spotlight it deserved. The pixel art is gorgeous, soundtrack is amazing and its local multiplayer is insanely fun.

Best local multiplayer game ever

This game reminds me a lot of Lethal League (also great). This one is couch multiplayer only, so if you regularly get together with friends IRL and like quick/brutal fun indie games, I highly recommend you pick this one up. 10/10

This is the game I would show as an example when talking about visual feedback in video games.

best game ever