[Column] Wizard101: A Game for All Ages

SBFord

We're starting a new column here at MMORPG.com, one that's devoted to KingsIsle's Wizard101. W101 is one of the most popularly followed games on our site so it's only natural that we want to talk more about a great game that's truly one for all ages. See why we think so and get a few extra tips from Professor Greyrose herself. Leave us your thoughts in the comments.

Wizard101 really is a game for all ages. KingsIsle is, at least in my mind, the preeminent developer of quality family games that are equally entertaining for kids and their parents. Many kids’ games tend to be yawners for adults but not Wizard101. Sure, there are times and places that are a bit slow but it doesn’t last forever and fun is never too far gone.

Read more of Suzie Ford's Wizard101: A Game for All Ages.

 

Sarcan

I concur, Wizard101 is a great family game. My daughter plays Fire and I play Death, which is a great combination for early spiral where so much of what you face is Life and Ice.

 

Learning how to work together is so much fun and adds a layer to the game you just can't get playing by yourself, though it can be addictive and make you want to log in for quick battles even when the rest of the family isn't around.

 

Look forward to seeing what you have for us in the future Suzie.

 

Karteli

Its tough to get entertainment available for all ages.

 

You can see this with many "family" cartoons, which are very simplistic and great for kids, but very boring for adults.  Cartoon Network is mostly littered with them, with some exceptions.

 

A misconception with adult entertainment is that it must be lewd, or contain violence / profanity in order for it to be worthy of attention.

 

Some cartoons (the good ones that endure the test of time!) learned that they can include content that is suitable for kids, yet be extremely humorous to aging teens / adults.  It's all in the little side-gags that go way over young kids heads, but adults pick up on.  Situational or pop-culture would be at the top of the list.

 

For an MMORPG to be family friendly while still being appropriate for young kids, hmm well humor might be one way.  Difficult / challenging encounters might be another.  WoW sort of did this ealy on (before the game was entirely dumbed down) -- There was enough fun activities for kids to participate in, while adults did raids (for example).  Youngsters in my family would literally spend hours upon hours just using the cannon launcher in the Darkmoon Faire, prior to the revamp. lol "wheee!".. :-)

 

But it sounds like Wizard 101 is more of a game that kids play and accompanying adults can play too.  I'll watch certain cartoons by myself still to this day, new or old, if they capture my attention and hit a funny bone, or if they are very deep and captivating.  As an adult, I really can't see just jumping into Wizard 101 all by myself, as would be possible with other MMORPG's.  Wizard 101: Great kids game that adults in their family can tolerate? :-P

 

MaxJac

While there were restrictions on chat when I tried it, I found the community was more interested in talking. It was a nice change of pace versus everyone running from one hub to the next without words. 

JaredKFan

I LOVE Wizard101.  It is a nice change of pace from the hardcore MMOs i often play.  I'm a level 19 Fire wizard and I always get help with quests in-game if I need it.  The community in the game is extremely friendly!  I will look forward to many more W101 columns from you in the future. 

itchmon

i've been fooling around with KI's other game (p101) for a bit just mainly to see what all the fuss is about.  the Author of the article (thank you for the article btw) is right, KI is a very good developer and they are putting out quality stuff.

 

it actually makes me wish they'd release a more typical "college age plus" MMO just because i think they'd be pretty successful at it and the world needs well crafted mmo games.

MrAjdin

Wizard101 is best game i ever played and its true its for all ages i meet a lot of people older than 20 and youngest ,  You can meet  a lot of nice people i am lvl 90 and not because ia m 90 lvl i got a lot of nice friends so i recommended everybody keep playing w101 and meet a lot of more friends, game is truly best on the world and one of the best mmorpg games.

 

Aesowhreap

I play this til lvl 10 but didn't have the money to continue playing. I had fun and the game ran pretty well on a very old computer.

vickiex7

As a 55 year old Grandmother my 10 year old twin Granddaughters got me interested in the game. I had never played an MMO before. After 11 months I have 5 wizards my first a level 80 Archmage Fire wizard. I am almost through Avalon and can't wait to get to Azateca! I am on every day at least 3 times to do all my gardening. My 4 year old granddaughter is learning to read helping her granny play the game. I truly love this game.