January 25th, 2008
While reading some article one day, I’ve remembered the Might and Magic games. I’ve spent much time playing the “Swords of Xeen”, a game from 1995 and “For the blood and honor” from 1999. I’ve read from few sources that sixth part, “The Mandate of Heaven” is the best in the series so I’ve decided to try it now.
The whole series have characteristics which I seek in most RPG’s. The artwork is done beautifully, monsters are very diversified and world is a really nice place to be a hero. World is composed of maps, every map has a city or two and many interesting locations like abandoned temples, ruins or dungeons. Every location is filled with all kind of items. There is great variety of weapons and armor, plain or enhanced in every possible way.
Thing i like the most in the “Might and Magic” games is skill system. It have optimal number of skills, not too much, not too few. You can always create four different characters and every one of them is really important to the party. Every character can learn almost every skill and such system can bring many interesting combinations. Of course, to progress in the game, characters should specialize in skills. They can spend experience points on skills and then find the teacher to become expert or master.
Unfortunately, beautiful world, diverse monsters and great skill systems are all hindered by boring combat system. Wherever you go, most of the time you are facing a hordes of enemies who throw themselves at your swords. Exploring the world is full of such encounters. Every time when leaving the city, you are faced with this picture:
A RPG with great skill system then becomes a bad FPS. Wouldn’t be much better if faced with few stronger monsters rather then horde of weaklings? And to make bad things worse, they re-spawn after some game time so when you return ten levels stronger you’ll be faced with enemies which fall after first shot. Every time I’m faced with that hack and slash party I have less and less will to finish the game.
When the game doesn’t surprise you with new stuff anymore but continues to throw more and more of the same hurdles at your path it’s just to boring to finish it. It should end when it’s best, not a million fallen monsters later.