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(Similarity to the Wizardry system does not make it part of that category)
 
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|name=Might and Magic
|name=Might and Magic
|image=Might and Magic logo.png
|image=Might and Magic logo.png
|year=[[1986]]
|developer=[[New World Computing]], [[Limbic Entertainment]], [[Arkane Studios]]
|genre=[[RPG]]
|publisher=[[The 3DO Company]], [[Ubisoft]]
|year=1986
|genre=[[Role-Playing]], [[Strategy]]
}}
}}
{{floatingtoc|left}}
'''Might and Magic''' ('''MM''') is a series of computer dungeon crawls (a sub-genre of [[role-playing games]]) from [[New World Computing]], which in [[1996]] became a subsidiary of [[The 3DO Company]]. The producer of the series was Jon Van Caneghem.


'''Might and Magic''' ('''MM''') is a series of computer role-playing games from [[New World Computing]], which in [[1996]] became a subsidiary of [[The 3DO Company]]. The producer of the series was Jon Van Caneghem.
The earliest ''Might and Magic'' games are heavily based on the ''{{c|Wizardry}}'' series; unlike ''{{c|The Bard's Tale}}'' series, though, ''Might and Magic'' introduced several more innovations to the ''Wizardry'' gameplay, so that it became the most successful and prolific of the three series.


''Might and Magic'' is considered one of the defining examples of early computer role-playing games, along with the ''[[Bard's Tale]]'', ''[[Ultima]]'' and ''[[Wizardry]]'' series.
The original ''Might and Magic'' series officially ended after the 5th title, with the closure of the 3DO Company. The rights to the ''Might and Magic'' name were purchased by Ubisoft, who "rebooted" the franchise with a new series with unconnected to the previous continuity, starting with ''[[Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven]]''; they also published many spin-offs, e.g. ''{{c|Heroes of Might and Magic}}'' and ''[[Dark Messiah of Might and Magic]]''.


The original ''Might and Magic'' series officially ended with the closure of the 3DO Company. The rights to the ''Might and Magic'' name were purchased for USD 1.3 million by Ubisoft, who "rebooted" the franchise with a new series with no apparent connection to the previous continuity, starting with the games ''[[Heroes of Might and Magic V]]'' and ''[[Dark Messiah of Might and Magic]]''.
==Gameplay==
In the earlier games the gameplay is almost identical to that of the ''{{c|Wizardry}}'' series and the interface is very similar to ''{{c|The Bard's Tale}}'' series (that, in turn, is based on ''Wizardry'', too). Starting from ''[[Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven]]'' onward, the interface features a scrolling three-dimensional environment similar to that of ''[[Doom]]''.
 
The majority of the gameplay takes place in a medieval fantasy setting. The player controls a party of player characters, which can consist of members of various character classes. The game world is presented to the player in first person perspective. Combat is turn-based, though the later games allowed the player to choose to conduct combat in real time.


==History==
The game worlds in all of the ''Might and Magic'' games are quite large, and a player can expect each game to provide several dozen hours of gameplay. It is usually quite combat-intensive and often involves large groups of enemy creatures. Monsters and situations encountered throughout the series tend to be well-known fantasy staples such as giant rats, werewolf curses, dragon hoardes and zombies, rather than original creations. ''Isles of Terra'' and the ''Xeen'' games featured a more distinct environment, blending fantasy and science fiction elements in a unique way.
There are nine games in the series, consisting of:
*''[[Might and Magic: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum]]'' ([[1986]]; [[Apple II]], [[Apple Macintosh]], [[DOS]], [[Commodore 64]], [[NES]], [[MSX]],[[PC-Engine]] CD-ROM)
*''[[Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World]]'' ([[1988]]; Apple II, [[Amiga]], DOS, Commodore 64, [[Apple Macintosh]], [[Sega Genesis]], [[SNES]] (Europe only), SNES (Japan-only, different from the European version), [[MSX]], [[PC-Engine CD]])
*''[[Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra]]'' ([[1991]]; DOS, Mac, Amiga, SNES, Sega Genesis, PC-Engine CD-ROM)
*''[[Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen]]'' ([[1992]]; DOS, Mac)
*''[[Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen]]'' ([[1993]]; DOS, Mac)
**''Might and Magic: World of Xeen'' ([[1995]]; DOS)
*''[[Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven]]'' ([[1998]]; [[Windows]])
*''[[Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor]]'' ([[1999]]; Windows)
*''[[Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer]]'' ([[2000 in video gaming|2000]]; Windows)
*''[[Might and Magic IX]]'' ([[2002 in video gaming|2002]]; Windows; known as: ''Writ of Fate'')


===Anthologies===
==Plot==
*''[[Might and Magic Trilogy]]'' (1993), includes the German version ''Might and Magic'' games III, VI, V, and the fanmade ''Swords of Xeen''.
Although most of the gameplay reflects a distinctly fantasy genre, the overarching plot of the series has something of a science fiction background. The series is set in an alternate universe where planets are overseen by powerful beings known as Ancients. In each of the games, a party of characters fights monsters and completes quests on one of these planets, until they eventually become involved in the affairs of the Ancients. References to ''Star Trek'' (some quite overt) could indicate that the "Ancients" may in fact be humanity in the far future.
*''[[Might and Magic I, II, III, IV, V: Collection Classique]]'' (1998), contains the games I-V
*''[[Ultimate Might and Magic Archives]]'' (1998), includes the first five ''Might and Magic'' games, ''World of Xeen'' and the fanmade ''Swords of Xeen''.
*''[[Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven - Limited Edition]]'' (1998), a collector's edition of ''Might and Magic VI'' that included the first five games on CD-ROM as well.
*''[[Might and Magic Sixpack]]'' (1998), includes the first six ''Might and Magic'' games.
*''[[Might and Magic Millennium Edition]]'' (1999), includes the ''Might and Magic'' games IV, V, VI and VII.
*''[[Might and Magic (Platinum Edition)]]'' (2002), includes the ''Might and Magic'' games VI, VII, VIII and IX.


There were several spin-offs from the main series, including ''[[Heroes of Might and Magic]]'', ''[[Crusaders of Might and Magic]]'', ''[[Warriors of Might and Magic]]'', ''[[Legends of Might and Magic]]'', and the fanmade ''[[Swords of Xeen]]''.
The first five games in the series concern a renegade planetary guardian named Sheltem who has a penchant for throwing planets into their suns. Sheltem establishes himself on a series of flat worlds (which are implied to be giant spaceships) and Corak, thought to be a representative of the Ancients, with the assistance of the player characters, sees him off each time. Eventually both Corak and Sheltem are destroyed in a climactic battle on Xeen.


In August 2003, [[Ubisoft]] acquired the rights to the Might and Magic franchise for USD$1.3 million after 3DO filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  Ubisoft has since released two new projects using the Might and Magic brand — a [[Heroes of Might and Magic V|fifth installment of the Heroes series]], developed by [[Nival Interactive]], and an action-style game called ''[[Dark Messiah of Might and Magic]]'', developed by [[Arkane Studios]].
The sixth, seventh and eighth games take place on a single planet ruled by the Ironfist dynasty, and chronicle the events and aftermath of an invasion of the Kreegan, the arch-enemies of the Ancients. It is also revealed that the destruction wrought by the Ancients' wars with the Kreegan may be why the worlds of Might & Magic exist as medieval fantasy settings despite being created by futuristic technology: the worlds have been 'cut off' from the Ancients and descended into barbarism. The ''Heroes of Might and Magic'' series traces the fortunes of the Ironfists in more detail, though none of the sci-fi elements appear in the ''Heroes'' series.


==Gameplay==
==Games==
The majority of the gameplay takes place in a medieval fantasy setting. The player controls a party of player characters, which can consist of members of various character classes.  The game world is presented to the player in first person perspective. In the earlier games the interface is very similar to that of ''[[Bard's Tale]]'', but from ''[[Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven]]'' onward, the interface features a scrolling three-dimensional environment similar to that of ''[[Doom]]''. Combat is turn-based, though the later games allowed the player to choose to conduct combat in real time.
===Main series===
* ''[[Might and Magic: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum]]'', released in 1986 for [[Apple II]], [[Macintosh]], [[DOS]], [[Commodore 64]], [[NES]], [[MSX]], and [[TurboGrafx-16]].
* ''[[Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World]]'', released in 1988 for Apple II, [[Amiga]], DOS, Commodore 64, Macintosh, [[Sega Genesis]], [[SNES]] (Europe only), Super Famicom (Japan only), and MSX.
* ''[[Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra]]'', released in 1991 for DOS, Macintosh, Amiga, SNES, Sega Genesis, [[Sega CD]], and PC-Engine.
* ''[[Might and Magic IV: Clouds of Xeen]]'', released in 1992 for DOS and Macintosh.
* ''[[Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen]]'', released in 1993 for DOS and Macintosh.
** ''[[Might and Magic: World of Xeen]]'', released in 1995 for DOS, combining ''IV'' and ''V'' into a single game with extra content.
* ''[[Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven]]'', released in 1998 for [[Windows]].
* ''[[Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor]]'', released in 1999 for Windows.
* ''[[Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer]]'', released in 2000 for Windows and [[PlayStation 2]] (Japan only).
* ''[[Might and Magic IX]]'', released in 2002 for Windows (with the working subtitle ''Writ of Fate'').
* ''[[Might and Magic X: Legacy]]'', released in 2014 for Windows and Mac OS.


The game worlds in all of the Might and Magic games are quite large, and a player can expect each game to provide several dozen hours of gameplay.  It is usually quite combat-intensive and often involves large groups of enemy creatures.  Monsters and situations encountered throughout the series tend to be well-known fantasy staples such as giant rats, werewolf curses, dragon hoardes and zombies, rather than original creations. ''Isles of Terra'' and the ''Xeen'' games featured a more distinct environment, blending fantasy and science fiction elements in a unique way.
===Spin-offs===
====Heroes of Might and Magic====
''{{c|Heroes of Might and Magic}}'' is a series of strategy games that began in 1995.


==Plot==
====Action / Role-playing games====
Although most of the gameplay reflects a distinctly fantasy genre, the overarching plot of the series has something of a science fiction background. The series is set in an alternate universe where planets are overseen by powerful beings known as Ancients. In each of the games, a party of characters fights monsters and completes quests on one of these planets, until they eventually become involved in the affairs of the Ancients. References to a.o. Star Trek - some quite overt - could indicate that the "Ancients" may in fact be humanity in the far future.
* ''[[Swords of Xeen]]'', a fan-made game released in 1995 for DOS.
* ''[[Crusaders of Might and Magic]]'', released in 1999 for Windows and [[PlayStation]].
* ''[[Warriors of Might and Magic]]'', released in 2000 for PlayStation. This entry has two other versions which feature completely different levels and gameplay.
** ''[[Warriors of Might and Magic (Game Boy Color)]]'', released in 2000 for [[Game Boy Color]].
** ''[[Warriors of Might and Magic (PlayStation 2)]]'', released in 2001 for PlayStation 2.
*** ''[[Shifters]]'', a direct sequel to ''Warriors (PS2)'', released in 2002 for PlayStation 2.
* ''[[Dark Messiah: Might and Magic]]'', released in 2006 for Windows and [[Xbox 360]].
* ''[[Might and Magic (mobile)]]'', released in 2004 for [[Mobile|Mobile phones]] and [[Nintendo DSi]].
* ''[[Might and Magic II (mobile)]]'', released in 2007 for Mobile phones and Nintendo DSi.


The first five games in the series concern a renegade planetary guardian named Sheltem who has a penchant for throwing planets into their suns. Sheltem establishes himself on a series of flat worlds (which are implied to be giant spaceships) and Corak, thought to be a representative of the Ancients, with the assistance of the player characters, sees him off each time. Eventually both Corak and Sheltem are destroyed in a climactic battle on Xeen.
====Other games====
* ''[[Arcomage]]'', a standalone card game from the series, released in 2000 for Windows.
* ''[[Legends of Might and Magic]]'', an online shooter released in 2001 for Windows.
* ''[[Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes]]'', an puzzle game released in 2009 for Windows.


The sixth, seventh and eighth games take place on a single planet ruled by the Ironfist dynasty, and chronicle the events and aftermath of an invasion of the Kreegan, the arch-enemies of the Ancients. It is also revealed that the destruction wrought by the Ancients' wars with the Kreegan may be why the worlds of Might & Magic exist as medieval fantasy settings despite being created by futuristic technology - the worlds have been 'cut off' from the Ancients and descended into barbarism. The ''Heroes of Might and Magic'' series traces the fortunes of the Ironfists in more detail, though none of the sci-fi elements appear in the ''Heroes'' series.
===Collections===
* ''[[Might and Magic I & II]]'' - released in 1992 for Macintosh.
* ''[[Might and Magic Trilogy]]'' - includes III through V and ''Swords of Xeen'', released in 1995.
* ''[[Might and Magic I, II, III, IV, V: Collection Classique]]'' - includes I through V, released in 1998.
* ''[[Ultimate Might and Magic Archives]]'', includes I through V, ''World of Xeen'', and ''Swords of Xeen'', released in 1998.
* ''[[Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven: Limited Edition]]'' - a collector's edition of ''Might and Magic VI'' that also includes the first five games on CD-ROM, released in 1998.
* ''[[Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven: Special Edition]]'' - includes I through V and ''Swords of Xeen'', released in 1998.
* ''[[Might and Magic Sixpack]]'' - includes the first six games plus ''Swords of Xeen'', released in 1998.  
* ''[[Might and Magic Millennium Edition]]'' - includes IV through VII and ''Swords of Xeen'', released in 1999.
* ''[[Might and Magic (Platinum Edition)]]'' - includes VI through IX, released in 2002.
* ''[[Might and Magic 6 - Pack]]'' - includes the first six games plus ''Swords of Xeen'', released digitally in 2012.


{{Might and Magic}}
{{Might and Magic}}

Latest revision as of 01:21, 15 August 2023

Might and Magic
The logo for Might and Magic.
Developer(s)New World Computing, Limbic Entertainment, Arkane Studios
Publisher(s)The 3DO Company, Ubisoft
Year introduced1986
Genre(s)Role-Playing, Strategy

Might and Magic (MM) is a series of computer dungeon crawls (a sub-genre of role-playing games) from New World Computing, which in 1996 became a subsidiary of The 3DO Company. The producer of the series was Jon Van Caneghem.

The earliest Might and Magic games are heavily based on the Wizardry series; unlike The Bard's Tale series, though, Might and Magic introduced several more innovations to the Wizardry gameplay, so that it became the most successful and prolific of the three series.

The original Might and Magic series officially ended after the 5th title, with the closure of the 3DO Company. The rights to the Might and Magic name were purchased by Ubisoft, who "rebooted" the franchise with a new series with unconnected to the previous continuity, starting with Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven; they also published many spin-offs, e.g. Heroes of Might and Magic and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic.

Gameplay[edit]

In the earlier games the gameplay is almost identical to that of the Wizardry series and the interface is very similar to The Bard's Tale series (that, in turn, is based on Wizardry, too). Starting from Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven onward, the interface features a scrolling three-dimensional environment similar to that of Doom.

The majority of the gameplay takes place in a medieval fantasy setting. The player controls a party of player characters, which can consist of members of various character classes. The game world is presented to the player in first person perspective. Combat is turn-based, though the later games allowed the player to choose to conduct combat in real time.

The game worlds in all of the Might and Magic games are quite large, and a player can expect each game to provide several dozen hours of gameplay. It is usually quite combat-intensive and often involves large groups of enemy creatures. Monsters and situations encountered throughout the series tend to be well-known fantasy staples such as giant rats, werewolf curses, dragon hoardes and zombies, rather than original creations. Isles of Terra and the Xeen games featured a more distinct environment, blending fantasy and science fiction elements in a unique way.

Plot[edit]

Although most of the gameplay reflects a distinctly fantasy genre, the overarching plot of the series has something of a science fiction background. The series is set in an alternate universe where planets are overseen by powerful beings known as Ancients. In each of the games, a party of characters fights monsters and completes quests on one of these planets, until they eventually become involved in the affairs of the Ancients. References to Star Trek (some quite overt) could indicate that the "Ancients" may in fact be humanity in the far future.

The first five games in the series concern a renegade planetary guardian named Sheltem who has a penchant for throwing planets into their suns. Sheltem establishes himself on a series of flat worlds (which are implied to be giant spaceships) and Corak, thought to be a representative of the Ancients, with the assistance of the player characters, sees him off each time. Eventually both Corak and Sheltem are destroyed in a climactic battle on Xeen.

The sixth, seventh and eighth games take place on a single planet ruled by the Ironfist dynasty, and chronicle the events and aftermath of an invasion of the Kreegan, the arch-enemies of the Ancients. It is also revealed that the destruction wrought by the Ancients' wars with the Kreegan may be why the worlds of Might & Magic exist as medieval fantasy settings despite being created by futuristic technology: the worlds have been 'cut off' from the Ancients and descended into barbarism. The Heroes of Might and Magic series traces the fortunes of the Ironfists in more detail, though none of the sci-fi elements appear in the Heroes series.

Games[edit]

Main series[edit]

Spin-offs[edit]

Heroes of Might and Magic[edit]

Heroes of Might and Magic is a series of strategy games that began in 1995.

Action / Role-playing games[edit]

Other games[edit]

Collections[edit]

view · edit
Might and Magic series

Subcategories

This category has only the following subcategory.

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