I think it is pointless to heap any further praise on the best game of all time. Instead, here is some secret knowledge: There is a comprehensive mod loader and HD mod all rolled into one, and it works either with the old install CDs or with this here GOG version. It runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux and even Android (if you must). It is called VCMI: https://vcmi.eu ...which stands for the Quenya phrase Vinyar Callor Meletya Ingole ...which means New Heroes of Might and Magic in English So go ahead, it's free. Oh, and buy the game, in case you still haven't done that.
I started playing HoMM only when part 3 was released, and it is one of the few games I spent several thousands of hours with, none of which I consider wasted. To me, the Chronicles are the very peak of game development.. Which is a bit surprising, given that they were released by a failing company in need for cash, and only intended for direct-to-fan marketing to generate some when all big projects had been delayed. Maybe this is why they had to resort solely to their map editing and storytelling skills (both are usually cheap) to make this game. Sometimes the greatest things are made exactly because there is no cash and you have to improvise. In this case, improvisation led to a spectacular series of campaigns that conclude the HoMM3 world narratively and build a bridge to HoMM4 by sending one immortal hero through one campaign for each of the old factions. If you are an experienced strategist who never played HoMM, but lack the time to tackle the whole HoMM3 world across the original game and expansions, this one gives you the grand tour in one package. If you enjoy this, there is one final campaign that concludes the narrative, which is "Glory of Days Past", the second HoMM4 campaign (HoMM4 is not as bad as people say, if only for this one). Tarnum only appears in the narration there, because it deals with the ascension of his foster son, Werjaek. Thanks to GoG for enabling us to purchase New World Computing's finest. It has been very hard to obtain this legally for years.
I had not expected that anybody could do a worthy remake of HoMM3, but Nival pulled it off. As I am one of the few fans of HoMM4, I would have liked a little more of the gameplay improvements to go into part 5. But it still is a magnificent work and sits in the hall of timeless fame right besides HoMM3. One quirk about the GOG description, though: Because Jon van Caneghem sold the rights to the Might & Magic brands, but not to the story and world, each and any Might & Magic game made after HoMM4/M&M10 are not taking place in "the Might & Magic world". Which is a shame, because the story was really good, especially Tarnum's tale. At least the legendary Chronicles of Might & Magic are also available on GOG, so you can go see for yourself about Tarnum.
