When you beat the game you are given a score which you can compare to others over the internet. If you are into that, the faster you win, the higher your score. With that in mind, remember that magic takes time when used against strong opponents. weaker ones, especially later on, can be cleared out faster with magic, but the stronger ones are usually killed in melee. I played a party of four sorcerers before, on the dark path. I won, but I still killed at leat 50% of the monsters in melee combat. Do not rely to heavily on magic. Most people think that it is the most powerful aspect to any party, but the came was easier to beat with four monks, or four knights than with four sorcerers. If the monster is weaker than you, or uses long range attacks as its primary offense, magic can be used effectivly. If the creatures are powerful and close for combat, Like titans, only a few spells will be worth using. Outside Meteor storm and Star burst can quickly destroy any land troops, but flyers will still require heavy melee. Magic should be used only to slow and weaken monsters. Melee should always be the primary attack.