Expanded extracurriculars in Wizard 101 update
by Eliot Lefebvre 
Oct 16th 2009 at 4:00PM
Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, Server downtime, Free-to-play, Kids, Wizard101
It's possible you didn't notice -- probable, even, unless you were on a late-night grinding session -- but the servers for Wizard 101 went down from 3 to 6 AM CST this morning. Even if you were on a late-night session in the game, though, you'd probably be willing to overlook the downtime due to the huge list of changes that came with the downtime. The October update for the game has dropped, and the patch list is truly enormous, adding mounts, new shops, crafting options, and too many additional things to list in a single sentence.
Mounts, of course, are one of the most significant and notable features being added. They can be rented with in-game currency or purchased permanently via the game's microtransaction currency, Crowns, keeping with the game's split between regular subscription and free-to-play. This update has also added in the option to move the stats of a new piece of equipment to one you find more attractive via the Seamstress NPC, an optional new dungeon that promises especially difficult encounters, and the option to pay a small fee of Crowns to get a second chance at a boss drops after defeating the boss. And even that's barely scratching the surface of everything Wizard 101 has added in this patch -- take a look at the full notes, and take a closer look at the game as a whole. It's not for everyone, but you might find more to like under close study.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sean said on 8:17PM 10-16-2009
"and the option to pay a small fee of Crowns to get a second chance at a boss drops after defeating the boss."
That crosses a line that I at least am uncomfortable with. These games are already obfuscated slot machines without the developers introducing such a transparent mechanic. Aside from any question of what this means for "balance," does this strike any of you as problematic for a game pitched to a younger audience?
One might draw the analogy to boosters in TCG's, which I also dislike, but in the present case the items are even more ephemeral in value and the "micro" transactions small enough such that it might reinforce an impulsive, gambling response.
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Prisemy said on 6:02AM 10-17-2009
I agree with Sean. A very greedy decision by King Isle made all the worse because of their stated target audience.
Appearently they are willing to protect young gamers from everyone but themselves.
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Pingles said on 6:53AM 10-17-2009
I tried this game for a few weeks and found that it was quite a bit of fun. In fact it is the first time I have ever enjoyed a card-deck kind of combat which was done very well.
The graphics were very good and the animation and character design was top-notch.
I stopped playing when all of my quests required me to venture into zones which required payments. I couldn't find any to get to my next level and after grinding a bit retired from the game.
If you don't mind paying for it it is a fun game but the F2P portion is a bit short.
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