I just received War Baby III for my birthday and it's almost mind numbing in a lot of ways. I wasn't prepared for the format, even though I was aware of it through reading online reviews about it. Yes, definitely do not buy III without I and II. You will be totally lost if you do go that route. I have found myself looking through the revisions to War Baby I the most and ignoring most of II. Overall, am I glad I got it? Sure, but maybe I was looking for something a little different.