The most challenging party combinations?

[Apeman]

I just finished my MMVIII Troll, Troll, Cleric, Troll, Troll party thinking it would bring me at least a challenge this time. How wrong was I, with 20 points grandmaster mace and 20 points grandmaster bodybuilding I had over 1500hp and 20% paralyze on each hit.

Now I Learned from my all monk party in MMVII where I didn't stand a chance against monsters with death, paralyze or stone attacks, I needed that cleric otherwise the game isn't fun anymore getting stoned etc and walking back to a temple. But this MMVIII party is just overkill!

So in your opinion what are the most challenging party combinations for each might and magic game (not including mmI-V)

oh, what does the stun ability do on staffs and maces? creatures fight quite as hard when stunned.

[Logan Warbringer]

I think the most challenging is all-mages party:) One cleric is needed nevertheless, but all 4 others can be Necromancers or Dark Elves with focus on Dark Elf Ability and Fire Magic:) It won't be an easy game at all (especially when fighting strong elementals in the planes). The scheme is a starting character + either four of the following: Frederick Talimere, Devlin Arcanus, Nathaniel Roberts, Carranya Memoria, Rohani Oscleton (Cauri is too strong and has instant 50th level when rescued, so it won't be a challenge at all if you take her).

[Apeman]

I don't know about an all mages party, I had the easiest time in MMVI with my druid, sorcerer, sorcerer, druid party, which laid waste to anyone (sparks and shrapmetal)

IMO might is weaker in a MM game.

[Ethric]

Seems to me that mage-types are puny at first and can be hard to keep alive, but later on they're weapons of mass kaboom

Like in many other rpg-type games.

[Gaidal Cain]

Liches are great in the Elemental planes. Souldrinker is a marvellous spell.

[Bandobras Took]

As you yourself have said, the most challenging party in VII or VIII is one that does not have access to protection from magic. It's also no fun.

So . . .

MMVII: Ranger/Paladin/Monk/Thief

You'll get Protection From Magic, but only with your second Paladin promotion. You've got no access to Invisibility or Fly, and the promotion quests are brutal for at least half your party members no matter which side you choose.

MMVIII: Vampire/Minotaur/Troll

Given that you do have the option of soloing, which is the most challenging of itself, this one does give you access to Protection from Magic if you complete the Vampire Promotion quest, but the Cyclops Larder is a definite pain in the tail if you don't have Protection from Magic. Likewise, you won't be promoting your Troll without Protection from Magic or an excellent job running.

[Ethric]

Tried a solo Vampie in MMVIII. Gave up a bit into the Regna-bit, just couldn't keep up decent damage. Feel like trying again though. Tried solo Necromancer too but that's just too easy But fun.

[Apeman]

When you solo in VII thus killing off three characters, will the experience be divided between four or one? Same question for MMVIII.

[Mamoru-kun]

Has anyone ever tried what they do in PS2 RPG games? Playing all along with all your characters, using every scrolls/potions/weapons/armors you find...but without increasing levels/stats/promotions/whatever, at all. Well it's been too long I haven't played MM6-7-8, so I'm not sure it's possible to avoid having level/stats up, but avoiding any promotion could be interesting :-)

[Stormz30000]

When you solo in VII thus killing off three characters, will the experience be divided between four or one? Same question for MMVIII.

Unfortunately, 4. I wish someone would make a mod to fix that...

[arturchix]

The most challenging game I've ever played is finishing the game with a solo knight on level 0.

[motter28218]

The most challenging game I've ever played is finishing the game with a solo knight on level 0.

That'd I'd like to see. Frankly how is it possible?

[arturchix]

Whoops, my mistake, it was in MM6 - it's been a time since I've played any M&M game, not even speaking about hardcore modes. I completed MM8 solo with a troll and minotaur - here's a related topic.

viewtopic.php?t=622

[Variol]

Hmm, let's see..

MM7: I would say say 4 Rangers a re a challenge, 'cos they suck at everything. At least you'll know exactly what's kicking your ass, with their ID monster skill.
I always take the same 4 classes in MM7.

MM6: ..is hard to say, since the classes master everything they can learn.

MM8: The most fun of all, 'cos you can solo. Now, that's not the toughest way to go. Solo characters get all the exp and the benefit of the many barrels in the game.
I think the Vampire was the hardest I have played solo. The Dark Elf I have now is good and she does not have "any" elemental magics.
The Troll was fun and easy:
The Knight was also a lot of fun:
Lich does an insane amount of damage with dark spells:
Cleric was a little tough and I got bored with him:
Minotaur mostly sucked (I know I'll get the beat down for this).

[Xfing]

I once completed MM8 solo with a Lich. Called him Unbeliever, when I was done with him he was eligible to train to level 225. That was damn fun.

As for MM7, the party I'm using now is pretty damn hard. Paladin/Archer/Ranger/Druid. And the Lincoln is kicking my ass mercilessly.

[Tress]

Lincoln is though place due to insta gib, but just to trivialize things up, I suggest(if your on light side) you just spam paralysis before they can frag you(unlike mm6 archer/pala can get low level light/dark).

[tolich]

As for MM7, the party I'm using now is pretty damn hard. Paladin/Archer/Ranger/Druid. And the Lincoln is kicking my ass mercilessly.

Haven't found some Lloyd's Beacon scrolls?

[Macros the Black]

When I was on my solo Ranger playthrough I just ran through the Lincoln. It's doable if you know where you need to go.

Also, for full parties I'd say:

MM6: 4x Knights
MM7: 4x Monks/Thieves
MM8: Don't remember how many NPC's there are of each class, so dunno what parties are possible.

Solo:

MM6: Knight
MM7: Monk/Thief
MM8: I'm guessing Minotaur. I tried to solo him and just gave up in Ravenshore. But that was also because it wasn't very fun - no identification at all.