Heritage of Kings is fifth game in Settlers series and unfortunately unsuccessful one but...
Let's start from the beginning. Games is first Settlers made in detailed 3D, Blue Byte used Criterion's Software RenderWare engine (used also for example im GTA3, kill.switch or Broken Sword The Sleeping Dragon). Entering series into 3D also started radical midifications in graphic and whole game style, this time more 'serious'. And perhaps this was developer's main error. Through ealier 4 parts players were used to nicely animated 2D graphic, funny comic-style settlers animations performing their work etc.
Now it's more like medieval serious RTS game. Large monumental buldings (churches, castles), wooden-brick houses and main game goal is retaking your kingdom from evil tyrant's hands. At least economic chain characteristic to settlers are still present (gathering resources, wood,
Objectively looking, Heritage of King's is still good game but if sothing isn't broken why fix it? I can give games 3.5/5 points but let make it 4, too bad this games was named 'Settlers'.
Also too bad game is sold withaout two expansion packs but I presume they'll be avaiable not long from now...