Developer: DotEmu
Publisher: Ubisoft Entertainment
Platform: PC, iOS, Android
Tested on: PC
Heroes of Might and Magic III: HD Edition – Review
The Heroes of Might and Magic franchise has been going on for quite some time now. At this moment, the count goes as far as 7 main titles and several spin-off titles. This time around, there’s no next installment in the series but a HD remake of Heroes of Might and Magic: III, a title which proved to be pretty popular and innovative in its time.
Story
The game gives you several options to choose from. First of all, there’s a single scenario mode where the player picks the preferred scenario himself. There’s a lot to choose from so it’s certain you’ll find a story to your liking. To give some examples: one scenario is about fighting the undead while another one gives the player a land infested with demonic monsters. Naturally, each scenario has its own objectives which provide for hours upon hours of monster hunting. It’ll take quite a while to get through all of the scenarios so the replay value is incredibly high here.
Next up, we’ve got a campaign mode where there’s a bit more content story wise. Interestingly, the player is not forced to play the good guy but is free to choose the ‘dark side’ as well. The dark side also offers a lot of cool hellish creatures like Imps and Hell Hounds so it’s certainly worth trying out.
Graphics
It’s important to note that this installment concerns a remake of the original game that was released back in 1999. Of course, the graphics aren’t comparable with what you see day in and out in the present time. Still, even for the younger folks among us, this title is still very much playable. For these kinds of games, it doesn’t really matter if everything is in 3D so the 2D retro look of the HD Edition certainly has its charm. The art style looks very good and is perfectly suited for portraying a huge diversity of creatures and monsters. The updated HD graphics are bright and sharp and make this version of Heroes of Might and Magic III perfectly playable in the present day.
Sound
Heroes of Might and Magic III HD Edition immediately greets you with some fitting intro music in the main menus. While playing the actual game, some soothing classical music can be heard in the background with occasionally a satisfying ‘pling’ sound when you come across all kinds of treasures. The music is never too dominating and creates a relaxing atmosphere. In the battle mode, the music is a bit more aggressive but fits the gameplay perfectly. The war drums cause the tension to increase with every turn where the troops are attacking one another.
Gameplay
The gameplay can be divided into two major parts. The first one being a map phase where you move your Heroes around for a certain amount of spots while looking for treasure and possible new recruits. In case you’re not familiar with the Heroes of Might and Magic series: the game is completely turn-based so once you’re out of moves; it’s done for that turn. The second phase is all about the fighting itself. When you encounter enemy troops or random creatures who do not take kindly to strangers, the screen transforms in a hex based battlefield where your own troops are standing at the ready on the left side and those of the opponent on the right. If the opponent is a person of flesh and blood, then this phase is very comparable to a chess match where the most strategic player wins. The computer is often a bit too predictable, which is a shame, but playing against the AI is not a bad way to learn the ropes.
For the complete newcomers to either the genre of turn-based strategy games or the Heroes of Might and Magic series itself, an easy to follow tutorial will guide you on your way to world domination. It’s very recommendable to play a few scenarios or check out the campaigns before going over to the ‘real work’ in the multiplayer as the tutorial might prove a bit too simplistic or easy when comparing with the challenge the player gets confronted with. Still, it proves a good base to get to know the game a bit more.
Of course, a multiplayer mode is also available for those who find themselves to be the victor again and again while playing against the AI. Unfortunately, the search for servers can take up quite some time as there doesn’t seem to be a lot of people playing this title online (yet). Luckily, if you’re really eager to take it up against a human opponent, there’s always the hot seat mode. This mode is the answer to offline multiplayer as every participant will be playing on one and the same computer by taking turns with the mouse and keyboard.
There’s not much too complain about the overall gameplay. Moving around works as it should and fighting monsters hasn’t been as much fun but some small remarks might prove a bit troublesome at certain times. First of all, the map is not always logically constructed as sometimes, an unfriendly monster is standing in front of you but, although there’s enough room to pass; you still have to circle the whole way back to get to the other side without fighting. Another small point of annoyance can be found in the battle phase. When it’s your turn to move your army around, each unit needs to be moved separately, in turn. However, the faint yellow glowing which shows you what unit is the next in turn might be a bit too weak as I often found myself double checking which unit needed to be moved. It’s a very small remark but something worth mentioning.
Conclusion
Heroes of Might and Magic III HD Edition is the perfect way for newcomers to get to know the series or the genre of turn-based strategy. The game offers an incredible value for its price and plays like a dream. Unfortunately, the multiplayer servers look a bit like a ghost town at some moments and playing against the computer might prove a bit predictable at times. Still, if you like strategy games, this game is certainly worth the buy.
Heroes of Might and Magic III: HD Edition - Review,
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This is one of those games that didn’t really need a HD version. The cities etc still look good on the original one as well.
Perhaps I should go and find my old copy of the game again. 😮 (Or just buy the new one. ^^)
For the small price they ask, I’d say, go get the HD Edition! 🙂
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