Personally, I feel that this game has captured everything good about the series and perfected it.
Being a fan of the series from the precursor King's Bounty(up to HoMM V), I know what I'm talking about.
This installment brings everything that is, was and probably will be great in the series to a complete package.
Gameplay - 10
I really have nothing bad to say... nothing. I can't conjure up a thought that would show this game in a negative way. Everything is so well done. Even while I might have had something bad to say from the minute the game was released - I have nothing to say now, when two expansions are out and countless patches that have fixed even the smallest bugs and balanced the the most minor details.
Just buy the game, and see for yourself that it has the right mix of everything. Looks good for it's age, plays amazing and succeeds in holding back just enough to not let the game get overly complicated on any level.
And the Storyline - especially for the expansions --- dear god. Never have I had this much fun and motivation to complete maps. Always a twist and a memorable event to make you fall in love with the game.
Graphics - 8
Only thing to corrupt the score of this great game. It's the year 2006 and technology has improved. This game can no longer keep up they way I'd like to see it do. But non-the-less, it's 2D graphics are amazing.
Because you see - 2D looks great even years later, because quite frankly there is little that even the most advanced systems can do to improve them. 2D is like a painting, there is a limit to how good it can look.
Other than increasing the resolution, there is little to be done - and that's why age will never competely crush this game.
Sound - 10
After entering the Rampart town during the game, turning up the volume on my speakers and sitting by the opened window, looking at the beautiful sunny summer sky - I have concluded that this game's music is so great, that I'd rather listen to it even without playing the game...
And the sounds themselves are what you'd expect. Troops fighting and spells being cast. Not revolutionary, but they are just right.
Overdoing with basic sound effects is a big no-no. A death cry is a death cry... this game has this spot on.
Value - 10
Total of over 20 campaigns(don't forget the chronicles) and dozens of official maps and near infinite user-made maps + Map editor for you own maps.
Can you ever finish playing them all? I haven't yet. And I've played the game for 7 years, on and off.
If this isn't value, I don't know what is.
Tilt - 10
This game is perfect. I don't know whether it's the game itself or the fun memories I've had while playing it - every time I think of HoMM III, my mood changes for the better.
A game to have for everyone, newcomers, fans of the series and even casual gamers. Easy to learn, tons of value and easy to find and easy to play even on old pc-s.
Is there anything else you want? Doubt it... if you seek any one element that is greater than on this game, you might find it. But I dare you to find a similar game that get's the entire package so right.