The ironman mode in this game in incredibly frustrating. In one region of the game ~50 hours of play in, the game completely flips the script in how it's played. The game itself recommends a "small stealthy party", and then throws you into an unavoidable, un-retreatable fight where all that matters is having a large, heavy hitting party.

I expect to lose people when playing ironman. But don't specifically sabotage my party design.

might and magic clone with a much better world

Engaging, memorable, fun co-op or solo play, and interesting synergy and strategy.