Heroes of Might and Magic® 4: Complete

I grew up playing HOMM, but this one is my favorite chapter of the series. I remember when it was released, I've spente many nights playing delighted by the game music. Many things were changed in this installment, such as the battlefield layout, heroes participating in battles and caravans. I feel sorry that some players don't value those innovations, but I get it. Unfortunately, 3DO had some issues and left some things behind in this chapter.

I'm going to disagree with most of the other reviews. Like most other reviewers, I did start out with an earlier game in the series -- I had HOMM3 in a jewel case over ten years ago, and I spent many hours playing it. I purchased all of the separate Heroes Chronicles games and played them, and finally, later on, I purchased Heroes III Complete. Sure, it's perhaps a more polished game, and the unofficial WoG expansion makes it even better, but the ability of the hero to take part in combat just boosts the fun factor right past the previous entry. It might not be "pure HOMM" gameplay since sufficiently high-level heroes can single-handedly defeat several black dragons, but blasting through a full army of creatures with a single heavy hitter melee character and a single magic user is supremely satisfying. Magic that summons/raises/creates illusions of creature stacks can easily turn the tide of battle. It's always amusing to win when the high-level scouting skill claims you'll be handily defeated. As a result Chaos magic is probably weaker in this game compared to other games, but it still contains the always-enjoyable direct damage spells.

Lovely coloured graphic, calm music, active heroes (favourite summoner or chaos magic). Enjoying playing it at easy diffulcity - just for relax, no hardcore stress :)

While most glorify 3rd installment of the series and don't like anything done differently, I actually enjoyed HOM&M4 a lot more because it addressed all the issues that irritated in it's predecessors - like Heroes without armies and armies without heroes. Heroes are still crucial in the game as properly levelled hero can add a lot the strength of the army but if for some reason you need army to go out of the castle without army (i.e. to reinforce here) - you can. And if your hero is nearly omnipotent by himself, he doesn't need minimal army just to do that. The game also dropped hexagonal battle map which started to feel dated at the time - again plus. The graphics - it didn't distract me from the fun. Overall this installment of the series is unlike all the rest - and if the other games irritated you with their design here and there - give v4 a try. It might be just want you wanted.

I do not regret picking up this title. It's fun, just as in childhood just as now, great. What i like the most that your heroes are killable units with real presence on the battlefield. The graphics aged like fine wine, the game runs smoothly hadn't had a game crash or freeze. Yet that there isn't a 1920x1080 resolution bugs me a little. But the replayability, soundtrack and campaign lore compensates for any tidbits that get on my nerves. And thanks to Sset for reminding me of this gem