Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor vs The Black Onyx
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor is an open‑world classic CRPG that lets you switch between real‑time and turn‑based combat, offering a rich fantasy setting on the continent of Antagarich. Build a party of four, choose from four races and nine base classes, then promote them through a complex hierarchy to reach one of 18 end‑game classes. The game features a compelling political storyline, memorable locations, a soundtrack, and the addictive Arcomage card mini‑game, delivering over a hundred hours of adventure for single‑player fans of deep role‑playing experiences.
The Black Onyx is a retro role‑playing game originally developed by Bullet‑Proof Software in the early 1980s. It brings turn‑based combat and pixel‑art exploration to modern PC players, preserving the charm of its original SG‑1000 and MSX releases. Despite its age, the game offers a deep fantasy narrative and strategic gameplay that still appeals to fans of classic RPGs. Its single‑player focus lets you immerse yourself in a quest to uncover the secrets of the titular black onyx.
- Rich class promotion system with 36 variations
- Open world exploration with diverse locations
- Both real‑time and turn‑based combat options
- Includes the popular Arcomage card mini‑game
- Authentic 1980s graphics and sound
- Deep turn‑based combat system
- Rich fantasy storyline
- Single‑player focus ensures immersive experience
- Aging graphics may feel dated to modern players
- Combat can be unforgiving for newcomers
- Limited UI modernization and quality‑of‑life features
- Limited color palette compared to modern games
- No save‑anywhere feature; relies on old‑style checkpoints
- Sparse documentation for modern players
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMight and Magic VII offers a richer, modernized experience with dual combat modes and extensive content, while The Black Onyx delivers a nostalgic, pure turn‑based RPG with 1980s aesthetics.
Key differences
- •Combat system: MMVII lets you switch between real‑time and turn‑based; The Black Onyx is strictly turn‑based.
- •Content volume: MMVII provides over 100 hours of gameplay, 36 class promotions, open world; The Black Onyx has a single quest line with randomized encounters.
- •Graphics & audio: MMVII uses 1999‑era 3D graphics (dated but higher fidelity); The Black Onyx uses 1980s pixel graphics and synthesized sound.
- •Mini‑games: MMVII includes the Arcomage card mini‑game; The Black Onyx has no mini‑games.
- •Release era and tech: MMVII runs on modern PCs with some UI limits; The Black Onyx relies on emulation for modern OS compatibility.
Gameplay & fun factor
MMVII offers dual combat modes, class promotion tree, open world, and a mini‑game, increasing variety.
Platform availability
The Black Onyx explicitly supports modern OS via emulation; MMVII’s platform details not provided.
Price & value
MMVII MSRP is $49.99; The Black Onyx price not specified, so value cannot be compared.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
MMVII boasts >100 hours, 36 class combos, open world; The Black Onyx has a single quest with random encounters.
Difficulty & accessibility
The Black Onyx’s turn‑based combat is strategic and less punishing than MMVII’s unforgiving combat for newcomers.
Graphics & performance
The Black Onyx’s 1980s pixel art runs easily on modern hardware; MMVII’s 1999 graphics may feel dated and lack UI upgrades.
Choose Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor if…
Players who want deep class options, open‑world exploration, and flexible combat.
Choose The Black Onyx if…
Players seeking a pure retro turn‑based RPG with low system requirements.
Common questions
Which game has more gameplay hours?
Might and Magic VII offers over a hundred hours of content; The Black Onyx’s length is not specified.
Can I play The Black Onyx on a modern PC?
Yes, it includes a save system compatible with modern operating systems via emulation.
Does either game support multiplayer?
Both are single‑player only.