I've already played 1-8.

It's ok... Definitely the worst in the series, but not a bad game per se. And with the community patches, it's quite playable.

To me, it's heartbreaking to play. You know they really tried to give it their all but they just didn't have enough time and it shows in the latter half. As a big fan of this series, it really bums me out to play it.

It's pale compared to the rest of the series. Taken by itself without any regards to the rest of the series, it's playable. It just doesn't have the same feel to it.
It would be like someone giving you the Enterprise to command only to find the entire crew is composed of red shirts with nary a Spock, Bones, Scotty, Sulu, Chekov or even a Janice Rand to be found.

Yeah, and with Captain Harriman of ST:Generations in command ;-)

True, I also think Writ of Fate has some nice ideas, but overall the execution lacks, too many changes, outdated graphics (the engine was already too old, when they produced the thing).

Heh and i`ve liked MM9;) U schould try yourself

In my opinion (I'm big fan, but played only at 4-9) Might and Magic 9 is not that bad. Has great moments. I was very sad, when i saw how magic system changed, but everything else is good, and climate is better that MM8.