The Beginning

So, how does it all start?

As should be with complex RPGs, the included manuals are good. 3D0 was kind enough to include an introductory guide to roleplaying., definitely worth a read if you've never played a roleplaying game before (computer or otherwise.) The main manual gives you spell descriptions, class ability tables and racial statistics. The only bit of information that I found missing was which character attributes are most important to each class.

Reading over the spells, you come to realize that while there are a lot of them, the spells per school of magic are quite few. Fortunately, while a sorcerer might only start out with 4 schools (at best, but this is not recommended since then he won't know how to use weapons or armor), he can learn more.

There is a short update on the situation in the world at the beginning of the manual, but other than that, nothing to really immerse you in the game atmosphere. It's definitely a utilitarian piece of writing, no flash and straight to the point. For those expecting a map like in MM6, it's on a foldout included with the game, with ads for 3DO's High Heat Baseball, Heroes of Might and Magic, and Requiem plastered on the back. We missed this completely at first, but a number of readers have written in with the notice.

Party creation menu

The Game Setting

Might and Magic VII has you start off in an easter egg hunt, of all things. The prize is the land of Harmondale, centered around its castle (of the same name.) Obviously, you have to win for the story to continue. Without giving away too much, I can say that your foe is an old enemy - he once led the Necromancer's Guild, and does so once again. For those who haven't played previous games, don't worry, you won't be lost at all. The game is very stand-alone.

Talk screen - initial guide

The world is suffering from a bit of a cold war between humans and elves. Relations have cooled considerably, and while there are no hostilities, it provides a bit of atmosphere to your situation. See, not only have you won a prize that needs some work (no spoilers =), that prize is also smack dab between a human and elven nation.