Wizardry 8: not compelled to do anything

[Pr. Mandrake]

Back in grad school, Wizardry VI was completed. Twice actually, because
of the two endings. Recently built a party in Wizardry VI and brought it
through Wizardry VII to Wizardry VIII. However, with the bad rumors
surrounding this game - they fired D.W. Bradley, the mastermind behind
many of the titles - during production. What it is is that grinding is
required. It's not that but the wild sigma in the available terrain. Can be
accosted by simpletons or crimson poppies where the entire party falls
asleep in combat. Let's just say, level 7 adventurers, even the powerful
party created here meeting four crimson poppies is a sure morale
destroyer. The game just feels hollow, like it's got no soul. Only one
bug has been found to this day, but that's not the spirit being sought.
The characters aren't engaging, and Vi Domina doesn't look as
attractive as she did in Wizardry VII. All the characters look like they
need to cut down on their park life. Miles the thief is the exception.
He looks fairly normal. A Gadgeteer is a master engineer and his
finest weapon is - a jack in the box. Change my mind.

[Pr. Mandrake]

The party took out 4 crimson poppies. The secret is to range attack
them to weaken and stay out of distance of sleep pollen. Next move in
and destroy the weak one then get the rest. Often have to achieve teh