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Might and Magic

From Alfawiki
Might and Magic
Company typeVideo game franchise
IndustryVideo games
Founded1986
FounderNew World Computing
FateAcquired by Ubisoft
SuccessorUbisoft (current owner)
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsRole-playing video games, spin-offs including Heroes of Might and Magic series
ParentThe 3DO Company (1996–2003)

Might and Magic constitutes a collection of role-playing video games rooted in the science fantasy genre, originally crafted by New World Computing, which became part of The 3DO Company in 1996. The franchise's initial run concluded following the shutdown of 3DO. Subsequently, Ubisoft purchased the Might and Magic intellectual property for US$1.3 million and revitalized the series, initiating a fresh continuity with titles such as Heroes of Might and Magic V and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, distinct from the original storyline.

Main series

Spin-offs

Prominent spin-off titles include the enduring Heroes of Might and Magic series as well as Crusaders of Might and Magic, Warriors of Might and Magic, Shifters of Might and Magic, Legends of Might and Magic, Might and Magic: Heroes Kingdoms, along with the community-developed Swords of Xeen.

In August 2003, following 3DO's bankruptcy, Ubisoft secured the rights to the Might and Magic franchise for US$1.3 million. Since then, Ubisoft has broadened the brand with new releases including Heroes V, developed by Nival, the action RPG Dark Messiah of Might and Magic from Arkane Studios, puzzle RPG Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes by Capybara Games, as well as the mobile strategy RPG Might & Magic: Elemental Guardians.

Gameplay

The franchise predominantly unfolds within medieval fantasy realms, with later installments weaving in science fiction elements as narrative surprises. Players manage a group consisting of diverse character archetypes from a first-person viewpoint. Early entries featured an interface reminiscent of Bard's Tale, while beginning with Might and Magic VI, environments transitioned to fully realized 3D graphics. Combat mechanics are turn-based initially but later titles offer optional real-time combat modes.

The game worlds are vast, delivering extensive playtime centered on battling traditional fantasy adversaries such as giant rats, werewolves, dragons, and zombies. Certain entries like Isles of Terra alongside the Xeen saga uniquely integrate elements from both fantasy and science fiction genres.

Replayability is strengthened through flexible party customization, skill progression systems, multiple quest paths, concealed secrets including easter eggs, and scalable difficulty settings.

Plot

Although the gameplay is largely rooted in fantasy, the initial nine titles of the Might and Magic series are set against a science fiction backdrop. The narrative takes place in a fictional galaxy within an alternate reality, where a dominant spacefaring civilization known as the Ancients governs various planets. This advanced race is responsible for the creation of humans, elves, dwarves, goblins, and other species. Players lead groups on missions across these worlds, ultimately becoming involved in the complex affairs of the Ancients, positioning Might and Magic as a prominent example of the science fantasy genre.

The series was developed under the direction of Jon Van Caneghem, who incorporated elements from both science fiction and fantasy genres. His creative inspirations included television programs such as The Twilight Zone and the Star Trek episode titled For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky.

The storyline of the first five installments centers on Sheltem, an android Guardian of Terra engineered by the Ancients who turns rogue. Corrupted, Sheltem disrupts their Great Experiment by annihilating multiple worlds. Players assist Corak, another Guardian, in tracking down Sheltem across various nacelle planets until their ultimate showdown on Xeen.

The sixth through eighth games take place on Enroth, a realm ruled by the Ironfist lineage, during an invasion by the Kreegan—malevolent entities opposed to the Ancients. This trilogy reveals that the medieval fantasy atmosphere of these worlds results from their isolation following conflicts with the Kreegan. The spin-off Heroes of Might and Magic series expands upon Ironfist dynasty lore but largely omits science fiction themes, except for Kreegan appearances in Heroes III and IV. Both Might and Magic IX and Heroes IV are set on Axeoth, a planet where refugees from Enroth resettle after its destruction in the Reckoning.

Following New World Computing's closure, Ubisoft introduced Might & Magic X: Legacy, which transitions to Ashan—a high fantasy setting first presented in Heroes of Might and Magic V. This world excludes any science fiction components. The original universe was revisited with the 2025 release of Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, a prequel located on Jadame, a continent on Enroth initially featured in Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer.

Reception

The Might and Magic franchise is regarded as one of the pioneering role-playing game series alongside titles such as The Bard's Tale, Ultima, and Wizardry. By March 1994, sales had reached 1 million copies, climbing to 2.5 million by November 1996 and achieving 4 million units sold by March 1999.

External links

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