Publisher: The 3DO Company

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death (2000)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death (2000)

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death is the second of two expansion packs for the turn-based strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic III. It was developed by New World Computing for Microsoft Windows and released by the 3DO Company in 2000. Shadow of Death is a standalone expansion pack that includes the original game.

The Shadow of Death expansion pack adds a number of new features to the base game, including:

  • New heroes: Six new heroes are added to the game, each with their own unique abilities and skills.
  • New units: Over 30 new units are added to the game, including new creatures, upgrades, and special units.
  • New artifacts: Over 50 new artifacts are added to the game, which can provide heroes with powerful bonuses and abilities.
  • New campaigns: Two new campaigns are added to the game, each with its own unique story and challenges.
  • New maps: Over 50 new maps are added to the game, providing players with a variety of new environments to explore and conquer.

The Shadow of Death expansion pack also makes a number of changes to the base game, including:

  • Improved AI: The AI has been improved to make it more challenging and responsive.
  • New gameplay mechanics: New gameplay mechanics have been added, such as the ability to capture neutral creatures and the ability to build and upgrade towns.
  • Bug fixes: A number of bugs have been fixed from the base game.

Overall, Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death is an excellent expansion pack that adds a significant amount of new content and features to the base game. It is a must-play for fans of the series.

Gameplay

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death is a turn-based strategy game in which players control a hero who leads an army of creatures. The game is played on a hex-based map, and players can move their hero and army around the map to explore, conquer towns and castles, and battle enemy heroes and creatures.

Heroes can gain experience by defeating enemies and completing quests, and as they level up they can learn new abilities and skills. Heroes can also equip artifacts, which can provide them with powerful bonuses and abilities.

Creatures can be recruited from towns and castles, and each creature type has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully manage their resources and build a balanced army in order to succeed.

Campaigns

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death includes two new campaigns, each with its own unique story and challenges.

The first campaign, “The Shadow of Death,” follows the story of the hero Roland as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of his father. Roland must travel across the land of Erathia, battling enemy heroes and creatures, and ultimately confront the evil sorcerer Malassa.

The second campaign, “The Price of Loyalty,” follows the story of the hero Elwin as he tries to restore order to the kingdom of Avlee after a civil war. Elwin must rebuild the kingdom’s towns and castles, recruit an army, and defeat the rebel forces.

Reception

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death was critically acclaimed upon release. IGN praised the game’s new heroes, units, and artifacts, and said that the expansion pack “adds a significant amount of new content and features to the base game.” GameSpot also praised the game’s new content and features, and said that the expansion pack “is a must-play for fans of the series.”

The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death is considered to be one of the best expansion packs ever released. It added a significant amount of new content and features to the base game, and it helped to solidify the series as one of the most popular turn-based strategy games of all time.

The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including Mac OS, Linux, and iOS. It is also available on GOG.com and Steam.

Conclusion

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death is an excellent expansion pack that adds a significant amount of new content and features to the base game. It is a must-play for fans of the series.

Review Score

9/10

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Heroes Chronicles: The World Tree (2000)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Heroes Chronicles: The World Tree (2000)

A Sprawling Fantasy Epic of Good Versus Evil

Heroes Chronicles: The World Tree is the fifth installment in the Heroes Chronicles series of turn-based strategy games set in the Might and Magic universe. Released in 2000, The World Tree follows the epic struggle of Tarnum, a valiant Barbarian, as he defends the sacred World Tree from the forces of evil.

A World on the Brink of Darkness

The World Tree, a colossal and ancient tree located in northeastern Antagarich, is a symbol of life and balance in the realm. However, the tree is under threat from hordes of evil Barbarians and Necromancers led by the demigod Vorr. Vorr seeks to corrupt the World Tree and plunge Antagarich into eternal darkness.

Tarnum: A Hero Rises

As Tarnum, the player takes on the role of a fierce Barbarian warrior tasked with protecting the World Tree and vanquishing the forces of evil. Tarnum is a skilled fighter and tactician, capable of leading armies and wielding powerful magic.

Strategic Turn-Based Gameplay

Heroes Chronicles: The World Tree features classic turn-based strategy gameplay. Players control Tarnum and his army on a hexagonal grid, moving units and engaging in combat against enemy forces. The game offers a wide range of units to command, each with unique abilities and strengths.

A Rich and Detailed Fantasy World

The World Tree takes players on a journey through a vibrant and detailed fantasy world. From lush forests to treacherous mountains, players will explore a variety of environments, each filled with its own unique challenges and rewards.

Key Features:

  • Play as Tarnum, a valiant Barbarian warrior, and defend the sacred World Tree.
  • Command a diverse army of units, each with unique abilities and strengths.
  • Engage in challenging turn-based battles on a hexagonal grid.
  • Explore a vast and detailed fantasy world with stunning visuals.
  • Immerse yourself in an epic storyline filled with heroes, villains, and ancient prophecies.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Heroes Chronicles: The World Tree received generally favorable reviews upon release. Critics praised the game’s engaging gameplay, detailed world, and compelling story. The game was also noted for its high difficulty, which some reviewers found to be a positive challenge while others found it to be frustrating.

Despite its initial success, Heroes Chronicles: The World Tree has been somewhat overshadowed by other Heroes of Might and Magic games in recent years. However, the game remains a beloved classic among fans of turn-based strategy and fantasy RPGs.

Conclusion

Heroes Chronicles: The World Tree is a captivating and challenging turn-based strategy game that immerses players in a rich and detailed fantasy world. With its epic storyline, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals, The World Tree is a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned Heroes of Might and Magic veteran or a newcomer to turn-based strategy, The World Tree is sure to provide hours of entertainment and challenge.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Heroes Chronicles: Warlords of the Wasteland (2000)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Heroes Chronicles: Warlords of the Wasteland (2000)

Heroes Chronicles: Warlords of the Wasteland is a standalone expansion pack to Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia. It was released on September 27, 2000, and is the first game in the Heroes Chronicles series. Warlords acts as the first chapter of the new saga, telling the story of Tarnum from before he became the Immortal Hero.

Gameplay

Warlords of the Wasteland is a turn-based strategy game played on a hexagonal grid map. The player controls a hero who leads an army of creatures against enemy heroes and their armies. The goal of the game is to conquer all of the enemy towns and castles on the map.

The game features a campaign of 12 scenarios, as well as a tutorial and previews of other three Chronicles games (Heroes Chronicles: Conquest of the Underworld, Heroes Chronicles: Masters of the Elements and Heroes Chronicles: Clash of the Dragons). Unlike Heroes III, in Warlords importing extra scenarios or playing in multiplayer is prohibited.

Story

The story of Warlords of the Wasteland takes place before the events of Heroes of Might and Magic III. Tarnum, a young and ambitious knight, is sent to the Wasteland to investigate the disappearance of a group of dwarven miners. Tarnum soon discovers that the dwarves have been kidnapped by a group of orcs led by the evil warlord, Kilgor.

Tarnum must travel across the Wasteland, gathering allies and building up his army, in order to defeat Kilgor and rescue the dwarves. Along the way, he will learn more about his own destiny and the role he is meant to play in the world.

Reception

Heroes Chronicles: Warlords of the Wasteland was well-received by critics. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, engaging story, and beautiful graphics. Many reviewers also noted that the game was a good value, offering a lot of content for a budget price.

Legacy

Warlords of the Wasteland is considered to be one of the best Heroes of Might and Magic games. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a lot of replay value. The game’s story is also well-written and engaging, and it helps to flesh out the world of Heroes of Might and Magic.

Warlords of the Wasteland was the first game in the Heroes Chronicles series, and it set the standard for the rest of the series. The Chronicles games are generally considered to be some of the best Heroes of Might and Magic games, and they offer a great way to experience the world of Heroes for a budget price.

Conclusion

Heroes Chronicles: Warlords of the Wasteland is a classic Heroes of Might and Magic game that is still enjoyed by many fans today. The game offers a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience, an engaging story, and beautiful graphics. If you are a fan of Heroes of Might and Magic, or if you are looking for a great turn-based strategy game, then I highly recommend checking out Warlords of the Wasteland.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Nival Interactive
  • Publisher: The 3DO Company
  • Release Date: September 27, 2000
  • Platforms: Windows
  • Genre: Turn-based strategy
  • ESRB Rating: T for Teen
  • Metacritic Score: 75/100
  • GameRankings Score: 78%

Review Score

7.5/10

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Heroes Chronicles: The Fiery Moon (2000)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Heroes Chronicles: The Fiery Moon (2000)

Introduction

Heroes Chronicles: The Fiery Moon is the sixth installment in the Heroes Chronicles series, a spin-off of the popular Heroes of Might and Magic franchise. Developed by 3DO and released in 2000, The Fiery Moon is a standalone expansion that continues the story arc begun in Heroes Chronicles: The World Tree. Players take on the role of Tarnum, a powerful hero who must pursue the villainous Vorr into a desolate, post-apocalyptic world and free the remaining Ancestors from his clutches.

Gameplay

The Fiery Moon is a turn-based strategy game played on a hexagonal grid map. Players control a hero who leads an army of units, including knights, archers, and mages. The goal of each mission is to defeat the enemy hero and their forces, either by conquering their castle or eliminating all their units.

The game features a variety of terrain types, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, forests provide cover for units, while mountains offer a defensive bonus. Players must carefully consider the terrain when planning their attacks and defenses.

In addition to the main campaign, The Fiery Moon also includes a number of bonus missions and puzzles. These challenges offer a variety of gameplay experiences, from large-scale battles to intricate puzzles that require careful planning and execution.

Story

The story of The Fiery Moon picks up where The World Tree left off. Vorr, the insane Ancestor of Fire, has escaped Enroth and fled to a desolate, post-apocalyptic world. Tarnum and his Stronghold armies give chase, seeking to free the two remaining Ancestors from Vorr’s imprisonment and destroy their insane counterpart.

The journey takes Tarnum and his allies across a variety of treacherous landscapes, from barren wastelands to volcanic mountains. Along the way, they encounter new allies and enemies, and learn more about the secrets of the Ancestors and the origins of the cataclysm that destroyed Enroth.

Characters

  • Tarnum: A powerful hero and leader of the Stronghold armies. Tarnum is a skilled warrior and strategist, and he is determined to stop Vorr and save Enroth from destruction.
  • Vorr: The insane Ancestor of Fire. Vorr is a powerful sorcerer who seeks to destroy Enroth and remake it in his own image.
  • Solmyr: The Ancestor of Light. Solmyr is imprisoned by Vorr, and Tarnum must rescue him to restore balance to Enroth.
  • Haeleth: The Ancestor of Water. Haeleth is also imprisoned by Vorr, and Tarnum must rescue her to restore balance to Enroth.

Reception

Heroes Chronicles: The Fiery Moon received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, engaging story, and beautiful graphics. Many reviewers also noted that the game was a worthy addition to the Heroes of Might and Magic franchise.

Legacy

Heroes Chronicles: The Fiery Moon is considered to be one of the best games in the Heroes Chronicles series. The game’s challenging gameplay, engaging story, and beautiful graphics have made it a favorite among fans of the franchise. The Fiery Moon is also notable for being one of the first games in the series to feature a female protagonist, Haeleth.

Conclusion

Heroes Chronicles: The Fiery Moon is a classic turn-based strategy game that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. The game’s engaging story, beautiful graphics, and variety of gameplay options make it a must-play for fans of the Heroes of Might and Magic franchise and strategy games in general.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Heroes of Might and Magic III: Armageddon’s Blade (1999)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

Heroes of Might and Magic III: Armageddon’s Blade (1999)

Heroes of Might and Magic III: Armageddon’s Blade is the first of two expansion packs for the turn-based strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic III. It was developed by New World Computing and published by 3DO on November 30, 1999.

Armageddon’s Blade adds a new campaign, new heroes, new creatures, and new artifacts to the base game. The campaign, titled “Armageddon’s Blade,” follows the story of a group of heroes who must band together to defeat the evil sorcerer Xeron and his army of demons.

One of the most significant additions in Armageddon’s Blade is the introduction of the new hero class, the Warlock. Warlocks are powerful spellcasters who can summon demons and other dark creatures to fight for them. They are also skilled in the use of dark magic, which can be used to both attack enemies and buff allies.

In addition to the new hero class, Armageddon’s Blade also adds a number of new creatures to the game. These include the Pit Fiend, the Arch Devil, and the Bone Dragon. These creatures are all powerful and can be a major asset to any army.

Armageddon’s Blade also adds a number of new artifacts to the game. These artifacts can provide a variety of bonuses to heroes and their armies. Some of the most powerful artifacts in the game include the Sword of Armageddon, the Staff of Magnus, and the Crown of Might.

Overall, Armageddon’s Blade is a solid expansion pack that adds a lot of new content to the base game. The new campaign is well-written and engaging, the new heroes and creatures are all interesting and powerful, and the new artifacts can provide a significant boost to any army. If you’re a fan of Heroes of Might and Magic III, then Armageddon’s Blade is definitely worth checking out.

New Features

  • New campaign: Armageddon’s Blade adds a new campaign, titled “Armageddon’s Blade,” which follows the story of a group of heroes who must band together to defeat the evil sorcerer Xeron and his army of demons.
  • New hero class: The Warlock is a new hero class that is added in Armageddon’s Blade. Warlocks are powerful spellcasters who can summon demons and other dark creatures to fight for them. They are also skilled in the use of dark magic, which can be used to both attack enemies and buff allies.
  • New creatures: Armageddon’s Blade adds a number of new creatures to the game, including the Pit Fiend, the Arch Devil, and the Bone Dragon. These creatures are all powerful and can be a major asset to any army.
  • New artifacts: Armageddon’s Blade also adds a number of new artifacts to the game. These artifacts can provide a variety of bonuses to heroes and their armies. Some of the most powerful artifacts in the game include the Sword of Armageddon, the Staff of Magnus, and the Crown of Might.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Armageddon’s Blade is very similar to the base game. Players take turns moving their heroes and armies around a map, exploring the world, attacking enemy creatures and towns, and completing quests.

One of the biggest changes in Armageddon’s Blade is the addition of the new hero class, the Warlock. Warlocks are powerful spellcasters who can summon demons and other dark creatures to fight for them. They are also skilled in the use of dark magic, which can be used to both attack enemies and buff allies.

The addition of Warlocks adds a new level of strategy to the game. Players must now decide whether to focus on building up their armies of traditional units, or to invest in Warlocks and their powerful dark magic.

Another change in Armageddon’s Blade is the addition of new creatures. These creatures are all powerful and can be a major asset to any army. Players must now learn how to use these new creatures effectively in order to succeed.

Overall, the gameplay in Armageddon’s Blade is very solid. The new additions to the game add a new level of depth and strategy, and the game is sure to appeal to fans of the base game.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics and sound in Armageddon’s Blade are very similar to the base game. The game uses a 2D art style, and the graphics are bright and colorful. The sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and memorable.

Overall, the graphics and sound in Armageddon’s Blade are very good. The game looks and sounds great, and it is sure to please fans of the base game.

Conclusion

Heroes of Might and Magic III: Armageddon’s Blade is a solid expansion pack that adds a lot of new content to the base game. The new campaign is well-written and engaging, the new heroes and creatures are all interesting and powerful, and the new artifacts can provide a significant boost to any army. If you’re a fan of Heroes of Might and Magic III, then Armageddon’s Blade is definitely worth checking out.

Score: 9/10

Review Score

9/10

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Heroes Chronicles: Conquest of the Underworld (2000)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

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

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