Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: DOS, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Cyberlore Studios
- Publishers: The 3DO Company
Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Price of Loyalty is the expansion pack for Heroes of Might and Magic II, released in 1997. Development of the expansion was contracted to Cyberlore Studios. The expansion adds four new campaigns, new artifacts, new scenario maps, new in-map buildings and an improved map editor. The expansion also added a new structure for the necromancer faction – the shrine that enhances the heroes’ ability to raise the dead.
New Campaigns
The Price of Loyalty adds four new campaigns to the game:
- The Shadow of Death – This campaign follows the story of Roland Ironfist, a knight who must travel to the underworld to rescue his kidnapped sister.
- The Price of Loyalty – This campaign follows the story of Archibald Ironfist, Roland’s brother, who must lead an army to defeat the evil sorcerer Xar-Pha.
- The Armageddon’s Blade – This campaign follows the story of Crag Hack, a barbarian who must travel to the ends of the earth to find the legendary Armageddon’s Blade.
- The Dragon’s Breath – This campaign follows the story of Gem, a dragon who must travel to the top of the world to find the Dragon’s Breath, a powerful artifact that can defeat the evil dragon Malassa.
New Artifacts
The Price of Loyalty adds 12 new artifacts to the game, including:
- The Sword of Frost – A powerful sword that deals extra damage to cold-blooded creatures.
- The Staff of Fire – A powerful staff that deals extra damage to fire-based creatures.
- The Amulet of Protection – An amulet that protects the wearer from magical attacks.
- The Ring of Regeneration – A ring that regenerates the wearer’s health over time.
New Scenario Maps
The Price of Loyalty adds 10 new scenario maps to the game, including:
- The Battle of Blood Ridge – A large-scale battle map where two armies clash on a bloody ridge.
- The Siege of Castle Blackmoor – A siege map where players must attack or defend a heavily fortified castle.
- The Treasure of the Lost City – An exploration map where players must search for a lost city and its hidden treasure.
- The Riddle of the Sphinx – A puzzle map where players must solve a series of riddles to progress.
New In-Map Buildings
The Price of Loyalty adds 4 new in-map buildings to the game:
- The Shrine of Necromancy – A building that allows necromancers to raise more powerful undead creatures.
- The Academy of Sorcery – A building that allows mages to learn new spells.
- The Blacksmith – A building that allows players to upgrade their units’ weapons and armor.
- The Market – A building that allows players to buy and sell resources.
Improved Map Editor
The Price of Loyalty includes an improved map editor that gives players more control over the creation of their own custom maps. The new editor includes features such as:
- A larger map size – Players can now create maps that are up to 256×256 tiles in size.
- New terrain types – Players can now add new terrain types to their maps, such as mountains, forests, and swamps.
- New object types – Players can now add new object types to their maps, such as trees, rocks, and buildings.
Reception
Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Price of Loyalty was well-received by critics upon release. The game was praised for its new campaigns, artifacts, maps, and buildings. The improved map editor was also praised for giving players more control over the creation of their own custom maps.
The game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The Price of Loyalty is considered to be one of the best expansion packs ever released for a video game.
Legacy
Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Price of Loyalty had a significant impact on the Heroes of Might and Magic series. The game’s new features, such as the shrine of necromancy and the improved map editor, became staples of the series. The game also helped to popularize the genre of turn-based strategy games.
The Price of Loyalty is still played by many fans today. The game is available on a variety of platforms, including PC, Mac, and mobile devices.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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