A huge disappointment for every fans of the series
The bad: Extremely slow pace. The story isn't interesting nor original nor well told. Messy warfare-system, without any possibilities for strategy. Terrible artificial intelligence. Extremely easy and time-stealing quests. Sad atmosphere, that makes me crying. Horrible voice-acting. Boring, boring, boring,... BOOOOORIIIINGG!!!!
Conclusion: The Settlers V: Heritage of Kings is a huge disappointment and a really boring game. The economic system, the resource collection and the graphics are the only things that is satisfying me. All the other thing in the game is at its best mediocre and dull.
If you want to play a great strategy game, play Civilization II, III or IV, Rome, Medieval II or Empire: Total War, SimCity I, II, III or IV, Company of Heroes, World in Conflict, Sins of a Solar Empire, Rise of Nations, Hearts of Iron I, II or III, Europa Universalis II or III, Age of Empires II or III, Supreme Commander, Earth Empire I or II, or something other interesting. Forget this game.
Presentation 3/10 - Awful and totally uninteresting story and story-line. The only thing that the presentation does well, is to let me control the camera such I want.
Graphics 7/10 - The game looks good, and the graphics are colorful and nice. Near the surface it may not look so fine.
Sound 5/10 - Some of the songs are nice. The introduction music and a big part of the music sucks! The voice acting is awful!
Gameplay 3/10 - The game is most just boring and dull. You get very little entertainment because extremely slow pace and messy warfare.
Lasting appeal 2/10 - After that you have checked all the content of the CD, you'll put the game on the shelf. There it will dust, if you don't sell it or destroy it.
Sleepless nights 2/10 - The game is so hypnotic that it makes you sleeping, no matter of you are hooked or not.