Story wise, is it better to begin with MM3 before playing MM4&5? I thought I read somewhere that MM3 was kind of a prequel? But maybe I'm thinking of something else?

Is there any other reason to begin with MM3 before MM4&5?

They have different stories. You don't need to know anything from MM3 in order to play MM4+5.

A reason to play MM3 first is that it is the older game. MM4+5 do have slight engine improvements, if you play MM3 after MM4+5 you might feel uncomfortable about a few interface things which aren't there anymore.

You should play MM3 anyway, it's a masterpiece and even better than MM4+5 imho. If it's not too difficult for you start with it.

Thanks kmonster, that is really helpful. If you don't mind me asking, what about MM3 makes it so good in your opinion? What does it do better than MM4&5?

I played MM 3, 4 and 5 at the time when they were released. While MM 3 is my favorite from the series, I think nostalgia plays a role for my judgement.

MM3 is harder then 4 and 5, I remember being constantly killed by the rats and acid monsters in the first town. It also features more challenging riddles.

The use of the swimming or mountaineering skill became much more important, so that the party could escape a horde of monsters and kill them off from afar. Also, you can hire NPCs (if for instance your party lacks a druid that can cast walk on water).

Finally, the whole design of the Isles of Terra appealed more to me than the Xeen worlds.

However, all 3 games are brilliant and you should play them all. :)

MM3 has better riddle, quest and world design than MM4. Hirelings and Corak's notes aren't in the sequel. I also like the graphic style, monster design and challenge more. For me MM3>MM5>MM4 (although MM4 is still a great game).

Sounds good. It looks like I will start with MM3. Looking at it I love it already. It reminds me of Phantasy Star I in a lot of ways (the graphics, view, sound, music). I don't really get the manual though. Is it suppose to be just a narrative? Where do I find out how to actually play? I mean, most of it makes intuitive sense given I've played many RPG's before, but some parts I am uneasy on.

Some spoiler-free quick tips (so you don't have to learn the hard way):

1. The default party is fine, if you decide to make your own, be sure to have at least one sorcerer, cleric and either thief or ninja.

2. Get bows for everyone in the party that can use them as one of your first steps in the game. You will have unlimited arrows and you can effectively damage enemies before they can even touch you.

3. You can get temporary stat increases by giving donations in the temple, at lower levels these donations are just a few coins. Use this to gain the upper hand for tough battles.

4. To level up, you need to gain EXP as well as visiting a trainer and paying him.

5. Get the light spell for your sorcerer before you travel into dungeons.

6. A good way to get EXP is to destroy enemy outposts, they are just outside of the first town, I would get everyone in the party blessed in the temple before heading out to do this, though.

As far as the story is concerned, it will unfold early enough, just try to venture out and discover the other cities. I also really enjoyed Phantasy Star 4, one of the best 16 Bit RPGs.
MM3 is also not pure fantasy, but it will take a long time to reach this part.

Nope, but get ready to spend some serious time if you play World of Xeen, that essentially MM 4&5 merged into one gigantic world. I cannot believe no one has ever done that again, talk about bang for your buck.

Most of the manual is narrative and can be ignored, just read the sections about gameplay and controls.
If you don't like manuals here's what you have to know about party creation:

You need:

- at least one sorcerer or archer to cast sorcerer spells
- at least one cleric or paladin to cast cleric spells
- at least one druid or ranger to cast druid spells
- at least one robber or ninja to open chests and disarm traps

also recommended is

- a barbarian for melee attack power
- a paladin or knight to be able to use any weapon and armor

If you want a quick start you can take the pregenerated party and replace the knight or paladin or cleric with a ranger or druid for being able to cast all spells without having to hire NPCs.
You can also replace the gnome robber with a dwarf robber or ninja since dwarves get both a little more HP and thieving bonus.

Thanks again kmonster and notandor, you have been very helpful!