I usually need to try about 5-10 times to get the game to start up, as it usually just refuses to run. It does sometimes crash during playthrough, but it crashes 100% of the time trying to enter the last palace. The playability is good, and builds a lot on MM6 & 7. The choice of characters in the early game allows for a group covering all skils and abilities, with the option to change members of the group throughout the game to suit your needs. The game is a little easier than 7, and a lot easier than 6, in part due to the party allowing for 5 members, and also because of the types of characters you can get in the early game. It's just so unfortunate that the end game isn't playable.