Japanese game publisher Gamepot announced at E3 this week that it's reviving the classic Wizardry series of RPG games with an upcoming free-to-play MMO called Wizardry Online. The first Wizardry game was released in 1981 for the Apple II and was one of the first Dungeons & Dragons-style RPGs created for the computer. With that history in mind, Gamepot hopes to bring "an updated flare for modern gamers" with Wizardry Online.

Developed by Japanese game studio Headlock, Wizardry Online will feature party play, PvP combat and complex dungeons. The game will also include permanent death to create a "more immersive experience" for hardcore players. According to the official site, "one false move can make the difference between resurrecting a character or losing it forever." It looks like Gamepot and Headlock really want players to feel a sense of accomplishment as they progress through the game.

The Japanese language version of Wizardry Online will enter private beta this month. The game will launch in North America and Europe in 2012. Be sure to watch the teaser trailer below and check out the screenshots in our gallery.