I've never played a HOMM game before but I want to. I'm looking at getting 5 but which one is best for a new player? I can't stand clunky UI so that's something to keep in mind. But I want to hear yoru thoughts.

Heroes Chronicles.
It's a simplified version of HoMM 3, which is considered the best HoMM game, and it's specificially designed for new players.

I was thinking H3, but Petrus' suggestion of Chronicles is even better.

Topic subject:
Easiest HOMM to get into?



Any version.

Although, you did mentioned Heroes of Might & Magic V...
---- go for it!
:)


You will find the gameplay very infectious. I guarantee it.

:)

H2 first. Chronicles may make it seem too easy.

Huh? Surely it's the other way around?

What do you mean? H2 may make it too easy?

Heroes Chronicles is the easiest of the bunch, but for me that's a reason why it's not really suitable for a person trying to get into the series. There is not challenge there, the story is trite.

H2 has fairly simple rules, and unlike H1 it has a good learning curve, decent UI and a nice story. For me that is a good starting point. That or H3. Just not Chronicles.

Fair enough.
I guess it depends on wether the OP is going to play all the HoMM games, or not.
If he is then I think Chronicles is the natural starting point, since it will be too easy and boring once you've become en experienced HoMM player.
If not, then I'd skip Chronicles and HoMM1 and start with HoMM 2.