The game is more of a symbol of long development hell. It was meant to release on Xbox original before being delayed for the next generation 360 but then the game was cancelled. The fact this game is playable after being shelved and mostly forgotten for so long is an achievement within itself. But you shouldn't expect anything more. It's very much the kind of 3D action platform game that was popular at the time, warts and all. Don't be expecting a 2025 re-imagining of a mid 2000s game, it's just a mid 2000s game.
Despite the game's bright colors and hammy presentation this is not an easy pick up and play affiar. This game is actually quite brutal on how easy it is to be surrounded and overrun even on the early levels. The game is extremely charming, but with the amount you'll be restarting it has to be.
There is a lot of rose tinted glasses and small cult-community hype for a lot of the games on here. But Heroes 3 is the real deal. It's aged perfectly and is still insanely addictive and playable. Believe the hype with this one. It's really that good.
Someone said that every great 4X space game is doing its best 'MOO2 impression'. There is a reason for that.
Quite simply the most content rich, highly polished. inutive and enjoyable RTS ever made. I grew up saying Age of Empires 2 was the best RTS ever made (and it is still an extremely timeless game) but forged alliance just offers too much. This is the only RTS game that feels like WAR where others might have themes or aesthetics of war, they mostly boil down to small scale skirmishes. Obviously get this on sale if you can, but even at full price this game is MORE than worth it, you'll never regret this purchase.