Wouldn't it have been cool if each 'effect' had a static/specific piece it added to the wand so that once you got familiar/good with playing you could tell what they will do? For instance, maybe if it had a curly head it meant it would instakill frogs. 

I thought this is where the game was going and started a log, but it turns out the wand shape and color is meaningless. Sort of wasted potential.

Any thoughts on this?

to me it's more interesting to ID it by taking a risk and trying it out than to have a code for it.  but you can make a game too if you want!

Thanks Michael for the answer. I'm generally a guy that tries to wring every bit of functionality out of something (and from playing your games, you are too). I was wondering what the thought process for this was, and it sounds like you were going for the Nethack-ish way of figuring out potions. Cool.

And thanks for the invite to make my own game. I appreciate that. Through my Steam reviews (ID: Ryan Dorkoski) I've introduced a very good number of people to your obscure, yet great, games. Good luck.