Gameplay-wise, the most important addition is that now enemies are now actual entities roaming the map, rather than just being random encounters that spawn out of nowhere. You can see them from a distance and even engage in ranged combat; sometimes this is essential to defeat certain enemies with the ability to kill party members in one blow, but it can prove to be deadly against enemies such as dragons.

You start your adventure by creating a party of six characters, choosing between five races and ten classes. You can also hire two NPCs, who will ask for daily wages to accompany you. Isles of Terra features many new skills and equipment pieces (which now have durability), plus a new realm of Nature magic, expanding upon the series' character system.

Once ready, your party sets off to fight against Sheltem, your antagonist in previous titles, who must now be defeated in his own homeworld of Terra. The quest is very open and can be completed in different ways, which gives you a chance to leisurely explore a huge world full with secrets, riddles, tough challenges and good humour, plus the rapid and explosive power growth the series traditionally offers.

Exploration is another of the signature marks of the Might and Magic series, and one of the strongest points of Isles of Terra. Each location feels unique, monsters are extremely varied and constantly present different challenges that you can't just defeat by brute force. Despite the massive power inflation there seems to always be a good item upgrade to be found that makes you smile greedily – which you'll certainly need, because the game is very tough.

This balance between rewarding your curiosity and punishing your carelessness is where Isles of Terra excels, maybe offering the most satisfying exploration in the whole series.