The "Might And Magic" series has always been one of the definitive computer RPGs, and New World Computing hit their apex with the well designed sixth itteration of their hit series, in Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven.

Following where the last game left off, which was "Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Price Of Loyalty" You embark on a well told tale of, strangely enough, might and magic.

You get to manage 4 PCs and 2 Helpers NPCs navigate through a first person world loaded with NPCs, Baddies, Towns, and Dungeons. The game features two engines, one for rendering the outdoors, and one for the insides of buildings and other dungeons.

As far as the visuals go, there are hundreds of different characters to see and interact with, and tons of different locations. While they may all be slightly pixellated, there is enough variety to make up for the slightly dated graphics engine. A cool feature unique to MM6 is the character portraits - they're lifelike and realistic, as if paintings done by a great artist, or even snapshots with a still camera. This helps immerse you in the experience, making you beleive things are more real than they actually are.

The inventory system makes a lot of sense, and is also nice and old fashioned. You can lug around a good deal of stuff, and easily drag it over to the paperdoll and equip it onto your character. Within the invintory, it is also possible for you to mix potions to create special attribute bonuses that help you on your journey.

speaking of your journey, while there is a great story backing what you are doing, you will find that most of the time you spend playing the game is limited to seek and destroy or fetch and carry type missions, which can become very redundant. You do have the choice of which missions you embark upon, but for the most experience points, you'll need to go through lots of sidequests.

The experience system works very well in this game. As you gain levels, you can visit training camps around the world to increase your level. To learn skills, you need to purchase them from guilds. Combining these two elements creates the impression that you are actually being trained in skills, rather then just developing them like in most RPGs.

The battle system is also well done, allowing both turn based and real time modes, depending on your personal preference.

the only major problem with the game is that NPCs are constantly getting in your way. It helps to create a vivid world, but after a while it just gets annoying.

All in all, MM6 is a solid game, with a good story, and a strong combat and experience system. If you're an RPG fan, this is a must own. If you're a casual player, its at least worth a peak.

unfortunately, as 3D0 is now defunct, it will be incredibly hard to find a copy around, but check those bargain bins, its a great game.