WiZmans World Re;Try – A Charming Tactical JRPG Revival on PS5

WiZmans World Re;Try, developed by City Connection and Lancarse (with roots in Jaleco's original 2010 Nintendo DS title), and published by Clear River Games, arrives on PS5 as a faithful HD remaster of a long-lost Japanese JRPG gem.

This tactical JRPG thrusts players into the isolated city of Wizarest ("Wizardest" in some localizations) a once-vibrant hub now cut off from the world and plagued by decay. You control Claus, a young amnesiac wizard coming of age, who discovers his adoptive mother and mentor, the brilliant alchemist Giselle, has vanished into the perilous dungeons below the city. Accompanied by three homunculus companions, artificial magical beings crafted by Giselle. Claus, himself, delves into labyrinthine dungeons to unravel the mystery, confront a dark force eroding the world, and restore Wizarest. The narrative branches based on player choices, influencing relationships with the homunculi, story outcomes, and the city's fate, adding replayability through multiple endings.

The characters shine as the emotional core within the game. Claus, in particular, is a relatable protagonist driven by loss and growth, while the three homunculi, the evolvable "monster girls" with customizable forms, offer deep bonds that evolve via decisions and fusion, blending waifu appeal with tactical utility.

The Gameplay ...

Gameplay focus centers on classic JRPG dungeon crawling with modern polish, emphasizing turn-based combat, exploration, and a unique monster collection system. Exploration unfolds in multi-floor dungeons that dynamically change and "come alive" as the story progresses, encouraging repeated dives for secrets, puzzles, and resources. Combat is tactical turn-based, rewarding chain attacks, elemental attributes, team synergy, and combo strategies. Positioning and timing matter for victory.

The standout RPG system is Anima Fusion. With it defeated enemies' souls are absorbed by the homunculi, allowing fusion to customize stats, abilities, appearances (including alluring monster girl forms), and jobs/builds. It's a blend of Pokémon evolution and Shin Megami Tensei demon fusion, but focused solely on your core party of three. Traditional leveling complements this, with RPG progression that scales delightfully for adventurers.

Modes include a robust New Game+ for post-game challenges, while quality of life features like save-anywhere, dialogue skipping, and streamlined progression make it PS5-friendly. Menus include an enhanced, visually appealing UI that is clean, intuitive, and remade for HD clarity with easy access to fusion, equipment, skills, and party management applied.

The Presentation ...

Presentation captures retro charm with HD upgrades including warm, remastered 2D pixel art that pops on PS5, bringing dungeons and characters to life with fluid animations and evolving environments. The soundtrack features newly composed BGM, atmospheric and immersive, with the main theme by instrumental unit soLi, perfectly suiting the dark, alchemical world.

The Verdict ...

Overall, WiZmans World Re;Try delivers a compelling, cult-classic experience with tight tactical depth, innovative fusion mechanics, and branching storytelling in a compact package that is solidly ranking among solid mid-tier JRPG remasters like early DS-era revivals, though it lacks the blockbuster scope of modern giants. It's a nostalgic win for genre fans, with no major flaws in its focused design.

All in all the game is an experience best suited for JRPG enthusiasts craving tactical party-building, monster collecting, and choice-driven narratives, especially those who love pixel art remasters like Sea of Stars or classic DS hidden gems.