Somehow I've never played any of the M&M games, due to the recent sale I have them all :) I did play all the HOMM games, so I thought I'd start with M&M6 as this one is I think the first one tied to HOMM. Does anybody have a different recommendation? It has to have turn based combat (preferably good) :)

All of the Might and Magic games are very good. If you can live with some old-school graphics and gameplay I would start with MM3. Together is with part 4 and 5 it is among the best RPGs I've ever played. If you are in the mood for something really old-school (including drawing of your own maps), you could even start with the first part of the series. I've recently completed it and for a nearly 30-year-old game it still plays very well.

But if you want something more modern, your decision to start with part 6 is completely right, It's a fantastic game and you don't need any knowledge from the former games as the story isn't connected to them.

I can tolerate old school graphics, but drawing my own map... no :) Would you say that 3 is better than 6? If yes, in what respect? How about tactical challenges in combat? is there any part that outshines the rest in this respect?

As regards the graphics engine, 3, 4, 5 belong to one group, and 6, 7, 8 and 9 to the other. The first group is square-based movement (only 4 directions), strictly turn-based. It's also more goofy and cartoonish, but combat is very satisfying. The second group is in full 3D with nearly absolute freedom of movement, including flying. The combat can be switched betwee real-time and turn-based at the push of a button at any time, so that real-time plays like an FPS, and turn-based is more tactical.

Personally I like MM7 the best, followed closely by MM4&5.

Thanks! Two questions - is there any way in 6-8 to default to turn based combat? also I'm a bit worried by it, is it the same as combat in previous games or is it just a real time combat with turns stuck on top of it?

I know it can be subjective, but in what ways does MM7 stand out?

It does seem a bit forced and unnatural compared to the true turn-based installments of the series, but it does work. Quite well, IMO. You can use real-time against easy trash mobs so that you don't waste too much time on them (this is a problem Wizardry 8 has), and use the turn-based mode against more powerful enemies so that you have more time to select spells, heal characters, use items etc. For me personally the story was more involving, as the entire first half of the game revolves around securing your own castle and reaching an agreement with the two warring states bordering your lands. Much more immersing than the saving-the-world nonsense, which is what the second half is mostly about. Also, I've read that the dungeons in MM6 are ridiculously large and filled with enemies to the brim so that going through them is a boring slog. MM7's dungeons are still a slog, but are more bearable because they're much smaller, albeit with a worse design. Another major reason: ARCOMAGE! Once you try this minigame, you'll become addicted to it. ;)

MM4&5 are very creative, but I find them a bit too silly/campy at some points, and the story is very rudimentary.

They were definitely published, if not together, with each other in mind. In MM4 (Cloudside) there are teleporters that can transport you into MM5 (Darkside) without limitations, so that you can jump between MM4 and MM5 at will - like it's a single giant game. But I still treat them as two separate games because I first complete the Cloudside, and only then go to the Darkside for the first time. Going to MM5 too soon will ruin your experience with MM4 because even the earliest quests give you massive amounts of XP. Still, it's a neat and unique feature that the developers came up with.

Oh, and although each game has its separate plotline, there's the final overarching quest to join the two worlds, giving you access to a few hitherto inaccessible dungeons in MM4.

wow, that's a really interesting and unique concept... personally I prefer to finish something before moving on, but having the ability to do so may be very interesting :)

Here is a fun fact: These games weren't really called 4 and 5. In the game it only says Might and Magic: Clouds of Xeen and Might and Magic: Darkside of Xeen.

Anyway, you can think of it as one being Icewind Dale, and the other Heart of Winter expansion, with the difference that you can travel more freely between them, and after completing both, there is an extra quest that will take you back and forth between the worlds to complete.

Anyway, you might want to finish Clouds of Xeen completely before moving to Darkside. Otherwise, if you play Darkside the tons of XP there (in the initial area there are lots of easy xp) will make Clouds seem way too easy.

Either Might and Magic World Of Xeen, or Might and Magic VII.

I'd say that Might and Magic IV is a better starting point than III. While they share engine, the third game is still lacking some fine tuning, notably the mini map which isn't in the top right corner of the screen like in the fourth and fifth game. Also, the third game has plenty of guide-dang-it moments (I'm looking at you, unnatural aging) whereas the fourth game is much easier in that respect.

As for Might and Magic VII, it's quite simply the peak of the series, although at this point, the series has accumulated a whole lot of baggages in term of plot: the plot of Might and Magic VI, VII and VIII is intertwined with the plot of Heroes Of Might and Magic II and III and some events in the first five Might and Magic games get referenced too. It's been a very long time since I've played it and I don't remember if the plot of Might and Magic VII is enjoyable on its own, someone else can surely help you there.

Might and Magic VII !!!

It was my first MM game and I can recommend it for start. MM7 has really nice tutorial, fun plot and all great "MM style" details you need :) It is considered as one of easiest part, so it may be good point too. You won't regret this experience, pick MM7 and have fun with the others later. Because I guarantee that when you finish, you will want more and more :)

Have a nice day!