New World's New World

Last week we had the opportunity to check out the new products that are pending in both of the Might and Magic and the Heroes of Might and Magic series. Here is the third part of that report, featuring details on the future of the Might and Magic universe:

New World and 3DO also intend to expand the Might and Magic franchise into a couple of new lines of games. New World wasn't directly involved in the creation of the disappointing action-oriented spin-off Crusaders of Might and Magic, but the company will likely take a more active role in the creation of any sequel. Might and Magic Legends is a first-person-perspective, single-and-multiplayer, modular-based role-playing game that is scheduled to be released toward the end of 2000. Legends won't be as hard-core a role-playing game as the main titles in the Might and Magic series, but it will tie directly into the other Might and Magic games (in ways that we promised not to reveal just yet). Players will create a single character from six available classes and dynamically join up to 31 other players (a number which may be carved back to 16) in discrete quests or an ongoing campaign. New World anticipates using a matching service such as Microsoft's Gaming Zone or Mplayer to assist players in hooking up with other, would-be party members.

Look for a full preview of Might and Magic VIII in the near future, and stay tuned to GameSpot News for additional information on Might and Magic Legends.