Might and Magic: Book One – The Secret of the Inner Sanctum (1986)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Might and Magic: Book One – The Secret of the Inner Sanctum (1986)

Introduction

Might and Magic: Book One – The Secret of the Inner Sanctum is a groundbreaking role-playing game released in 1986 for the Apple II, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS. Developed by New World Computing, it is the first installment in the Might and Magic series, which has since become one of the most beloved and influential RPG franchises of all time.

Gameplay

Might and Magic: Book One is a dungeon crawl RPG in which the player controls a party of up to six adventurers as they explore a vast and dangerous world. The game features a turn-based combat system, in which the player’s party takes turns attacking the enemy party. Players can choose from a variety of character classes, each with their own unique abilities and spells.

The game world is divided into a series of dungeons and towns. Dungeons are filled with monsters and traps, and players must carefully navigate them in order to find treasure and experience. Towns provide a place for players to rest, buy supplies, and recruit new party members.

Story

The story of Might and Magic: Book One begins in the town of Sorpigal. The player’s party is hired by Lord Markham to investigate the disappearance of his daughter, Almaria. The party soon discovers that Almaria has been kidnapped by the evil sorcerer, Sheltem.

The party sets out on a quest to rescue Almaria and defeat Sheltem. Along the way, they will travel through a variety of dungeons and towns, and face many challenges. But with courage and determination, they will eventually reach the Inner Sanctum and confront Sheltem in a final showdown.

Legacy

Might and Magic: Book One was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish New World Computing as a major force in the RPG genre. The game’s innovative gameplay, detailed world, and engaging story have made it a classic of the genre.

The Might and Magic series has continued to grow and evolve over the years, with new installments being released on a variety of platforms. However, Book One remains a fan favorite, and it is still considered one of the best RPGs ever made.

Review

Might and Magic: Book One is a timeless classic that deserves its place among the greatest RPGs of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay, detailed world, and engaging story have stood the test of time, and it remains a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Score: 9/10

Pros:

  • Innovative gameplay
  • Detailed world
  • Engaging story
  • Challenging combat
  • Variety of character classes

Cons:

  • Graphics are dated by today’s standards
  • Can be difficult for new players
  • Some of the puzzles are obscure

Overall

Might and Magic: Book One is a must-play for any fan of RPGs. The game’s innovative gameplay, detailed world, and engaging story have made it a classic of the genre. While the graphics may be dated by today’s standards, the game’s core gameplay is still as fun and challenging as ever.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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