I've wanted to pick this game up since it came out earlier this week and my friend told me about how good it was. Unfortunately, everything was sold out until Saturday morning. I started playing Saturday at about 9:30 AM. Next thing I knew it was 6:00 PM and my wife was telling me dinner was ready. She also watched me play for an hour and she wanted to play after dinner. She played from 8:00 PM til 3:00 AM. THAT almost never happens. She has never played any of the previous HOMM games, and she usually doesn't get into these types of games.

The game clearly follows the format of its predecessors with only some slight tweaks to the game. I like almost all of these tweaks:

1. The 3D Map - This is the change that I have the most issues with, but they are mostly minor annoyances. The entire game is now in 3D. It looks very pretty, it is still fairly functional. Overall, I like this change but there are a few minor annoyances. The minimap is imprecise and it can be difficult at times to orient oneself if they rely on the minimap to do so. Fortunately, being a turn based game this isn't a big issue. The 3D map is so crowded with things to explore, that fairly frequent rotating of the camera is necessary to make sure that you don't miss anything. Sometimes, it is a bit difficult to click on the precise hex that I want my character to walk over.

2. I think Heroes have been tweaked down in strength slightly in several ways:

- Heroes cannot adventure without an army to protect them. I like this change, as it was somewhat unrealistic to have my Barbarian hero in HOMM4 just stomp through the entire map by himself once he became too powerful.

- Heroes individual attacks seem less powerful. I also like this. I think tactics and their abilities to motivate, add defense and offense to their troops become more important than ever.

- The level up mechanic is slightly redone, and I like it. Now when you level up one of your four basic attributes have a chance to go up with some attributes more likely depending upon the heroes race and class. You also get to choose one of two skills that randomly occur, or one of two special abilities (which are dictated by the skills you have picked.)

3. I think the missions sub-objectives are interesting. They seem like they help guide newer players on things that would be helpful to do to accomplish the larger objectives while still being somewhat interesting to veteran players particularly as the missions progress and these become more difficult to accomplish. I like that a modest amount of experience is awarded for accomplishing these sub-objectives.


There are many more things I could comment on, but the bottom line is that this game is very fun for both myself and Mrs. Eaglesfan. I'm looking forward to my turn in a few minutes.

There are many more things I could comment on, but the bottom line is that this game is very fun for both myself and Mrs. Eaglesfan. I'm looking forward to my turn in a few minutes.

Wow, cool deal. You're actually the first person I know who seems to like this game. I haven't had much chance to download the demo and get an impression or two (desktop's on the Fritz), but I was talking to quite a few co-workers about it and they didn't seem to highly impressed by it.

Granted, it was a demo and all, and I'll more than likely give this a shot once I get more details -- or once any other questions that I haven't asked are brought up by jbmagic in this thread or another.

The last Heroes game I played, I think was part 3...and that was quite awhile ago. Probably around the time when I was playing "Lords of Magic" or something - so it's been awhile.

I definitely like the game. Mrs. Eaglesfan and I took turns playing it all day yesterday. One of the biggest complaints that I can see some people might have with it is that the game is very similar to previous versions. Some of the units are virtually identical. However, I don't see that as a problem. They tweaked enough things that the game feels very fresh to me and I really like the 3D. This is the first non-MP game in a very long time that we have both liked this much.

Surprised there isn't much posting about this game given the popularity of the franchise. Anyway, was out and about looking for reviews and such, and stumbled across this being offered ONLY on amazon.co.uk (which does not ship to the States)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000FKLWAM/sr=1-2/qid=1149350417/ref=pd_bowtega_2/202-6538155-2147805?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=software&v=glance

For those not wanting to click on the link, its the complete version of ALL the HOMM games, including the new one, and all the expansions for the previous ones. Sounds like a good deal for the HOMM fan who misses playing the older games or didn't get the new ones.

I have no idea if this version will ever be available state side though. Probably could get it through E-Bay or a helpful English friend. :)

Surprised there isn't much posting about this game given the popularity of the franchise. Anyway, was out and about looking for reviews and such, and stumbled across this being offered ONLY on amazon.co.uk (which does not ship to the States)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000FKLWAM/sr=1-2/qid=1149350417/ref=pd_bowtega_2/202-6538155-2147805?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=software&v=glance

For those not wanting to click on the link, its the complete version of ALL the HOMM games, including the new one, and all the expansions for the previous ones. Sounds like a good deal for the HOMM fan who misses playing the older games or didn't get the new ones.

I have no idea if this version will ever be available state side though. Probably could get it through E-Bay or a helpful English friend. :)

Wow! Seriously good find. If this came stateside, I'd definitely be interested. Not quite so sure the differences between an Import PC game (aside from different language options?), and plus, I don't know how much 29.99 pounds would be. Aren't they on Euro-Dollars now?

Surprised there isn't much posting about this game given the popularity of the franchise. Anyway, was out and about looking for reviews and such, and stumbled across this being offered ONLY on amazon.co.uk (which does not ship to the States)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000FKLWAM/sr=1-2/qid=1149350417/ref=pd_bowtega_2/202-6538155-2147805?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=software&v=glance

For those not wanting to click on the link, its the complete version of ALL the HOMM games, including the new one, and all the expansions for the previous ones. Sounds like a good deal for the HOMM fan who misses playing the older games or didn't get the new ones.

I have no idea if this version will ever be available state side though. Probably could get it through E-Bay or a helpful English friend. :)

I haven't posted much, but I would be glad to answer any questions. Mrs. Eaglesfan and I both love this game (although it frustrates her at times.) One or both of us is playing it for at least 2 hours every day. I'm about to start my turn now.

Is the 3D map similar to the one they used in HOMM 4?

Wow! Seriously good find. If this came stateside, I'd definitely be interested. Not quite so sure the differences between an Import PC game (aside from different language options?), and plus, I don't know how much 29.99 pounds would be. Aren't they on Euro-Dollars now?

Haven't picked up HOMM5 yet. My 2 boys (age 13 & 8) and I play HOMM3 multiplayer on our home network. They enjoy it alot. HOMM3 allows you to play multiplayer without the disc in the drive (have to have the disc in to play single player/campaign though).

Would be nice if HOMM5 allowed multiplayer without the disc, but I doubt it. Waiting on the price to drop before picking up a couple copies.

Is the 3D map similar to the one they used in HOMM 4?

It's quite a bit more detailed than HOMM4.

As far as the MP without a disc, that is a great question. I doubt the game allows it, but Mrs. Eaglesfan and I are actually considering buying a second copy to play MP against each other. I'll check to see if MP can be played without a second disc either later today or tomorrow as we are about to head out in a little while.

It's quite a bit more detailed than HOMM4.

As far as the MP without a disc, that is a great question. I doubt the game allows it, but Mrs. Eaglesfan and I are actually considering buying a second copy to play MP against each other. I'll check to see if MP can be played without a second disc either later today or tomorrow as we are about to head out in a little while.

Thanks!

She is slow getting ready (what is new) so I just checked. No MP without a disc in the drive :(


However, there is a hot seat MP option for up to 4 people on 1 computer.

She is slow getting ready (what is new) so I just checked. No MP without a disc in the drive :(


However, there is a hot seat MP option for up to 4 people on 1 computer.


tell me a little about combat. is it closer to HOMM 4, or the earlier incarnations?

tell me a little about combat. is it closer to HOMM 4, or the earlier incarnations?

I'll have to be honest it that I don't remember the earlier incarnations that well. I think they've balanced heroes better. In HOMM4, I could win every battle with a lone high level barbarian hero on his own. Heros aren't as powerful as individuals, but are more powerful as leaders. In this version, Heroes cannot travel without an army. If their army is destroyed, they are immediately captured. They don't have HP of their own. There is an initiative bar down at the bottom of the screen, and every unit has it's own initiative value which can be increased by certain hero skills. The skills are mostly similar to HOMM4, but there are a few new ones. At the beginning of each battle, you place your units on your side of a 10 by 10 grid. There is some terrain that can be impassable in the grid, and each unit acts in accordance with their initiative (as modified by Hero skills or artifacts.) Generally when a unit attacks, the remaining troops of the target get to counterattack. Of course, there are some creatures that have special powers that prevent counterattacks. Also, most troop types can only counterattack once per round, but a few creatures have unlimited counterattack.

Heroes have 4 attributes: Attack, Defense, Spellpower, and Knowledge. Attack will affect how much damage a hero does, and also adds that same number to each of his creatures attack power. Same for defense. Spellpower determines damage from damaging spells or length of action for boosts or negative effect spells. Knowledge determines how much mana the hero has. A hero with high attack or defense can make a huge difference in his troops fighting, but another hero can negate this with their own attributes. Of course, Magic is a big part of the game and a hero with a very high spellpower and knowledge attribute can also turn the tide of a battle with a variety of spells.

My biggest complaint about the game is that the instruction manual doesn't list the skills or spells of heroes (among many other things - the manual is very sparse) and leaves it up to guesswork until you acquire them. Fortunately, the game shares a fair bit of similarity to HOMM4 with the skills and spells, so it isn't too hard to learn for veterans of the series.

I'm surprised that there's not more discussion about this game as well. I guess the timing is bad with OOTP 2006 just being released.

I tried the demo, and loved it, but my next game purchase will be FM. One time suck at a time.... :)

While I'll pick this game up so my fiance and I can play it, I thought the 3D map was cumbersome. Lack of a random map generator is criminal, though the developers said a patch will include it. Every review I read so far said that you really have to manipulate the map from every angle to spot treasure, etc. That says that the interface isn't polished enough yet. I still can't wait until I can pick this up.

The interface doesn't bother me, but I agree that the frequent turning of the map is an annoyance. I mentioned it in my first post and it hasn't become any less annoying. Fortunately, for me, the positives FAR outweigh the negatives. I'm about halfway through the game so far, and I'm enjoying the storyline as it was. I'm also enjoying the different strategies of each race. Mrs. Eaglesfan isn't much behind me, and usually she loses interest in games by the mid way point.

I don't know how much 29.99 pounds would be. Aren't they on Euro-Dollars now?

It would be around 55 dollars US. England and Switzerland I think are the only EU contries that didn't adopt the Euro. Switzerland still lists some prices in Euros but most transactions have to be in Swiss Francs.

The interface doesn't bother me, but I agree that the frequent turning of the map is an annoyance. I mentioned it in my first post and it hasn't become any less annoying. Fortunately, for me, the positives FAR outweigh the negatives. I'm about halfway through the game so far, and I'm enjoying the storyline as it was. I'm also enjoying the different strategies of each race. Mrs. Eaglesfan isn't much behind me, and usually she loses interest in games by the mid way point.

My fiance and I just picked it up and are installing it now. Looking forward to it.

Just a heads up for those unfortunates like me who are on a 56k modem and can't download the demo. The July issue of PC Gamer (the one with the 150th issue anniversary cover) has the demo on it. (Along with the Galactic Civ 2 demo, Auto Assault 14 day free trial, amongst others)

I downloaded the demo and tried it out briefly, but had trouble getting interested in it. I generally like these types of games, but the game felt really "clunky" to me. I'll probably give the demo another run through, but my first impression wasn't very favorable.

I think a great deal of the lack of enthusiasm for this title is also related to built-up resentment from the disasters that were the last Might and Magic titles. (Not HOMM4, but M&M9 and M&M8). Personally, after those two fiascos, the whole franchise went from "Strong Buy" to "What, are you kidding?" If this continues to get good reviews, I might pick it up once the price comes down.

FYI, GoGamer has HOMM V for $29.90 (and I just ordered it).

Wow, ALREADY at discount?

So far LAN play is completely unstable and very slow. My fiancé and I have to play hotseat for a somewhat enjoyable experience. I'm hoping future patches clear this up. Single player is fun, though I'm finding normal difficulty to be very hard. I'm chalking this up to differences between the versions that I am slowly learning. Maybe that manual thing might help me. :)

Wow, ALREADY at discount?
They'll often trot out new stuff for their 48-hour Madness sales. Of course, that's 48 hours in dog years. It's often more like a week.

I have the game and I have found that the single player campaign to be enjoyable. However, the game does feel more like Etherlords rather than Heroes, although I enjoyed Etherlords so I'm not sure that's a bad thing.

My wife and I are both enjoying this game very much, still. I finished the halfway point of the single player campaigns before the Head Coach Demo came out and distracted me. I've gotten many hours of enjoyment out of this game so far. I also found it challenging and I have to carefully plan strategies, however, the necromancer campaign was the easiest one for me yet. Also, I like how they actually tie the story in from campaign to campaign.

ordered

Interesting. I've played every Might and Magic from the original to number 9 or 10. Never got that much into Heroes after II, but can remember some nights staying up too late playing hot seat.

I just realized that the 1.1 patch is out. It fixes quite a few bugs that I was experiencing in the single player campaign.

Dola -

It apparently doesn't play well with old saves :(

My save game is crashing on the 1st turn every time after installing it. I started this particular mission of this campaign not too long ago, so if I can re-start it, it isn't a big deal..

Anyone still playing this?

I know it's been a year, but I loved this series years ago and I'm still looking for a good RPG to play.

I ended up beating the main storyline sometime around July of last year. I haven't played it since. However, I'll probably pick up the expansion at some point. It was fun, but it's limited in how RPG like it is.

I ended up beating the main storyline sometime around July of last year. I haven't played it since. However, I'll probably pick up the expansion at some point. It was fun, but it's limited in how RPG like it is.

Since the patches and what not, it's like $28 at Best Buy. Should I pick it up today? Looking at the videos, it looks fun. The reviews mention the manual is thin, does it have tutorials and is it easy to pick up and learn?

Thanks!

I don't remember if it had tutorials or not and the manual is thin. It is fairly easy to pick up and learn, but I felt like an idiot for not realizing how to use the Human's special ability until the end of their campaign. Each race's special ability is activated by a large circular icon in the center of the creature hiring wheel, if I'm remembering correctly.

If your a fan of the series, I'd take the plunge, it was fun to play and I only felt like it got tedious on the 4th or 5th campaign (but I was determined to finish the storyline.)

I don't remember if it had tutorials or not and the manual is thin. It is fairly easy to pick up and learn, but I felt like an idiot for not realizing how to use the Human's special ability until the end of their campaign. Each race's special ability is activated by a large circular icon in the center of the creature hiring wheel, if I'm remembering correctly.

If your a fan of the series, I'd take the plunge, it was fun to play and I only felt like it got tedious on the 4th or 5th campaign (but I was determined to finish the storyline.)Seems like half the game is a tutorial. The first several quests are all part of the tutorial and it's kind of aggrevating. There are several good manual online for free, as well as the usual books you can buy for it. My wife bought me one for X-mas.

I don't remember if it had tutorials or not and the manual is thin. It is fairly easy to pick up and learn, but I felt like an idiot for not realizing how to use the Human's special ability until the end of their campaign. Each race's special ability is activated by a large circular icon in the center of the creature hiring wheel, if I'm remembering correctly.

If your a fan of the series, I'd take the plunge, it was fun to play and I only felt like it got tedious on the 4th or 5th campaign (but I was determined to finish the storyline.)

Thanks, appreciate the information. I'm heading to Best Buy in a bit, I'll see what else there is. I am interested though. Wish a new Bard's Tale was out. :)

This is a good site for info on HOMM V. They've got a downloadable PDF guide that has a lot of useful info. They also have a very nice depiction of the 'skill wheel' showing how to get certain skills.

hxxp://www.celestialheavens.com/viewpage.php?id=520

This is a good site for info on HOMM V. They've got a downloadable PDF guide that has a lot of useful info. They also have a very nice depiction of the 'skill wheel' showing how to get certain skills.

hxxp://www.celestialheavens.com/viewpage.php?id=520

Thank you!

That's funny, almost a year later and I'm just playing it now. :)

It's all patched up to 1.5 and after the first mission, I'm quite surprised at how much fun this game is so far. REALLY looks great too. Haven't played a M&M game in years... it's come a LONG way as far as graphics and sound goes.

I can get it to run good at 1280x1024 with "high" detail. Funny how I just bought this system and can't use higher settings, although it looks great at these. I know my video card is the culprit and will be looking for an upgrade at some point.

Picked this up at a thrift store yesterday for a few bucks.. can't believe I missed out on this one. I've been looking for a good turn based RPG (and for some reason, I haven't played the MM series to date.. go figure) so, this will keep my attention for awhile.

The 3d is a little cumbersome but, you get used to it. In single player though, would be nice if I didn't have to click next turn all the time.

I ended up making a trade for this game on goozex.com about a month ago. It's definitely been in my rotation of games since then. It is much better than my initial impressions of the demo from last year. I'm probably going to pick up the expansion as well for the random map generator.