The best thing about Wiz-War is that, at its core, it is funny. I mean, you can cast a spell that renders your opponent helpless for several rounds, in a stupifyingly silly way! In what game can you actually neutralize your opponent by making him your 'Buddy' (he can't attack you unless you attack him first)?

The variety of cards (shown a popular concept by the multiple expansion sets and the blank cards provided that invite you to make up your own) is just testament that the game is not so much about strategic elegance as it is about upredictable sillyness.

And for that, it is a great game.

In Wiz-War, players are wizards battling each other for possession of treasures in a labyrinth made of stone walls and wooden doors. While attempting to steal their opponents' treasures, they must defend their own by magically creating and removing obstacles (including monsters), using magic items, and even directly attacking one another.

Imagination, direct player interaction, and high replay value make Wiz-War a sure bet for fun. Blank cards are also included (and Chessex sells more) so that you can add your own spells. That means the variety need never run out.

Wiz-War has gone through several editions, now licensed to Chessex, and two compatible expansions by game designer Tom Jolly are both sold out and out of print.

The Classic Edition is possibly the last reprint of the game compatible with with earlier editions and expansions--that is, with spell cards printed from the same stock and pattern. It also includes a few improvements on earlier versions (e.g., 'Buddy' is now an attack).

A future edition is planned including favorite spells from some of those expansions. Meanwhile, the Classic Edition belongs on everybody's game shelf. It isn't a perfect game, but how can I give fewer than 5 stars to something I've played about 300 times?