Did You Know About the 2008 JRPG Based on The Wizard of Oz?

In 2008, Japan introduced a charming JRPG called Riz-Zoawd, featuring an adorable and visually stunning art style by artist Daiki Sato. Interestingly, this JRPG is actually a Japanese adaptation of the classic The Wizard of Oz.

Did You Know About the 2008 JRPG Based on The Wizard of Oz?

First announced in the Famitsu magazine in 2008 and later showcased in a video at the Tokyo Game Show, the game is fully based on the iconic story of Oz but reimagined as a JRPG.

In this game, you take control of Dorothy and her companions as they embark on a mission given by the Wizard of Oz. The wizard tasks the group with defeating four witches, promising to grant each of them a wish if they succeed.

Riz-Zoawd was released for the Nintendo DS, where players control Dorothy using the touch screen. Battles, however, are turn-based and presented in a first-person perspective, reminiscent of Etrian Odyssey and Dragon Quest.

What stands out most about this game is its beautiful visual design. Daiki Sato’s artwork brings the characters to life with charm and depth, making the game a joy to experience. Believe it or not, this game has been on my to-play list for years.

Developed by Media Vision, the studio behind the Wild Arms series, the game was released in English under the title The Wizard of Oz Beyond the Yellow Brick Road. In Japan, it is known simply as Riz-Zoawd, a name chosen because, according to the game director Nobuo Nakazawa, it appeals to Japanese audiences.

If you haven’t played this visually stunning JRPG yet, it’s definitely worth checking out. Riz-Zoawd offers a unique take on the classic Oz story and is a must-play for JRPG enthusiasts.

via Você Sabia Anime