The Might of the Magic

Might and Magic VII

***

3DO

PC

$99.95

M15+
Review: Peter Eley

Any game that can get to a seventh release must have a strong following. Might and Magic is such a title and one of the core role-playing games that grew out of the Dungeons and Dragons board game of the 1970s.

Each of its incarnations follows the same basic formula - heroic quests where monsters must be slain while all the time building up weapons, spells and magical items for the final battle.

OK, it sounds tired, but hundreds of thousands of copies have been sold.

So what does Might and Magic VII offer us that's new? The answer, sadly, is not a lot.

It comes out hot on the heels of Might and Magic VI, and looks much the same - especially if you don't have advanced graphics acceleration.

The story is typical of the series. Elves and humans are at war.

You lead a small band, which rules the disputed town of Harmondale, and must decide which side to choose.

This decision sets the tone for the forthcoming quests, although another major decision must be made when the war arbiter dies.

The two warring sides must decide on a successor - either good or evil - and this decision also affects the way the game is played.

But at the end of the day, it's really only a game that will appeal to those who are happy with more of the same.

Required: Pentium 133, 32Mb Ram. A Pentium 200, 64Mb Ram and a 3D accelerator are recommended.

* Send your comments by e-mail to peter_eley@herald.co.nz