I originally purchase HOMM 2 back in 1997 and this is one my favorite HOMM just for its great musical background and its charm.

I'm playing the GOG version with my son in hot seat mode. Still as fun as ever.

Yes. The debate of which was best between HoMM 2 and HoMM 3 will rage on and this is a grand testament to what a great game HoMM 2 is since, lacking in a 'wait' feature, having far less units, heroes and only five army 'slots'(as opposed to H3's seven) and it is still convincingly argued that H2 is better. Better music, better graphics and better balance in the magic system I must concede at least.

Pass the torch, dude, pass the torch. My first experiences with the HoMM series was playing HoMM2 hotseat with friends back in high school (late 90s), so it's great to hear that the next generation is getting to have similar experiences.

Though I still play a lot of HoMM 3, I also enjoy time at the controls of HoMM 2.

HoMM 2 just has more of that intangible...charm. It feels like I'm inside a storybook.

That's a good way to describe it. You can really feel the magic. I think the bright colors and the music have a lot to do with it. But it just feels like exploring a beautiful and imaginative, and somehow upbeat, world. It's a mood improver!

Hex editing? I probably would never use it if the AI cannot use it but just out of curiosity where do I look?

Exactly. Check your PM.

HOMM 2 is the best one IMHO. :)

yeah i know.
heroes of might and magic 2 is the most balanced heroes game ever.
still i wonder how to play the game online