Hello everyone

I own a compilation DVD of Heroes of Might and Magic serie including all games and expansions between Heroes 1-5. Yesterday me and my friend tried to play a TCP multiplayer HoMM 2 game over internet. We successfully established connection but the game was crashed.

I don't know the reason so I have became more curious about GOG version of this game. GOG claims that it works in "multiplayer" mode when you look at to game page. So, If multiplayer on GOG version works without any issue, as this is usually the most important advantage of buying a game from GOG, I may buy GOG version of this game as well, as I am a real fan of it.

I made some research about it before buying it right away and I understand that GOG uses DOS version of this game via DosBox. TCP multiplayer seems not possible with GOG version, instead "Direct Connection" should be made according to the official instructions here.

It is disappointing for me because direct connection via com ports is a much older (archaic) way to connect comparing to TCP/IP. I was expecting GOG to modernize game, but the situation seems the opposite.

Moreover AFAIK more than 2 players cannot play together via direct connection.

I even don't know how GOG manages to let players establish "Direct Connection" over internet? Mysterious. Is it possible? How?

One more thing to clarify... When you run the game via clicking "Host game" shortcut in your start menu, does the game look for a CD? It should not, as GOG version does not have a CD... Have you tried that before? Can you check that for me please?

So, I would be grateful if any of you own this game share your multiplayer experiences here. So things will be more clear for me about multiplayer support, so I can buy the gog version with peace of mind.

Thank you!

GOG added the WIndows version of Heroes II a while ago. Have you tried that version?
Edit: You can find it under Bonus material for the game.
Edit2: While it's true that only 2 players can connect via Direct Connect, it's pretty simple to get working. The DOS version from GOG included a shortcut for Hosting and Joining games, look for it in the Start menu. My friend and I got it working on our first try. While this was a long time ago, and I can't exactly remember the details, you should be able to figure it out by using the shortcut.
I tried the Windows version a while ago as well and didn't have any issues. Just use Hamachi or something similar to establish a connection between the computers and connect via TCP/IP.