This mod is a lot of fun. Watch out for mageguards and duskwalker shamans in the early game, as they like to summon monsters behind you. Some of the summoned monsters can also summon monsters.
Since there are more enemy parties with magic users, and eye for an eye is common, you will have to adjust strategy to deal with them. That is the best thing about this mod: it forces you to rethink your playing style. To compensate, DS lowered the level on many spells, and built a bunch of enchanted weapons.
There are more long battles. I actually enjoy the large monster and allies set battles. You often have to bail out allies, and sometimes they save you. I like to end combat with as many allies alive as possible. Healing potions and resurrection powders take on a new importance.
I have played through the first Umpani and Trang encounters,killed the Ratts in Trynton, and got Cierdan's weapons. There are good axes, daggers, swords, and maces so far, but a limited amount of good spears and staves. If you are running a Valkyrie, you should start her as an alchemist.
Combat is definitely more challenging. The bad guys are tougher, and there are more of them. On the other hand, walking the roads is easier because there are allies available.
All in all, this is almost as much fun as the first time I played Wizardy 8.
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