Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: New World Computing
- Publishers: The 3DO Company
Heroes Chronicles: Conquest of the Underworld (2000)
Heroes Chronicles: Conquest of the Underworld is a standalone expansion pack to Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia. It was developed by Nival Interactive and published by 3DO in 2000. Conquest of the Underworld is the second installment in the Heroes Chronicles series, following Warlords of the Wasteland and preceding Heroes Chronicles: Masters of the Elements.
The game follows the story of Allison Gryphonheart, the daughter of the legendary hero Rion Gryphonheart. Years after her father was slain in combat, Allison embarks on a quest to free his soul from the Underworld. Along the way, she is aided by a group of loyal heroes, including the undead knight Sir Mullich, the elven ranger Faen, and the dwarven berserker Gorn.
Conquest of the Underworld features a total of eight campaigns, each with its own unique story and objectives. The campaigns are set in a variety of locations, including the surface world of Erathia, the depths of the Underworld, and the ethereal realm of the Shadowlands.
The gameplay in Conquest of the Underworld is similar to that of other Heroes of Might and Magic games. Players control a group of heroes who travel across a map, exploring, conquering towns and castles, and battling against enemy creatures. Heroes can gain experience and level up, and they can also equip themselves with a variety of weapons and armor.
One of the unique features of Conquest of the Underworld is the inclusion of a new resource called “Souls”. Souls can be collected by defeating enemy creatures, and they can be used to purchase new units, upgrade existing units, or cast powerful spells.
Conquest of the Underworld also features a number of new creatures and heroes. Some of the new creatures include the undead wight, the demonic imp, and the angelic seraph. Some of the new heroes include the vampiress Selena, the dragon knight Eldric, and the archangel Michael.
Conquest of the Underworld was generally well-received by critics. It was praised for its engaging story, challenging gameplay, and beautiful graphics. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult, and they also criticized the lack of innovation in the gameplay.
Overall, Heroes Chronicles: Conquest of the Underworld is a solid expansion pack to Heroes of Might and Magic III. It offers a challenging and engaging campaign, and it introduces a number of new creatures and heroes. While the gameplay is not particularly innovative, it is still fun and addictive.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Conquest of the Underworld is similar to that of other Heroes of Might and Magic games. Players control a group of heroes who travel across a map, exploring, conquering towns and castles, and battling against enemy creatures. Heroes can gain experience and level up, and they can also equip themselves with a variety of weapons and armor.
One of the unique features of Conquest of the Underworld is the inclusion of a new resource called “Souls”. Souls can be collected by defeating enemy creatures, and they can be used to purchase new units, upgrade existing units, or cast powerful spells.
The game also features a number of new creatures and heroes. Some of the new creatures include the undead wight, the demonic imp, and the angelic seraph. Some of the new heroes include the vampiress Selena, the dragon knight Eldric, and the archangel Michael.
Story
The story of Conquest of the Underworld follows Allison Gryphonheart, the daughter of the legendary hero Rion Gryphonheart. Years after her father was slain in combat, Allison embarks on a quest to free his soul from the Underworld. Along the way, she is aided by a group of loyal heroes, including the undead knight Sir Mullich, the elven ranger Faen, and the dwarven berserker Gorn.
The story is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue sequences. The cutscenes are well-produced and the voice acting is excellent. The dialogue is also well-written and the characters are well-developed.
Graphics
The graphics in Conquest of the Underworld are beautiful. The game world is rendered in full 3D, and the character models and animations are very detailed. The game also features a number of impressive visual effects, such as particle effects and dynamic lighting.
Sound
The sound in Conquest of the Underworld is also excellent. The music is composed by Paul Romero, and it is both epic and atmospheric. The sound effects are also very well-done, and they help to create a truly immersive experience.
Overall
Heroes Chronicles: Conquest of the Underworld is a solid expansion pack to Heroes of Might and Magic III. It offers a challenging and engaging campaign, and it introduces a number of new creatures and heroes. While the gameplay is not particularly innovative, it is still fun and addictive.
Review Score
8.5/10