World of Spells, credited by Hackaday to Jakub Trznadel, is a first-person shooter designed to run on the original 48K ZX Spectrum. Its reported raycasting approach gives the game a 3D-shooter look, rendered in the Spectrum’s distinctive palette.
What is World of Spells?
World of Spells is a ZX Spectrum first-person shooter credited to Jakub Trznadel. Hackaday’s Zoe Skyforest reported on the game on December 7, 2025, describing it as an FPS that works on real ZX Spectrum 48K hardware. That makes it notable as a new example of the genre on a computer with severe hardware constraints—not proof that no earlier Spectrum game could be called an FPS.
How does it create a 3D-shooter look?
Hackaday describes the game as drawing on raycasting techniques popularized by Wolfenstein 3D. Raycasting is associated with the impression of moving through a three-dimensional environment, even when the displayed scene is rendered from a two-dimensional map. In World of Spells, the result is filtered through the ZX Spectrum’s characteristic palette, giving the shooter a look distinct from the PC games that made the technique familiar. The article does not detail the game’s implementation, controls, enemies, or map design.
What is known about its performance and hardware?
Hackaday reports that the engine can reach up to 80 frames per second. That is the article’s reported maximum, not an independently documented benchmark: it does not specify a measurement method or test conditions. Hackaday also says the game works on real 48K ZX Spectrum hardware, rather than requiring an emulator.
#1 Best Overall
- Maneuver your team of two mushroom wizards to collect spellbooks or steal them from opponents
- Features tactical movement, set collection, spellcasting and board manipulation for rich strategic play
- Navigate portals, barriers and shifting tiles while outsmarting rival spellcasters
- Includes spell cards, direction cards, spellbook pieces, wizard standees and modular board tiles
- Fantasy strategy game for 2–4 players ages 8+—perfect for family game nights and competitive gamers
Can you download or buy it now?
When Hackaday published its article on December 7, 2025, it reported that the game was downloadable and that a cassette version could be ordered. That is a snapshot of availability at publication, not confirmation that a download link remains active or that tapes are still in stock. No current release page or seller availability is established here.
For context, Hackaday’s report is available at Hackaday.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A playful and immersive guidebook to all things magical|Filled with simple activities using easily found ingredients|Complete with lush illustrations|Perfect for young readers interested in magic fans of Harry Potter Sabrina the Teenage Witch and fantasy series featuring witches|A mystical fun and empowering book of spells that will have any child enthralled by the magical world|Makes a great gift for millennial parents who want to encourage imagination creativity and play|Add it the the shelf with books like The Book of the Secrets of Merlin Wizardology by Candlewick Press Fairyopolis: A Flower Fairies Journal by Glen Bird and Liz Catchpole and The Unofficial Harry Potter Spellbook: Wizard Training by Michael Gonzalez.
Rank #4
Rank #3
Rank #2
- A must-have volume for any occultist's library.
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