I own Master Of Magic Classic here at GOG.

And for the second time, I have received a special redeem discount email for that game and its DLC and the newer version.

Now this should be a straightforward thing to deal with, but I've found it isn't.

The Caster Of Magic DLC, is claimed by many in reviews, to already be part of Master Of Magic Classic.
So why does that DLC even exist?
Was there a version of Master Of Magic at GOG, prior to the Classic version, that doesn't have that DLC builtin?
But if so, then why are folk being asked to pay for it? Shouldn't it be just part of an update?

And as for Caster Of Magic for Windows DLC, some even claim that is part of Master Of Magic Classic, though at least some claim it isn't.

Once again though, I don't understand why it isn't free or at least very cheap normally? Plus I am not sure I really understand the benefit, as Master Of Magic Classic should be optimized to play on Windows anyway.

I also get the impression that both DLC were some kind of community project and bugfix? So why are we being asked to pay?

If one or both were just a couple of Aussie dollars, then I'd probably just grab them, but as they are asking for more, especially without the discount, I am reluctant to part with any money for a cash grab.

I'd like a very clear response to my questions, that gives me full understanding.

I also own "MoM Classic" here on GOG.
What I don't own, is "CoM" or "CoM(Win)".
So - if you don't have any of these sitting as DLCs in your download section either, I would say it's pretty safe to assume, that they are not part of "MoM Classic".

Okay, so. That one is Slithine's fault for very poorly chosen title clarity.

Master of Magic was on GOG by itself, sort of in a rights limbo but still legally sold because someone was getting paid. This is now Classic.

Caster of Magic is indeed the effort to make ghost flying war bears more balanced. It's basically an official expansion pack made some 25 years later.

And then they made a Windows port, which probably runs on SDL. Shrug.

Next is Master of Magic (2022), the somewhat chided attempt to reinvent/recapture the literal magic of the original game.

Ok, so I spent some time on your "problem".

And I found this: https://www.gog.com/forum/general/master_of_magic_gets_an_update_and_new_dlc_from_slitherine_79807
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Quote:
"The classic strategy game receives a new version with fresh features and visuals. Master of Magic (= the 2020 version) is now available on GOG.COM in a completely updated version.

Also, you can now acquire a Master of Magic: Caster of Magic DLC that further expands the game’s universe and the community options.

Note: the classic version of the game will be added as a freebie to every Master of Magic purchase."
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That's most probably where the "the 'CoM' DLCs are part of 'MoM Classic'" confusion stems from.

People simply misremember, what got added to where.

And instead of the 'CoM'-DLCs being added for free to 'MoM Classic' (which is what people THINK they remember!), the old game ('MoM Classic') got added to your account for free, if you purchased the new game ('MoM' (2020)).

Well at least a couple of the reviews talk about about a button in MOM Classic that lets you play COM. These are the reviews that say it is already included. There is also another button that shows an advert for the new version.

I haven't installed and played the game. Have you? I don't own the new version, so while what you are saying is possible, I'm not real confident about that possibility for those folk.

Anyway, thanks a lot for the help and doing your investigation.

Looking at my library entry for the game, it kind of shows I have two versions of Master Of Magic Classic.

So I am guessing the one in Extras is the original version of the game. The newer or updated version should be called something else ... Master Of Magic Classic Enhanced or somesuch ... and now they have the new version that isn't Classic.

Having them both called the same thing doesn't help matters. Thanks for that info. I kind of guessed it was something like that.

And while I feel fairly certain I don't have the Windows port of Caster of Magic, I still remain unsure about the other DLC.

Master of Magic Classic does not come with Castor of Magic. It is a separate DLC. MoMClassic comes in two flavors. The main offline installers are for MoMClassic with the community/fan update/patch applied. In the Extras section of that same game are installers for the English, French, German, etc versions of the game without the community update (unaltered originals). Then, we have Castor of Magic for Windows (no need for DOSbox). It is a standalone title, or basically a remaster of the original plus the DLC. However, it can't be purchased without owning MoMClassic.

So to recap.....MomClassic has installers for the community patch and the unaltered version in the extras section. One can purchase Castor of Magic DLC for it separately. Then, we have Castor of Magic Windows. This is a standalone game with native Windows support without the need for DOSbox. However...in order to purchase this standalone...one must still purchase or own the original MoMClassic which is ridiculous. In other words...even if you own Castor of Magic DLC for Classic.........you are still being made to purchase Castor of Magic Windows (standalone) if you want native windows support. Kinda a slap in the face to those who already own it.

Thanks very much for the supportive information. Ok, thanks a lot, that clinched it for me.

Now I will just have to remember all that for next time they are offered with a discount.

I missed the window with the Redeem email discount, but had already decided that if I was having to buy both DLCs, then collectively they needed to be a bit cheaper anyway, so I will now wait for that.

Once again, a BIG THANK YOU to you and the others for helping clear things up.