"V" returns to the formula of earlier installments with great success. If only they had taken more time...
User Rating: 8 | Heroes of Might and Magic V (Limited Edition DVD) PC
Let me begin by saying I've played these games since I was a little kid, every single one of them. Heroes 2 is still one of the greatest computer games ever made in my mind. Keeping that in mind, I'll say that I'm very pleased with the changes Ubi made for this version. Where the fourth installment focused heavily on Hero development and less on army building (many would argue too much so) I think this version really hits the nail on the head. No longer do heroes take a place on the battlefield, and the "either/or" arrangement in towns has been done away with, eliminating the need to pick between units--often a difficult decision to make. The battle system is a really good example of turn-based strategy and does a great job of showcasing the many varied and interesting units in the game. Spell effects are flashy, the camera control is appreciated, and the turn system (although it takes some getting used to) provides some strategic challenges and helps keep everything fast paced. Also, the visuals are pretty impressive. Much of the goofy cartoon look of number IV is gone and in its place is a stylized fantasy universe. The first time I entered a town and saw the circling panoramic view it was really quite stunning.
I suppose my only concern is that much of the game seems lacking in depth or attention to detail. Despite seven different patches, textual errors and inconsistencies are constantly frustrating. Almost everything in the game can investigated using a right-click, but often the informational blurbs are cryptic and confusing at best. Also frustrating is a surprising lack of content. The amount of quick play "Scenarios" is unfortunately short and only a few campaigns are available. Spell-books are skimpy and hero customization is difficult to explore fully because rarely is it possibly to acquire enough levels to really hone character skills. While I suspect this is simply corporate strategy, allowing the subsequent expansions to feed on player's dissatisfaction, it is disappointing nonetheless, and I can't help feeling a little let down by a lifelong favorite franchise.
