I liked all of them, but as ive gotten older Ive realized a few things that I think could help a lot of "fans" who criticize sequels or prequels and ive heard the whole gambit of those who liked any one or two of the WC series and hated one or more of the rest.
"I didnt think the plot for XXX was origional, new....."
I can accept not well done as a critique, but if your over the age of 20 youve seen almost every plot point and twist there is (assuming you read and watch/play media)
"It wasnt the same as the Nth, which did it best" Some stories resonate with us and we overlook other flaws as a result. Likewise some people (myself included) prefer things more physically plausable and will overlook other things for good flight dynamics. For this reason prophecy is one of my favorites as it has, I think, the largest dynamic range of flight dynamics based on vectored, boosted, bomber etc.
I think WC 1 and two were good solid games with solid stories conveyed in the manner that was most suited to the tech at the time. I think many 8 bit games have better plot and story than a lot of modern games, because like WC1 and 2 they had to work for it since they couldnt hide behind graphics (insert most FPS's today)
I think WC 3 and 4 had better mechanics implimented and were good for their stories. The story cutscenes were mildly annoying (IMO) but I feel mainly because they were fairly cutting edge at the time and so you often felt jerked into and out of them. But the games handled this with in flight dialog quite nicely to help the transitions.
WC Prophecy backed off on story a bit but I think they still did a good job of conveying the desparate situation that was the Neph incursion. It would have been nice if WCPSO had cutscenes or even just mid mission story appear in the game as documents you could read (my version requires jumping out of the game) But I think they polished the game nicely (I thought it was the most instense)so I could overlook that and let my imagination fill it in.
Privateer was a different beast and I loved both, but for different reasons. these made me feel like I was out in space alone, where as the main series I always felt a carrier was nearby. I loved the freedom to explore and choose my path in these.
Ultimately I think the entire series was great.
But back to the point of WC3
I think it did something important, critically important. It evolved. And the games continued to evolve while, I feel, staying fairly true to the WC universe and make you feel like you are continuing an adventure. Some parts were silly and Corney but that was part of the charm. I only wish other games evolved so well.
I would love for another WC to be made, both a privateer style and a mainline style, but Ultimately It requires one thing, other than a competent team. The people working on have to love it and take pride in it. Because you can tell when games are cared for and when they are just mechanically slapped together.