Space_Dandy
kiwifarms.net
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2014
This series offers a deep strategic experience. In a chess like way, the game is fairly simple but offers infinite branching options and playstyles. The creativity found in the world and character designs really immerse the player and make for a memorable game.
I played HOMM2 as a kid with some friends and family. Later I graduated to HOMM3 and really delved deep into that one. Recently, after some nostalgic HOMM3 revisiting, I looked into the whole series.
The classic series:
HOMM1: Is a classic simple game, but it hasn't aged well. The graphics and sound are not very appealing and the game plays very slowly. But the strategic depth is still present in the gameplay. I'd recommend skipping this one if you are new to the series.
HOMM2: Much has improved with the first sequel. This is a really great game and the one that first got me hooked. Although it still had some balance issues and quirks that only come out with extensive play.
HOMM3: This is the jewel of the series. If you try one game, make it this one. Visually it is beautiful but simple and very appealing. The balance and strategic depth are real strengths here. Setting and storyline are immersive, while not being too cumbersome. The campaigns, single scenario, custom map maker, and random generator offer endless replay value and experimentation.
The expansions and/or the complete version of the game adds a lot of value to the package and I consider mandatory.
HOMM4: This is the big disappointment of the series. It was the first attempt to make the series 3D and it didn't work so well. Also there was a lot of experimentation with new features that had mixed results. The idea of branching options for town development and the idea for separating hero and monster added value to the game. However, the graphics are goofy and unappealing, the gameplay seems untested, and the storyline/setting is weak.
The modern series:
HOMM5: The second best in the entire series, and definitely best of the modern series. A lot has changed, including the storyline and setting. I must make the distinction between storyline and setting, as the storyline is generally weak and seems a little generic. The setting and character designs however, seem very inspired. There are tons of new creatures and heroes as well as new takes on the old ones, and they pretty much all look great. The Dungeon, Sylvian, and Stronghold towns especially had a lot of creativity put into them. The gameplay is more similar to HOMM3 than I expected, with my favorite new feature being branching upgrades for creatures! The biggest difference is a move to an ATB system as far as turn order. I have mixed feelings about that, and generally prefer the old way.
The expansions I consider to really be worth it. Tribes of the East introduces branching upgrades, and arguably the most interesting faction; Stronghold.
HOMM6: I'd say skip this one and play 5 instead. While certainly not a bad game, I really don't like the direction they took the series as far as setting. Cosmetically they went in a very strange direction that doesn't make the world or setting appealing. The storyline is even weaker here. And gameplay wise, there are some problems. The economic system was revamped to be more simple and offer less options. Oddly, the computer players are flawed and are known to cheat more than they did previously. This problem makes single player mode repetitive as you are required to use the same (rush) strategy to defeat the computer every time.
HOMM7: The new one that just launched this month. Too new to say for sure, but the first signs aren't looking good. First gameplay reports tell of numerous bugs, flawed AI, and balancing problems. The visuals and storyline seem to have more in common with 6 than 5, unfortunately.
What do you guys think? Any nostalgia?
I played HOMM2 as a kid with some friends and family. Later I graduated to HOMM3 and really delved deep into that one. Recently, after some nostalgic HOMM3 revisiting, I looked into the whole series.
The classic series:
HOMM1: Is a classic simple game, but it hasn't aged well. The graphics and sound are not very appealing and the game plays very slowly. But the strategic depth is still present in the gameplay. I'd recommend skipping this one if you are new to the series.
HOMM2: Much has improved with the first sequel. This is a really great game and the one that first got me hooked. Although it still had some balance issues and quirks that only come out with extensive play.
HOMM3: This is the jewel of the series. If you try one game, make it this one. Visually it is beautiful but simple and very appealing. The balance and strategic depth are real strengths here. Setting and storyline are immersive, while not being too cumbersome. The campaigns, single scenario, custom map maker, and random generator offer endless replay value and experimentation.
The expansions and/or the complete version of the game adds a lot of value to the package and I consider mandatory.
HOMM4: This is the big disappointment of the series. It was the first attempt to make the series 3D and it didn't work so well. Also there was a lot of experimentation with new features that had mixed results. The idea of branching options for town development and the idea for separating hero and monster added value to the game. However, the graphics are goofy and unappealing, the gameplay seems untested, and the storyline/setting is weak.
The modern series:
HOMM5: The second best in the entire series, and definitely best of the modern series. A lot has changed, including the storyline and setting. I must make the distinction between storyline and setting, as the storyline is generally weak and seems a little generic. The setting and character designs however, seem very inspired. There are tons of new creatures and heroes as well as new takes on the old ones, and they pretty much all look great. The Dungeon, Sylvian, and Stronghold towns especially had a lot of creativity put into them. The gameplay is more similar to HOMM3 than I expected, with my favorite new feature being branching upgrades for creatures! The biggest difference is a move to an ATB system as far as turn order. I have mixed feelings about that, and generally prefer the old way.
The expansions I consider to really be worth it. Tribes of the East introduces branching upgrades, and arguably the most interesting faction; Stronghold.
HOMM6: I'd say skip this one and play 5 instead. While certainly not a bad game, I really don't like the direction they took the series as far as setting. Cosmetically they went in a very strange direction that doesn't make the world or setting appealing. The storyline is even weaker here. And gameplay wise, there are some problems. The economic system was revamped to be more simple and offer less options. Oddly, the computer players are flawed and are known to cheat more than they did previously. This problem makes single player mode repetitive as you are required to use the same (rush) strategy to defeat the computer every time.
HOMM7: The new one that just launched this month. Too new to say for sure, but the first signs aren't looking good. First gameplay reports tell of numerous bugs, flawed AI, and balancing problems. The visuals and storyline seem to have more in common with 6 than 5, unfortunately.
What do you guys think? Any nostalgia?
