3DO has announced that Might and Magic IX, the latest installment in the long-running Might and Magic role-playing game series, has shipped and will soon arrive in stores. The game improves on its predecessors with a new conversation system, smarter enemies, improved magic and skill systems, and 3D graphics powered by the LithTech engine.

　　In the game, players will assume control of a party of adventurers in a medieval fantasy world made up of 10 huge regions to explore. The game contains an epic campaign in which players are charged with uniting six clans to defend their homeland against a massive invasion. The storyline will take players on more than 65 quests, during which they will encounter more than 100 new monsters.

　　3DO has also launched a new official Web site for the game. The new site contains information about the game's story, features, characters, and skills, as well as a gallery of screenshots and downloadable wallpaper images. In addition, the site contains a brief history of the popular Might and Magic series, which has sold more than 5 million units since the release of the first game in 1984.

　　Might and Magic IX was developed by New World Computing, the studio that created the previous games in the series, and it will soon be available in stores for an approximate retail price of $39.99. For more information, take a look at our previous coverage of the game and visit the new official Might and Magic IX Web site.