# Wizorb

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Wizorb
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Wizorb.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizorb
> Source revision: 1357103298
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

2011 video game

2011 video game

Wizorb Developer Tribute Games Publisher Tribute Games Designer Jonathan Lavigne Programmer Jean‑François Major Artists Jonathan Lavigne Paul Robertson Justin Cyr Composer Jean Chan Engine XNA Platforms Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, Linux, Mac OS X, iOS, Ouya, Nintendo Switch Release XBLIG September 29, 2011 Windows November 7, 2011 Linux, Mac OS X December 19, 2011 PS Minis July 25, 2012 iOS August 3, 2012 OUYA March 28, 2013 Nintendo Switch October 6, 2022 Genre Breakout clone Mode Single-player

***Wizorb*** is a video game created and published by [Tribute Games](/source/Tribute_Games). It was released on the [Xbox 360](/source/Xbox_360) [Xbox Live Marketplace](/source/Xbox_Live_Marketplace) on September 29, 2011. The gameplay is a cross between a [*Breakout* clone](/source/Breakout_clone) and a [role-playing video game](/source/Role-playing_video_game). *Wizorb* was ported to [Microsoft Windows](/source/Microsoft_Windows), [Mac OS X](/source/MacOS), and [Linux](/source/Linux). It was released for Windows through [Steam](/source/Steam_(service)) on March 14, 2012, with support for [Steam Achievements](/source/Steam_(service)#Features_and_functionality) and [Steam Cloud](/source/Steam_Cloud).[1] Upon release, *Wizorb* saw favorable reviews from critics, with *[VentureBeat](/source/VentureBeat)*'s Jacob Siegal listing it as one of the top 10 independent video games of 2011.[2]

## Gameplay

*Wizorb* is a cross between *Breakout* and a role-playing game.[3] The core of the game takes place in a *Breakout* clone where the player can use magic to control the ball and help destroy the bricks and enemies.[4] The RPG elements concern rebuilding a town, restoring its citizens and leadership, while the primary block-breaking gameplay concerns fighting mini-bosses and bosses.[5]

## Development

*Wizorb* was developed by [Tribute Games](/source/Tribute_Games) and first released for the [Xbox 360](/source/Xbox_360) through the [Xbox Live Marketplace](/source/Xbox_Live_Marketplace)'s [Xbox Live Indie Games](/source/Xbox_Live_Indie_Games) section on September 29, 2011.[6] The game is the first title by the independent developer [Tribute Games](/source/Tribute_Games).[7] *[Destructoid](/source/Destructoid)*'s Jordan Devore noted that high quality Xbox 360 indie games are often ported to the PC, saying that "*Wizorb* is one such game".[8] A [port](/source/Port_(software)) for Microsoft Windows was released on November 7 of the same year, through the [digital distribution](/source/Digital_distribution) website [GamersGate](/source/GamersGate).[7] The computer version can be controlled by a gamepad, keyboard, or mouse.[5][7] The entire game can be played using only a mouse, and the developer recommends this method as it "makes *Wizorb* rely even more on reflexes which feels great and makes the game a tad easier".[7]

Even before the Windows release, the developers were working on porting the game to [Mac OS X](/source/MacOS) and [Linux](/source/Linux).[7] The developers considered porting the game to a [smartphone](/source/Smartphone) platform.[3] Using the [MonoGame](/source/MonoGame) programming library, ports were released for OS X and Linux.[9] The Windows version was made available through the [Steam](/source/Steam_(service)) digital distribution platform on March 14, 2012.[10] The game was released for the [Nintendo Switch](/source/Nintendo_Switch) on October 6, 2022.

## Reception

Reception

Aggregate scores Aggregator Score GameRankings (X360) 93%[11] (PC) 83%[12] (PSP) 81%[13] (iOS) 80%[14] Metacritic (PC) 81/100[15] (iOS) 80/100[16] (PSP) 79/100[17] (NS) 76/100[18]

Review scores Publication Score Destructoid (X360) 8.5/10[19] GamesMaster (PSP) 80%[20] Gamezebo (PC) [21] Jeuxvideo.com (PC) 12/20[22] PlayStation Official Magazine – UK (PSP) 8/10[23] PC Gamer (UK) (PC) 88%[24] PC PowerPlay (PC) 8/10[4] Pocket Gamer [25][26] Push Square (PSP) [27] TouchArcade (iOS) [28] Digital Spy (iOS) [29]

The game received "favorable" reviews on all platforms according to the [review aggregation](/source/Review_aggregator) website [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic).[15][16][17][18]

The Xbox 360 and PC versions were rated as one of the top 10 independent video games of 2011 by *[VentureBeat](/source/VentureBeat)*'s Jacob Siegal.[2]

## Legacy

Cyrus was supposed to appear as a playable cameo character in the then-upcoming [Wii U](/source/Wii_U) and PC game *[Hex Heroes](/source/Hex_Heroes)*,[30] before the Wii U version was canceled, and there is no indication that the game will ever be completed.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Wizorb on Steam"](https://store.steampowered.com/app/207420/Wizorb/). *[Steam](/source/Steam_(service))*. [Valve Corporation](/source/Valve_Corporation). Retrieved May 31, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-vbtop10_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-vbtop10_2-1) Siegal, Jacob (December 24, 2011). ["The best indie games of 2011"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200601140527/https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/24/the-best-indie-games-of-2011/view-all/). *[VentureBeat](/source/VentureBeat)*. Archived from [the original](https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/24/the-best-indie-games-of-2011/view-all/) on June 1, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-gsw-windows_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-gsw-windows_3-1) Caoili, Eric (October 28, 2011). ["Wizorb Releasing To Windows On Nov. 7 Through GamersGate"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111109080959/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2011/10/wizorb_releasing_to_windows_on.php). *[GameSetWatch](/source/Game_Developer_(website))*. [UBM plc](/source/UBM_plc). Archived from [the original](http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2011/10/wizorb_releasing_to_windows_on.php) on November 9, 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pspp_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pspp_4-1) Lamotte, Sarah (January 18, 2012). ["Wizorb Review"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120219225303/http://www.pcpowerplay.com.au/2012/01/wizorb-review/). *[PC PowerPlay](/source/PC_PowerPlay)*. [Next Media Pty Ltd](/source/Nextmedia). Archived from [the original](http://www.pcpowerplay.com.au/2012/01/wizorb-review/) on February 19, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-gemsbok_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-gemsbok_5-1) Podgorski, Daniel (September 9, 2015). ["Through the Looking Orb: *Wizorb* and the Tradition of Short, High-quality, Arcade-style Games"](http://thegemsbok.com/art-reviews-and-articles/video-game-reviews-mid-week-mission-wizorb-tribute-games/). *The Gemsbok*. Retrieved February 28, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Mitchell, Richard (September 23, 2011). ["Tribute Games' Wizorb paddling to XBLIG Sept. 29"](https://www.engadget.com/2011-09-23-tribute-games-wizorb-paddling-to-xblig-sept-29.html). *[Engadget](/source/Engadget) ([Joystiq](/source/Joystiq))*. [Yahoo](/source/Yahoo_(2017%E2%80%93present)). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111028194623/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/tribute-games-wizorb-paddling-to-xblig-sept-29/) from the original on October 28, 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-joy-pc_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-joy-pc_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-joy-pc_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-joy-pc_7-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-joy-pc_7-4) Conditt, Jessica (October 30, 2011). ["Wizorb smashing into PC on Nov.7, more ports to follow"](https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-30-wizorb-smashing-into-pc-on-nov-7-more-ports-to-follow.html). *Engadget (Joystiq)*. Yahoo. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121017011848/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/wizorb-smashing-into-pc-on-nov-7-more-ports-to-follow/) from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Devore, Jordan (October 29, 2011). ["Wizorb prepped for a November release on PC"](https://www.destructoid.com/wizorb-prepped-for-a-november-release-on-pc/). *[Destructoid](/source/Destructoid)*. [Gamurs](/source/Gamurs). Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Makeout (December 20, 2011). ["Wizorb"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130401074413/http://monogame.codeplex.com/discussions/283620). *[CodePlex](/source/CodePlex)*. Archived from [the original](http://monogame.codeplex.com/discussions/283620) on April 1, 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2022. Note: Forum user Makeout is the creator of *Wizorb*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Hinkle, David (March 14, 2012). ["Wizorb works its magic on Steam"](https://www.engadget.com/2012-03-14-wizorb-works-its-magic-on-steam.html). *Engadget (Joystiq)*. Yahoo. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128183138/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/wizorb-works-its-magic-on-steam/) from the original on January 28, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Wizorb for Xbox 360"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190501185808/https://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/644924-wizorb/index.html). *[GameRankings](/source/GameRankings)*. CBS Interactive. Archived from [the original](https://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/644924-wizorb/index.html) on May 1, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Wizorb for PC"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190529185659/https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/649252-wizorb/index.html). *GameRankings*. CBS Interactive. Archived from [the original](https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/649252-wizorb/index.html) on May 29, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Wizorb for PSP"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190315103410/https://www.gamerankings.com/psp/672266-wizorb/index.html). *GameRankings*. CBS Interactive. Archived from [the original](https://www.gamerankings.com/psp/672266-wizorb/index.html) on March 15, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Wizorb for iOS (iPhone/iPad)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190608035018/https://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/679298-wizorb/index.html). *GameRankings*. CBS Interactive. Archived from [the original](https://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/679298-wizorb/index.html) on June 8, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-mcpc_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-mcpc_15-1) ["Wizorb for PC Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/wizorb/critic-reviews/?platform=pc). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. [Fandom](/source/Fandom_(website)). Retrieved December 16, 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-mcios_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-mcios_16-1) ["Wizorb for iPhone/iPad Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/wizorb/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad). *Metacritic*. Fandom. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-mcpsp_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-mcpsp_17-1) ["Wizorb for PSP Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/wizorb/critic-reviews/?platform=psp). *Metacritic*. Fandom. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-mcns_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-mcns_18-1) ["Wizorb for Switch Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/wizorb/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch). *Metacritic*. Fandom. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Devore, Jordan (October 19, 2011). ["Review: Wizorb (X360)"](https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-wizorb/). *Destructoid*. Gamurs. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** "Review: Wizorb (PSP)". *[GamesMaster](/source/GamesMaster_(magazine))*. [Future plc](/source/Future_plc). November 2012. p. 83.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Zuccarelli, Dan (March 23, 2012). ["Wizorb Review"](https://www.gamezebo.com/reviews/wizorb-review/). *[Gamezebo](/source/Gamezebo)*. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Aurio (July 18, 2013). ["Test: Wizorb (PC)"](https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00018794-wizorb-test.htm). *[Jeuxvideo.com](/source/Jeuxvideo.com)* (in French). Webedia. Retrieved November 24, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** "Wizorb". *[PlayStation Official Magazine – UK](/source/PlayStation_Official_Magazine_%E2%80%93_UK)*. Future plc. November 2012. p. 117.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** "Wizorb". *[PC Gamer UK](/source/PC_Gamer)*. Future plc. June 2012. p. 101.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Slater, Harry (August 9, 2012). ["Wizorb (iOS)"](https://www.pocketgamer.com/wizorb/wizorb-review/). *[Pocket Gamer](/source/Pocket_Gamer)*. Steel Media Ltd. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Willington, Peter (August 15, 2012). ["Wizorb (PS Vita)"](https://www.pocketgamer.com/wizorb/wizorb-ps-vita-review/). *Pocket Gamer*. Steel Media Ltd. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Ingram, Christopher (August 3, 2012). ["Wizorb Review \[US Import\]"](https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psminis/wizorb). *Push Square*. [Gamer Network](/source/Gamer_Network). Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Ford, Eric (August 10, 2012). ["'Wizorb' Review – Breaking Out of the Puzzle Mold"](https://toucharcade.com/2012/08/09/wizorb-review/). *[TouchArcade](/source/TouchArcade)*. TouchArcade.com, LLC. Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Nichols, Scott (August 13, 2012). ["Mobile review round-up: Pitfall, Organ Trail, Farming Simulator, more"](https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a398989/mobile-review-round-up-pitfall-organ-trail-farming-simulator-more/). *[Digital Spy](/source/Digital_Spy)*. [Hearst Communications](/source/Hearst_Communications). Retrieved November 23, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Prismatic Games LLC (April 4, 2014). ["Classes, Cameos, and Carousels"](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/prismaticgames/hex-heroes/posts/809020). *[Kickstarter](/source/Kickstarter)*. Retrieved April 26, 2014.

## External links

- [Official website](http://www.wizorb.com)

- [*Wizorb*](https://www.mobygames.com/game//wizorb) at [MobyGames](/source/MobyGames)

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Wizorb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizorb) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizorb?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.