This version of the game is the true version, and people should only play this - The HD version releassed later is not compatible with the mods, that have been made. and has reinvigorated this old masterpiece. Also, the HD version does not have the expansions, which are crucial to the game, as you will miss out on the Conflux faction. Also has to modding community made two new playable factions, which is played by the majority of the Heroes III community. This game has had change of life improvements, nerfs and buffs to make skills more balanced, but the core game is still intact, which is a testament to the sheer brilliance of this game. It offers life long mastery with its deceivingly easy combat system, that have great depths. Positioning is key to achieve victory, both in the combat system, but also on the map, where cleraing objectives, gathering ressources and expand the fastest. while building your town, is crucial. The heroes, that controls the army, are where the game gets its character, as different classes levels up in different skills. Skills are rolled, so in theory every class can learn some skills - however, barbarian classes of the stronghold faction can't roll water magic, but have a higher chance of rolling water and earth magic skills, which are two great schools of magic. But what they get in skill, they have a harder time levelling up in knowlegde, which is on of the four key stats - knowlegde is the stat that determines how much mana a hero has. So even if a barbarian can have access to great schools of magic, they struggle by having lower mana, and in early levels a barbarian must choose when to cast. As a long term fan, and have play this game for over 20 years, it is a big recommendation, although getting into PVP as a nwebie is hard, and not for the faint of heart. Luckily, there is sprawling a youtube community of english user, that are speaking english, where strategies can be watched, and therefore it has never been easier to join the PV
