Posted October 02, 2009
Pure awesome.
Three years ago I acquired HoMM3 at the behest of a friend, who wouldn't shut up about how awesome it was but also wouldn't part with his copy even for a day. I am extremely particular about the games I play, a perfectionist if you will, and I was fully prepared to uninstall the game within a week based on the title alone.
Three years later, I couldn't fathom ever doing such a thing.
Heroes of Might and Magic 3 may well be the absolute greatest turn-based medieval/fantasy strategy game ever devised. I've never really been able to put my finger on why, but I'll take a stab at it here:
- Literally infinite replay value. Nine factions to choose from (eight from the base game plus one from an expansion), dozens of heroes with unique abilities unleashing wonderfully diverse magicks from four different disciplines, and hundreds of units whose skills and weaknesses form an unbelievably complicated and fascinating matrix of strategy, all roaming and fighting on diverse landscapes and special terrains that can change the scope of a battle in a heartbeat. Add to that the incredibly powerful map and scenario editor and you have a game that you can play forever.
- Engaging storylines. Erathia is a wondrous place -- when it's not being trampled underfoot and ravaged by battles innumerable to further the agendas of those who would seek to control it. One of the best bits about HoMM3 is the fact that the storylines offer you the opportunity to conquer the world while in control of ALL the factions, not just the Good Ones. The pre- and post-mission videos and the in-game dialogue aren't just fill-in "fluff"; they actually work with the gameplay and make you feel like you're accomplishing something (well, besides stomping the enemy into oblivion).
- Network play. If the single-player action ever gets boring (which it rarely does, at least for me), fire up a map with a friend and go to town.
You owe it to yourself as a human being to play this game at least once. It is immersive, intricately detailed and immersing beyond all reason. Finally, fun fact: the music and sound effects from the game can be heard in numerous episodes of South Park.
Buy. Now. I'd give this ten stars if I could.
Three years ago I acquired HoMM3 at the behest of a friend, who wouldn't shut up about how awesome it was but also wouldn't part with his copy even for a day. I am extremely particular about the games I play, a perfectionist if you will, and I was fully prepared to uninstall the game within a week based on the title alone.
Three years later, I couldn't fathom ever doing such a thing.
Heroes of Might and Magic 3 may well be the absolute greatest turn-based medieval/fantasy strategy game ever devised. I've never really been able to put my finger on why, but I'll take a stab at it here:
- Literally infinite replay value. Nine factions to choose from (eight from the base game plus one from an expansion), dozens of heroes with unique abilities unleashing wonderfully diverse magicks from four different disciplines, and hundreds of units whose skills and weaknesses form an unbelievably complicated and fascinating matrix of strategy, all roaming and fighting on diverse landscapes and special terrains that can change the scope of a battle in a heartbeat. Add to that the incredibly powerful map and scenario editor and you have a game that you can play forever.
- Engaging storylines. Erathia is a wondrous place -- when it's not being trampled underfoot and ravaged by battles innumerable to further the agendas of those who would seek to control it. One of the best bits about HoMM3 is the fact that the storylines offer you the opportunity to conquer the world while in control of ALL the factions, not just the Good Ones. The pre- and post-mission videos and the in-game dialogue aren't just fill-in "fluff"; they actually work with the gameplay and make you feel like you're accomplishing something (well, besides stomping the enemy into oblivion).
- Network play. If the single-player action ever gets boring (which it rarely does, at least for me), fire up a map with a friend and go to town.
You owe it to yourself as a human being to play this game at least once. It is immersive, intricately detailed and immersing beyond all reason. Finally, fun fact: the music and sound effects from the game can be heard in numerous episodes of South Park.
Buy. Now. I'd give this ten stars if I could.