This is one of the first computer games I ever owned, still one of my favorites, and the one I have been hoping to appear on GOG since joining. Almost six years and many great games later, its here! As part of SSI's five star series, it's basically Panzer General in a fantasy skin. The campaign starts with choosing which of four heroes you want to use, each with their own advantages. For example, Archmage Krell can cast spells and recruit magic creatures, Knight Calis gets a discount on Cavalry units and so on. The war takes place across 5 continents with the first four having a "boss",basically an evil version of each of our heroes, culminating in the final push against the big nasty himself. Each continent has different terrains and a branching path of scenarios to get to that final boss battle. Attack Broken Fang Pass, Forest of Weeping Wind will no longer be available but Cape Havoc will. Some battles are randomly generated but others are designed with hidden characters to join you if you can find/rescue them quickly. Gameplay is a pretty standard turn based hex system. Each of your units has advantages and disadvantages boiling down to a very rock-paper-scissors type of combat. Cavalry can run roughshod over skirmishers, but get eaten alive by sky hunters. It does pay to protect your units as much as possible because they gain experience making them better units. One bad point is a "specialized army" rule. For example, if you have an all cavalry army, the Shadowlord will bring experienced troops against you. Graphics are definitely not this games strong suit, even in 1996, but they hold up better today than some other games from the time. Some very nice sketchbook style pencil work for each unit (which you can rename) also. Sound effects are nice but repetitive. The choral soundtrack is done well and not too overpowering in game. Controls are easy, the mouse seems to scroll map too fast, though. Overall a great game and a lot of fun.
