Wizard of Wor

Wizard of Wor is an arcade game that came to the Apple II in 1981. Created by Bally Midway, the game puts you in control of a warrior trapped in a maze filled with monsters. Your goal is simple: shoot all the creatures before they shoot you.

The game takes place in a series of mazes shown from above. You move your warrior through corridors using the keyboard or joystick. Monsters called Burwors and Garwors patrol the maze, and you must hunt them down with your laser gun. The creatures move in patterns, but they speed up as you clear each level. Some monsters can shoot back at you, making survival harder.

What makes Wizard of Wor special is its two-player mode. You and a friend can work together to clear the mazes, but there's a twist. Players can accidentally shoot each other, turning cooperation into chaos. This feature was rare in 1981 and made the game popular at parties.

The mazes change every few levels. Early mazes have many walls for cover, but later ones become more open and dangerous. Special enemies appear as you progress. The Worluk tries to escape the maze, giving bonus points if you catch it. The Wizard of Wor himself shows up occasionally, teleporting around the screen and firing rapid shots.

The Apple II version looks different from the arcade original. The graphics use simple shapes and limited colors due to the computer's technical limits. Sound effects are basic beeps and buzzes, but they work well to warn you of approaching danger. The game runs smoothly despite these limitations.

Wizard of Wor uses a clever radar system. A small map at the bottom shows where invisible enemies hide. This feature helps players plan their attacks and avoid surprises. The radar becomes essential in later levels when some monsters turn invisible.

The difficulty increases steadily. Early levels give you time to learn enemy patterns. By level ten, monsters move at high speed and shoot frequently. The game has no ending and continues until you lose all your lives. High scores are the only measure of success.

Wizard of Wor stands out among Apple II action games. While other games focused on puzzles or adventures, this one delivered pure arcade action. It proved that home computers could recreate the arcade experience. The game influenced later maze shooters and showed developers how to balance challenge with fun. Today, it remains a favorite among Apple II collectors who appreciate its fast gameplay and competitive two-player mode.