Reviews
Heroes of Might & Magic (HOMM) is a series that looks innocuous and somewhat frivolous on the surface, but traditionally has offered some of the deepest, most addictive gameplay of any game system. HOMM3 is no exception, in fact it's even more addictive than its predecessors. For once we have a sequel that rides the fine line between giving us what has come before and adding so much more to the mix.

On the surface HOMM3 looks like a pretty, if somewhat juvenile, little wargame. You draft heroes, build up castles by adding all kinds of different improvements and creature-spawning structures. You send your heroes equipped with an army to attack local critters, or enemy heroes. You gather gold, take control of mines, conquer more castles, watch as your heroes gain experience, celebrate their triumphs and mourn their losses. It is incredibly easy to learn, but extremely difficult to master. But that's okay, because the gameplay is so manic and fun you won't even realize you are learning.

If you are a HOMM player you know the drill, but this time out there are tons of new monsters, new castle types, new heroes, new spells, and new ways to play. Six full three-scenario campaigns are offered from different perspectives. A ton of individual scenarios over many different maps, full multiplayer options on Heat.net, Mplayer and the MSN Gaming Zone, and a scenario editor round it all out. Since it is possible to play each scenario from two or more sides, and since each time you play a map many things are very different, you have almost unlimited replay value. If that isn't enough, expect third-party maps to appear all over the net soon.

The campaign storyline concerns the death of King Gryphonheart and the subsequent power struggle for the land of Erathia; it's quite epic and no two scenarios cover exactly the same ground. One campaign has you playing as Lady Catherine Gryphonheart, trying to unite the lands and repel the opportunistic forces trying to capitalize on the anarchy. Another casts you as the forces of evil trying to blindside the forces of Catherine as she attempts to reclaim the throne for her family. A third rounds out the opener (you have to win all three to unlock the others) casting you as a mercenary leader trying to grab as much land as you can during the struggle between light and dark. All feature dramatic voiceovers, stunning slideshow graphics, and interesting mission goals. So do the standalone scenarios of course, but there you are more free to simply build up and kick some tail across the battlefield.

The graphics are enchanting and fit the high fantasy mood. Each type of town is different-looking, sports a beautiful backdrop, and each structure is recognizable. From the infernal pits of the forces of evil, to the serene forested glen where elves and centaurs can be bred, it is all beautifully done. Each town and map location has its own music, which ranges from dramatic to soothing, but is not so brazen that it gets repetitive or grating.

Lastly, every part of the game contains its own strategies. When you build a castle up you need to pay attention to what you are building, in what order, and what resources are needed. In battle you have to keep in mind your units' special abilities and maximize their potential. When moving around the map exploring, you need to weigh your options carefully, and keep your armies alive. Best of all the AI is much better than in previous installments, though it is prone to lapses on occasion. Most notably the time I won the Evil campaign because the AI sent its garrison to destroy one approaching hero, but didn't have the movement points to get back. Since the goal was to take that castle, all I needed to do was move my second hero in to win. If the AI gets too easy for you, you will learn the true meaning of fear in multiplayer. HOMM players know their game!

With all this gameplay, and the fact that I have done nothing lately but play this game, I think it is the best gaming value I've ever played. It's light as a feather but deep as the ocean, and unless you dislike turn-based strategy or high fantasy in general, you must buy this game. When you emerge from your game session a month or two later, see if you don't agree.

Happy Puppy's Rating: 9/10. Our Rating 7/10

Cheats
While playing a game, press [Tab] and type one of the following codes to activate the corresponding cheat function:
All magic and 999 spell points: nwctim
All sources increased: nwcshrubbery
All buildings in castle: nwconlyamodel
Full map: nwcgeneraldirection
Full secret item map: nwcalreadygotone
Instant failure: nwcsirrobin
Instant win: nwctrojanrabbit
Hero gains Tent, Ballista and Ammo: nwcantioch
Hero gains Death Knights: nwcfleshwound
Level up for hero: nwcigotbetter
Infinite move points for hero: nwccoconuts
Maximum luck for hero: nwccastleanthrax
Maximum morale for hero: nwcmuchrejoicing
Extra 35 Archangel: nwcavertingoureyes
Brighter colors: nwcphisherprice

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