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I absolutely agree with you. I actually started with the first game, back in the DOS version on 5.25" floppy disks. I only had the fifth game on my computer for two months. The fifth game only has graphics; the atmosphere has completely disappeared.
I also like to start as a Barbarian because the castle doesn't need much building. I build wolf riders, get some free goblins and archers, upgrade them, recruit someone, and then I can go attack neighboring castles.
Well, the development of a Necropolis faction really depends on the nearby neutral creatures.