DESCRIPTION

In New World Computing's Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer, you lead a party of up to five characters in a quest to rid the world of the havoc and mayhem caused by this cataclysmic event by finding the source of the devastation and closing the four gateways. Unlike earlier episodes in the series, you'll only create one character, selecting from seven possible classes: Necromancer, Cleric, Knight, Troll, Minotaur, Dark Elf, and Vampire. As your adventures continue, you'll fill out your party of five by hiring NPCs at various inns throughout the land, or by hiring those who offer to join you as you wander the land.

Characters can be promoted to a second level of efficiency, such as Lich from Necromancer or Champion from Knight, with evolving skills (normal, expert, master and grandmaster levels) and attributes (might, endurance, intellect, personality, accuracy, speed and luck). There are a dozen secondary skills available in addition to the basic nine magic skills, and 11 combat skills. Resistance levels (defensive) and hit points also vary from class to class. An eighth class eventually becomes available, a Dragon, but not as a starting character.

As in Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor, the game offers support for 3D acceleration and features a number of improvements in control and gameplay. Examples include automatic notes on teacher locations and automatic building and locale naming on maps (with the capability to mark special locations and enter comments). Turn-based or real-time combat is still an optional choice with limited movement allowed while in turn-based mode. The interface is point-and-click with significant keyboard shortcut controls.

~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide