Wizardry II: The Knight of Diamonds

Wizardry II: The Knight of Diamonds came out in 1982 as the second game in the popular Wizardry series. Sir-Tech Software created this role-playing game for the Apple II computer. While the first Wizardry game introduced players to the dungeon of Proving Grounds, this sequel required players to import their characters from the first game or use pre-made ones.

The game takes place in the city of Llylgamyn, which faces a terrible crisis. The magical Staff of Gnilda has been stolen and broken into six pieces. Without it, the city will fall into chaos. Players must explore six dangerous dungeon levels to find all the pieces and save the city. Unlike the first game, players cannot create new characters in Wizardry II. They must use experienced adventurers who already completed the first game's challenges.

Combat works the same way as the first Wizardry. Players control a party of up to six characters who fight monsters in turn-based battles. Each character takes a turn to attack, cast spells, or use items. The game uses text descriptions and simple line drawings to show what happens. Players type in commands using the keyboard to move through the maze-like dungeons and make choices during battles.

The six dungeon levels each have their own challenges and puzzles. Players draw their own maps on graph paper because the game does not provide one. Getting lost means certain death for unprepared parties. Monsters get harder as players go deeper, and some floors have special tricks like teleporters or dark zones where magic light does not work.

The game uses the same graphics as the first Wizardry. White lines on a black screen show dungeon walls, and monsters appear as simple drawings during combat. Sound effects are basic beeps and clicks. The Apple II's limited memory meant the developers focused on gameplay instead of fancy graphics.

Wizardry II sold well but not as well as the first game. Many players found it too hard because it required high-level characters from the start. Some complained that it felt more like an expansion pack than a full sequel. Despite these criticisms, it helped establish Wizardry as one of the most important computer role-playing game series of the 1980s.

The game influenced many later role-playing games with its challenging dungeons and character importing feature. Modern games still use ideas that Wizardry II helped pioneer, like transferring characters between sequels and creating connected game worlds. For Apple II owners in 1982, it provided months of challenging gameplay for those brave enough to enter its deadly dungeons.