Hey GOG.com,

I have never played Might and Magic before and I am looking for an in depth, immersive experience, something I can sink a lot of time into and isn't just a distraction (as many games are).

Would love to hear your opinions about the strengths and weaknesses of each installment and which one you, ultimately, like the most.

One thing to consider is how mechanics have aged; while something may have been your favorite at the time, if you went to replay them now, which would be the most enjoyable?

Played 1 to 6.

A strong favourite is 3, I believe mainly because it was a big step up from 2. 6 is a strong candidate for the favourite spot as well.

There are three "generations" of Might&Magic games.
1-2 is the oldest. They have the best tactical combat of the M&M games. MM1 lacks automap.
3-5 are similar to 1-2, but are more streamlined, easier and with more simplified combat.
6-9 uses a 3D engine and unlike the previous games are real time, but can be switched to turn based during combat.

My favourites are 2 due to the tactical combat and huge diversity in loot and encounters, and 6-7 due to improved character system, and large open worlds to explore.

If I should pick one game to play I'd recommend 6 or 7. 6 is more hard core, and has some brutal dungeons, so 7 would probably be the ideal choice.

I'd also recommend 3 and 6.

6 is still one of the most deep and thought out party-based CRPGs out there. Tons of dungeons to explore, quests to complete, no "scaling", which is so loved by many modern publishers, a lot of diversity. Also MM6 has real dungeons, you can actually get lost in many of them. Character progress system is second best after MM7 in MM series, but MM7 has fewer and more linear dungeons and didn't age so good. There is almost no level cap, progress is swift and steady, and there are always challenges behind the corner.

MM6 is also the longest MM (though some might argue that World of Xeen is longer) and one of the longest RPGs overall.

Mechanics have "aged" well (apart from MM 1 and 2). There are minimum mechanics which slowdown gameplay, unlike other RPGs of those times. Every MM, starting from 3, is very easy to get into and start playing. MM games were all about exploration and combat.

MM1 and MM2, however, had "save in inn only" feature, you could save game only in specific places,and MM2 also had scaling (the higher your level, the more mobs you fight - up to 255 in one battle), but it was the only MM game which had scaling.

Keep in mind, that MM1-MM5 are grid-based, while MM6-MM9 are in pure 3D. If grid-based games aren't your cup of tea, then go for MM6. But you can just take MM 6-pack, win/win in any case, because every MM after MM6 was rather worse than better.

I'd vote for 6 which was one of the best I've ever played. But you mention an in depth experience. MM6 is certainly that-- but because it is hard. If 'in depth' means a strong story line, you might be disappointed. MM's have good story lines with MM7 being the best (though I agree with the comments that it became easier). But story lines aren't the series' strength.

I like MM3 the most.

The "Best" Might and Magic game probably The Mandate of Heaven (VI) in terms of being this massive nonlinear adventure, but it has some seriously messed up late-game dungeons. For Blood and Honor (VII) is a bit easier and less intimidating while still having the same great kind of gameplay.

World of Xeen is also fantastic, but it's a serious time investment (Easily in the neighborhood of 75-100 hours).

How many liches and beholders can you fit in one room? Oh the horrors of "that one" Castle. Especially "that one" last room.

Some of MM6 late-game dungeons weren't messed up, they were straight brutal and convoluted (I got lost in one specific endgame Tomb so many times), and personally I liked that. They gave a reason to build up your characters and gave great feeling of accomplishment after clearing them. Only problem with World of Xeen (and to certain degree with MM3) - it doesn't have respawns, which might be a big factor to some people (other MM games have respawns).

Since M&M VI is bundled with 1-5 here on GOG I would recommend starting with VI, The Mandate of Heaven.
The world is huge and has a wide range of distinct landscapes, dungeons and monsters. The music is appropriate to the environment you are in and is still beautiful (like I said somewhere else, it has been reused in the HoMM III Series).

The game interface is accessible and easy to understand, you get a 3D world with somewhat dated graphics. (VII and VIII use basically the same engine with slightly polished graphics. So, if you like VI you can later go on with these two.)

III and IV+V also are very similar regarding their interface. Try out III and if you like it you can later go on with its successors.

The interface overall isn't that much different between III-VIII, the main difference is the step to a smooth 3D-world from VI onwards, the older games all have step by step movement and turning which may take some pratice if you are not familiar with it from other older games. (I personally grew up with it, but it is easier to get lost in step by step games, I think.)

In all M&M games there is littly interaction with other people in the world, mostly asking for basic tips and quests and trading. But it doesn't matter because fullfilling quests and exploring the world is a good deal of fun.

VI and VII are my personal favorites, VIII also has its charm with the new party management system (you can even hire a dragon or a vampire). III is the first part I ever played and enjoyed it at the time.

If I were to choose one game as the pinnacle of the series, I would probably go with MM7. However, from the GOG selection, I would suggest purchasing the pack of 1-6. I don't think MM6 is quite as good as MM7, but it's the same style of game, just with less polish (and more content). And the 6-pack also gets you Might and Magic 4&5, which can (and should) be played as one game, and which I see as jockeying with MM7 for first place. If you like MM4&5, you'll also like 3, and you should consider giving MM2 and even MM1 a shot afterwards (although those two are notably more primitive than the 3-5 trilogy.) If you enjoy MM6, you can go on to purchase MM7 and MM8.

There's lots of love for MM3 here, which is the only one in the 6-pack that I've never played (I'll get to it... eventually). But having played the others, my personal favorite is World of Xeen (MM4-5, which combine into one giant game). This game works a lot like MM3 though so maybe MM3 is even better.

MM6 is very different from the previous 5 games, and is pretty good, but can be a bit of a monster slog. Worth checking out if the earlier games don't do it for you.

Thanks everyone. Will be picking up the M&M 1-6 pack, does it commonly go up for sale? Thinking about waiting to see if it shows up in this Battle of the Games sale.

Perfect. VII (or II).

I choose 6.

And I think maybe the secret / trick people found out with MM6 is causing them to create the island in MM7 - and that was a big letdown. If you decided that you party is all human, then you are punished with creature specific armour later. By limiting master level, you are incapacitating character.

Sigh. But at least I finished 7. Run MM8 for awhile ,could be bothered with it.

My trinity of MM is MM6, MM7 and Swords of Xeen. For what its worth.

I started with Might and Magic 1 and 2 on the Commodore 64 back in the day. Saved up a few days worth of lunch money to get 2, heh. Several years later I got a 286 and a copy of MM3. Missed out on the rest until a few years back when I obtained a copy of 6 and 7 from a friend. Finally collected the whole series on GOG.

Overall, I'd have to agree that 3, 4+5 and 6 are probably the overall best of the series. MM2 is also a solid and fun entry. I haven't played much of 7, 8 or 9 yet as I just recently started playing Heroes of Might and Magic for the first time ever. Having a blast with HoMM 1 right now.. =)

Flynn