Might & Magic 7 finally on Good Old Games

[Gokyabgu]

Gog released today the Might&Magic 7 along with HoMM4. Rejoice!!

[JDR13]

Damn you... I was just about to break that news. :)

If anyone is wondering.. M&M 7 is $5.99, and HoM&M4 is $9.99 and includes all expansions.

[Thrasher]

Great deals!

[Drithius]

DAMNIT! I just bought the platinum edition for 50 bucks on Amazon ! :(

[rune_74]

Hmm might and magic 7...I think I played it again a few years back, and the graphics hadn't aged well. But man was it a fun simple rpg. It's funny when the might and magic games were out, they were always considered rpglite. Now we look back at them with fondness. They had very simple gameplay, I wonder what a game made in the same way would fare today. I would like to see one actually.

[DoctorNarrative]

I never played the M&M games somehow... the first ones I was too young and the later ones I guess I just avoided? I don't know.

Which one of 1-7 would be best for a first playthrough? I messed with 4 for a bit and was kind of put off by the old mechanics, but I could learn them if it really is the best. Note however that my focus is usually on story, exploration and choice.

[dteowner]

If you're into character development and addictive gameplay, MM7 is definitely the king. If you're into massive worlds with epic dungeons, MM6 is the best choice. If you're just wanting a seminal "old skool" experience, World of Xeen (MM4+MM5) might be the best choice.

For me, it's MM7 all the way! Until Wiz8 came along, MM7 was the tip top of my list. It still sits comfortably at number 2 Best Evah.

[JDR13]

Which one of 1-7 would be best for a first playthrough? I messed with 4 for a bit and was kind of put off by the old mechanics, but I could learn them if it really is the best. Note however that my focus is usually on story, exploration and choice.

The dividing line for most people is M&M VI onwards. Anything prior to that is pretty hard to stomach if you want decent visuals. Luckily there's no connection story-wise, so you don't miss anything in that aspect from not playing the older titles.

I've only played a little of VI & VII, and they both seemed strong in the exploration department. Don't expect anything unique or epic regarding story though.

[Pessimeister]

I picked up a nice boxed original of MM7 about a month ago for about $10 off ebay. Needless to say, I was rather happy about it, having searched for some time for it. Good to hear GOG supporting the M&M cause, as they really are very easy to play and accessible cRPGs.

I only completed MM7 the one time (dark side) but probably rushed it having just come off playing the epic experience that is the sixth game. I'll be sure to take more time when I have the subsequent light playthrough.

The only M&M I haven't played completed is the second game - which I have on C64 disk. One summer I'm going to have to finally delve into it, break out the graph paper and go bezerk. :)

I love the fact that in MM6-9, when the game is over - you can save a certificate with details of your deed, which finely captures the moment. :)

P.S: The mechanics of World of Xeen is very smooth once you get into it. Mates of mine that don't like cRPGs even had fun with that game.

[DoctorNarrative]

P.S: The mechanics of World of Xeen is very smooth once you get into it. Mates of mine that don't like cRPGs even had fun with that game.

My issue with it was more along the lines of clicking on a tent to get a quest, which amounts to "hey go kill bugs" and then going around hunting for bugs. It was kind of basic.

I started RPGing with Baldur's Gate and Fallout, so I demand a little more narrative.

[Dark Savant]

I love the fact that in MM6-9, when the game is over - you can save a certificate with details of your deed, which finely captures the moment This feature is also present in earlier Migjt&Magic games. You had to send a screenshot of your score to New World Computing, at which point the John Van Canghem would sign your certificate. :biggrin:
Here is a topic from Celestial Heavens about certificates
http://www.celestialheavens.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10164&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My issue with it was more along the lines of clicking on a tent to get a quest, which amounts to "hey go kill bugs" and then going around hunting for bugs. It was kind of basic.There are a lot of excellent word puzzles in earlier games. I miss that in later 6-9 M&M games. Also might and magic is THE rpg for exploring and party development. Most other rpg aspects are not so great.

[Arkadia7]

I think I'll start with VI, and if I like that one then move on to VII.

[Pladio]

See my avatar !!! :)
I was waiting for a game I could support GoG with and MMVII is an all-time favorite (or should I say time-waster ?). I played this game for countless hours and still have my original CD, manual and reference card at home, but this game is really good. It took me a while to get it, but it was loads of fun. I think I would go with three ranged units this time and just one melee. I never played that way.

[Drithius]

6 has bigger dungeons, 7 has somewhat of a better laid-out story and greater choice of race/class.

[Melvil]

This feature is also present in earlier Migjt&Magic games. You had to send a screenshot of your score to New World Computing, at which point the John Van Canghem would sign your certificate. :biggrin:
Here is a topic from Celestial Heavens about certificates
http://www.celestialheavens.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10164&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

There are a lot of excellent word puzzles in earlier games. I miss that in later 6-9 M&M games. Also might and magic is THE rpg for exploring and party development. Most other rpg aspects are not so great.

MM8 had a return of elemental planes and riddles, and is quite good if you haven't just played 6 and 7. 6 months after playing either of those, 8 is nice.

[Dajjer]

Jon C came to an Apple 2 club I belonged to in the 80s. The club was large and influential. Jon gave a presentation on Might and Magic One. I was interested because I was in the middle of the might and magic game but the audience was rather blase. Almost near the end of the presentation, I stood up an gave a an alternative presentation.

"I went on about how everyone here loved Wizardy, but M&M takes computer role playing to a new level. The game world, characters and battle are far more realistic (at the time) than anything out there in the gaming world, and to top it off the game is really really fun. "

Well that was about 25 years ago and I'm paraphrasing a bit but Jon did end up selling all his copies and when I called him on the phone a couple months later to tell him I finished the game (different times back then) he remembered me and sent me a T shirt that I have to this day.

I have played all the Might and Magics and loved them all (some more than others of course). Obviously the last M&M went out the gate rushed and unfinished but it was still playable and I still enjoyed my time with the game. I would say Might and Magic had 3 phases

1 - 3 the apple phase
4-5- transition phase to dedicated PC
6-9 - the last phase:

My favs of the whole series were 6 & 7, but 6 mostly gets the nod as best simply because it was first. While the last phase is clearly recognizable RPG gaming, albeit vastly simplified, I think many RPG gamers could get into those games.

[crpgnut]

I'd probably vote III, VII, VI as my order of favorites. I loved the riddles of MM3. All of them are great games though. Even IX is okay, if you go in understanding how to avoid the quest-killing bugs.

[Gokyabgu]

I never played the M&M games somehow… the first ones I was too young and the later ones I guess I just avoided? I don't know.

Which one of 1-7 would be best for a first playthrough? I messed with 4 for a bit and was kind of put off by the old mechanics, but I could learn them if it really is the best. Note however that my focus is usually on story, exploration and choice.

Might&Magic games never have been heavy on story and choices. You may often forget the main story, what's going on while playing them. More or less like Elder Scrolls games on that aspect. What M&M really shines though is the exploration (each of them features vast worlds), character development and dungeon design. They're really addictive because of that. Greatest games in the series (considered by fans) are M&M World Of Xeen (two games in one 4 and 5), M&M 6: Mandate of Heaven and M&M 7: For Blood and Honor. If you like exploration and want each of your dungeon in the game unique and challenging, you're going to love M&M series. If (and the size of that "if" depends on what you expect in terms of eye candy) the Duke Nukem 3d level graphics aren't a problem for you than M&M 6 and 7 are your games (both of them uses the same engine). Also if you can stand Eye of Beholder level graphics I strongly recommend M&M World Of Xeen.

Might&Magic 7 is the most story-heavy among them. It also contains different endings according to path you take. Some people considers it the best because of the right balance between story and exploration.

[Gokyabgu]

I'd probably vote III, VII, VI as my order of favorites. I loved the riddles of MM3. All of them are great games though. Even IX is okay, if you go in understanding how to avoid the quest-killing bugs.

There's an unofficial patch on the internet (1,03) for MM 9. The explanation says it fixes more than 80 bugs. It's better than nothing.

[DoctorNarrative]

Might&Magic 7 is the most story-heavy among them. It also contains different endings according to path you take. Some people considers it the best because of the right balance between story and exploration.

Exploration is good, yes. I have played some games mainly just for exploration before like Two Worlds and WoW, so a weak story is not a deal-breaker.

I already bought M&M7 to support GOG so I think I will start with that one. Probably during the summer when nothing new is coming out.

[dteowner]

I still say the biggest problem with MM9 was that it was called Might and Magic. Had the game been called Vorpals and Voodoo and judged on its own merits, I think it would have been better received, particular after patches.

[Elwro]

Does the GOG version feature the fantastic in-game soundtrack?

[Gokyabgu]

Does the GOG version feature the fantastic in-game soundtrack?

Yes, the original Cd versions have CD Audio tracks, but Gog team have turned them into mp3s and included them in both M&M 6 and 7.

[TheMadGamer]

But man was it a fun simple rpg. It's funny when the might and magic games were out, they were always considered rpglite.

Heh. I always thought M&M 6-7 were more hardcore RPGs. I just now went down and pulled out my original Ultima 7 (3.5" disks and all) and original M&M 7 to compare the thickness of my notes. The M&M7 notes are about 8 pages more than my U7 notes. Maybe my uber-rpgness is lacking.

[Pladio]

My sound is crackling ... Anyone know any fixes for it ? The music is fine, but the sound isn't...

Gamewise: I got myself a Paladin, an Archer, a Cleric and a Sorcerer. I'm in Erathia now.

[Dark Savant]

Heh. I always thought M&M 6-7 were more hardcore RPGs. I just now went down and pulled out my original Ultima 7 (3.5" disks and all) and original M&M 7 to compare the thickness of my notes. The M&M7 notes are about 8 pages more than my U7 notes. Maybe my uber-rpgness is lacking. Notes for M&M7:wow: It is definitely RPGlite as all games in series are and number 7 is even more user friendly than previous parts.


My sound is crackling … Anyone know any fixes for it ?Try grayface patch
http://sites.google.com/site/sergroj/mm/

[JDR13]

I wonder if M&M VIII is next...

[Dajjer]

Heh. I always thought M&M 6-7 were more hardcore RPGs. I just now went down and pulled out my original Ultima 7 (3.5" disks and all) and original M&M 7 to compare the thickness of my notes. The M&M7 notes are about 8 pages more than my U7 notes. Maybe my uber-rpgness is lacking.

Yeah, I too considered them hardcore. No real story just building your character and exploring. The mid game point for me in those games was when I got the ability to fly. Death from above until I ran into the wyverns. And that spectacular sound track that still blows most games away.

I can see how many view the game as RPG lite however, it was very easy to get into the game mechanics and the bright primary colors scheme just screams elementary. But there was a certain complexity in putting together and then growing your party that took this beyond the lite realm IMO.

[Pladio]

Notes for M&M7:wow: It is definitely RPGlite as all games in series are and number 7 is even more user friendly than previous parts.
Try grayface patch
http://sites.google.com/site/sergroj/mm/

It didn't work. Any other ideas ?

EDIT: Got it... Turned off the compatibility settings.

[TheMadGamer]

Just bought this on GoG. Man, this game gets so many things right - it's just as good now as it was back when it was released... I'll definatley be giving this a full playthrough. Even the inventory and how you equip gear and how you right click on items for a full description... the game is so awesome.

[rune_74]

Heh, speaking about inventory...it's funny how the paper dolls worked, it seemed the helmets never could line up and made your guy look a bit off.

[sherwinz28]

I swear I posted in this thread...anyway. Its good to see people enjoying Might and Magic still. Oh and if you still have JVC's phone number call him and tell him to make another one!!!

[mndrew]

Anyone able to tell me where GOG stuck the save game files for this? The savegame folder in the game folder it created is showing empty, after I've created a couple of saves. I have old save games I want to access and not sure where to stick them, as it were.

[Pladio]

Anyone able to tell me where GOG stuck the save game files for this? The savegame folder in the game folder it created is showing empty, after I've created a couple of saves. I have old save games I want to access and not sure where to stick them, as it were.

Hmmm, it's showing all my saves in the GOG.com\Might and Magic VII\Saves\ directory.

[mndrew]

Yep, nevermind, had search settings wrong. Blame either Vista or PEBCAK, as you see fit.