Are 3DO best known for their sequels? Well yes, but thats not necessarily a bad thing. After all, Squaresoft do little else and look where it got them. And now Trip Hawkins and company bring us the ninth PC incarnation of Might and Magic. More RPG goodness? Let's see.
Like its predecessors, Might and Magic IX stays true to its creators original storyline. In true RPG style, the game offers an epic 60 hours of compelling 3D gameplay spread across some ten massive and diverse regions in the Might and Magic universe.
Your journey begins aboard a Viking-style ship. Shortly after leaving dock, you encounter some difficulty before being grounded on the Isle of Ashes in the middle of the Verhoffin Sea. The survivors are scattered throughout the wreckage and players must gather their party, a combination of both player characters and non-player characters (NPC's), and escape from the island. With any luck, youll be loaded with treasures too!
Monoliths super-enhanced Lithtech 3D game engine is on hand to ensure things run smoothly in a visual sense. Demonstrating some lovely environments, special effects and an intuitive magic spell system, Might and Magic IX revolutionises New World Computings first-person RPG series. The game also features an inspired interface with an all-new conversation system which, when brought together with an additional 23 personal skills, will allow players to fully customise their characters.
So basically, its more of the same with bells and whistles attached. But as weve said so many times before, if it aint broke, dont fix it. Some games, like Final Fantasy, just dont benefit from too much innovation, and Might and Magic IX is another.