Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven

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Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven

Developer(s)	New World Computing
Publisher(s)	3DO
Release date(s)	1998
Genre(s)	Computer role-playing game
Mode(s)	Single player
Rating(s)	ESRB: T (Teen) USK: 12+ OFLC: M15+
Platform(s)	Microsoft Windows
System requirements	16 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM drive, DirectX 5.0, Windows 95
Input	Keyboard, mouse

Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven is a role-playing game developed by New World Computing and published by 3DO in 1998. It is the sixth installment in the Might and Magic series.

1 Gameplay
2 Plot
3 Sequels
4 External links

[edit] Gameplay

The player takes control of four adventurers and starting with the lowest attributes, guides them to be mighty heroes to save the fictional land of Enroth. Might and Magic VI effectively re-launched the Might and Magic RPG franchise, which had not seen a new title since Might and Magic V: Darkside of Xeen was released five years prior.

Might and Magic VI allows the player full roam over the terrain, as opposed to the grid-based maps of the previous titles. Battles can be conducted either in real time or in a turn-based mode, where the player can take time determining what enemies to attack or what spells to cast. However, the player's movement is severely limited in turn-based mode. As in the rest of the series, all action is shown through the eyes of the party.

The characters improve in ability using a mix of class-based and skill-based systems. Upon party creation, the player chooses classes for each character, which determines their abilities. As characters gain experience and advance in levels, they accrue skill points which make them more powerful in their fields of expertise.

The magic system in MM6 is unique within the series in that most of the more powerful spells are already available to low-level players. In earlier games more powerful spells become available as characters attain higher levels. In later games the more restrictive skill point system prevents characters from learning powerful spells until they have completed the necessary promotion quests. MM6 players can choose to concentrate their skill points on spellcasting skills, and, providing that they can gather enough money to learn them, can begin casting the biggest spells at relatively low character levels.

The skill point system also affords the player an abnormal degree of liberty. While most weapon, armour and magic skills are restricted to certain character classes, characters' advancement in their learned skills is not restricted by class: an archer, for example, can become no less skilled at using a sword than a knight can. Also many adventuring skills, such as Repair and Merchant, are fully available to all classes. The skill system was made considerably more restrictive in later sequels.

While its role-playing side is very hollow; the character development system, non-linear plot, critically acclaimed musical score and the adoption of a fairly modern (for 1998) graphics engine made the game quickly popular amongst role-playing fans.^{[citation needed]}

This game has a GameSpot score of 9.1.

[edit] Plot

With the problem of Sheltem finally dealt with (see Might and Magic 1 - 5), the ancient war between the Ancients and Kreegans spills over into nearby planets. One of these is the planet on which the continent nation of Enroth lies. The king of Enroth has gone missing and his "Mandate of Heaven" is thought to be gone. There is a strange invasion of devils and a new band of adventurers must rise to the challenge and save Enroth from the demon invasion.

The four player characters come from the town of Sweet Water, which was attacked and overwhelmed by the demons. Falagar, a magician, intervened and saved the characters, teleporting them to safety in the distant town of New Sorpigal. From there the heroes gain experience and skills until eventually they are ready to take on the demons and restore the Mandate of Heaven.

[edit] Sequels

The sequel to this game is Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor, also developed by New World Computing and published by 3DO. This was followed by two further sequels.