It was very popular when it first appeared, and the second release was just as well received. Those were in the early days of Strategy First, when they were concentrating on in-house development. (Then they got a few big hits, spent on funding and publishing bad games by others, and ended up in bankruptcy before being sold.) The premise was clever, but over time they were increasingly criticized for the linearity of the series, the lack of complex development paths, and the simple, repetitive battle tactics. Of course, a lot of JRPGs are no better, and often worse, but each to their own.

And when I tried Disciples 3 upon release, I was disappointed. I mean I thought Gothic 3 was bugged... I've heard most of bugs and issues were solved, but so far I'd rather keep my distance.

Up to previous parts or still subpar?

overall id say 2 is a few tenths of a point better than reincarnation - theyre really pretty neck and neck.  i like the manual rod planting in 2 and thieves are more useful / fun; but the tactical battle system in reincarnation is definitely a step up.  plus it's perty.  i will probably end up playing 2 more solo, and reincarnation more mp.

theyre not really strategy games, but more like tactical rpg's, with some strategy elements.

the art is beautiful.

Disciples is my number one favorite turned based game series of all time (As in comparison to Heroes of might and magic ect). Like it has already been said, the art is fantastic and the world that has been built up around the game is really interesting and never fails to pull me in. As a result the story has a great foothold and a unique way of telling it.

I've heard a bit into what happened with the third release of the game which was disappointing but the remake of it is great and the third installment is now easily my favorite.

I hope one day they add the mountain clans as an expansion!

It's the series' sole redeeming quality. Gameplay-wise, it's pretty poorly designed. 

Since i made the original post about Disciples1 i have also played disciples2 and when i saw this above post i have to say that i definitely agree every battle feels closely matched, i mean any which way you turn in disciples2 it is going to be difficult and after a while it just becomes a drag and i had to stop playing it.

In Disciples1 perhaps 20/30% of battles were tricky in early stages of the mission giving you plenty of opportunity to build strength and come back to those ones which were a bit too tough, but in Disciples2, NO, you have to work and slave and sweat for every inch of progress and after a while it just sucks big time, seriously!