Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: Amiga, Apple II, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac, MSX, PC-8800 Series, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Sharp X1, Sharp X68000, Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Iguana Entertainment, New World Computing
- Publishers: Electronic Arts, Elite Systems, StarCraft, Inc.
Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World (1988)
Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World is a role-playing game developed and published by New World Computing in 1988. It is the sequel to Might and Magic (1986) and the second game in the Might and Magic series.
The game takes place in the world of Cron, which is being threatened by the evil wizard Sheltem. The player controls a party of up to six adventurers who must travel across Cron and defeat Sheltem before he can destroy the world.
Might and Magic II is a classic RPG that features many of the elements that would become staples of the genre, such as turn-based combat, character classes, and a large world to explore. The game also features a number of innovative features, such as a time-travel system and a reputation system.
Gameplay
Might and Magic II is a turn-based RPG in which the player controls a party of up to six adventurers. The game world is divided into a number of different zones, each of which contains its own unique set of challenges and enemies.
The player’s party can travel across the world on foot, by boat, or by using a magical spell. As the party travels, they will encounter a variety of enemies, including goblins, orcs, and dragons. The player must use their party’s skills and abilities to defeat these enemies and progress through the game.
In addition to combat, the player must also manage their party’s resources, such as food, water, and money. The player must also make decisions about how to spend their experience points, which are earned by defeating enemies. Experience points can be used to improve the party’s skills and abilities.
Characters
There are six different character classes in Might and Magic II:
- Fighter: Fighters are skilled in melee combat. They can use a variety of weapons, including swords, axes, and maces.
- Paladin: Paladins are holy warriors who are skilled in both melee and ranged combat. They can also use healing spells.
- Ranger: Rangers are skilled in archery and survival. They can also use a variety of nature-based spells.
- Cleric: Clerics are holy healers who can use a variety of healing and support spells. They can also wear heavy armor.
- Mage: Mages are skilled in spellcasting. They can use a variety of spells, including fireballs, lightning bolts, and ice storms.
- Thief: Thieves are skilled in stealth and lockpicking. They can also use a variety of daggers and other weapons.
Each character class has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player must carefully consider the composition of their party when creating their characters.
Story
The story of Might and Magic II begins in the world of Cron, which is being threatened by the evil wizard Sheltem. Sheltem has stolen the Codex of Infinite Wisdom, a powerful artifact that can be used to destroy the world.
The player’s party is tasked with retrieving the Codex and defeating Sheltem. To do this, they must travel across Cron and gather a number of magical artifacts. The player’s party will also need to recruit a number of allies, including dwarves, elves, and dragons.
The story of Might and Magic II is full of twists and turns. The player’s party will face many challenges along the way, but they must never give up hope. If they can defeat Sheltem and retrieve the Codex, they will save the world of Cron.
Reception
Might and Magic II was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its large world, deep character system, and challenging combat. Might and Magic II is considered to be one of the greatest RPGs of all time.
Might and Magic II has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Apple II, Commodore 64, and IBM PC. The game is also available on GOG.com and Steam.
Legacy
Might and Magic II has had a significant impact on the RPG genre. The game’s large world, deep character system, and challenging combat have served as a model for many other RPGs. Might and Magic II is also credited with popularizing the use of time travel in RPGs.
The Might and Magic series is still going strong today. The latest game in the series, Might and Magic X: Legacy, was released in 2014.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
