HEROES OF MIGHT AND MAGIC 3 COMPLETE

Reviewed By: Freddie Freeman
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: PC/Mac
Produced by: 3DO
Price Range: $30
Learning curve time: 1-2 hrs.
Age level: 13+
ESRB Rating: Teen
Patches / Upgrades: None
System Requirements: P166, 32 MB RAM

Genre: Turn-Based Strategy
Christian Rating: 3 of 5
   (some objectionable elements)
Gameplay: 5 of 5
   (excellent)
Violence: 4 of 5
   (barely present)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

Box art for 'Heroes of Might and Magic III'

"Heroes of Might and Magic 3 (henceforth referred to as "HoMM3") Complete" is a compilation of 3 games: "Heroes of Might and Magic 3", and its two expansion packs; “Shadow of Death” and "Armageddon's Blade".

Let's take a look at each part of this compilation separately.

The main game is "HoMM 3: The Restoration of Erathia". It tells of Erathia's deceased king, a wise, kind, and noble man, who has been resurrected by Necromancers as an undead lich. He now lives in eternal unrest commanding Erathia's neighboring enemies to seize his former kingdom. His daughter, Queen Catherine, tries to stop his conquest and free his soul from the prison of his undead body.

"HoMM 3: Armageddon's Blade" is one of the included expansion packs. Apparently, in the demon kingdom of Eeofol, Lucifer Kreegan (I'm sure they got the name Lucifer from the Bible) has a vision to set the world on fire by creating "Armageddon's Blade". Enter Queen Catherine, who tries to dethrone this vile menace.

Screen shot from 'Heroes of Might and Magic III'

"HoMM 3: The Shadow of Death" focuses on Sandro, a power-hungry lich, who seeks two powerful combination artifacts which will allow him to rule all of Antagarich. He must be defeated by four powerful heroes whom must find the legendary sword, Angelic Alliance, to defeat the legions of the dead and restore order to Antagarich.

Players can either play in one of the campaigns or play one-shot scenarios against computer or human opponents.

Each player chooses a "Town Type"; each Town Type can build different kinds of units and has different heroes. For instance, the Stronghold town type can build Cyclopses and Behemoths, and has access to the Barbarian and Battle Mage hero classes.

You CAN play as the Inferno town type, however, and have access to Demons, Pit Fiends, Imps, Devils, et cetera. However, you are at no time FORCED to play as this town type.

However, the most powerful unit in the game is the Archangel, make no mistake. Stat wise, nothing comes close. It can resurrect fallen allies, gives everyone good morale, and, quoted from the game, “Hates” Devils and Archdevils and does an extra 50% damage to them.

Out of the “good” hero types (Knight, Barbarian, Ranger, Overlord, Planeswalker, etc.), there are the more dark types, such as Witches, Demoniacs, Warlocks, and so forth. Again, you do not have to play them, and can just as easily win with another hero type.

Of course, being named "Heroes of Might AND Magic 3", you'd have to expect a wee bit o' magic, right?

Each town can build a “Mage Guild” of varying levels, depending on the town type. Spells are randomly assigned to each level of the Mage Guilds. To learn them, you just have to have your hero visit the town that the mage guild is in.

There are no rituals, words, or summoning of demons. “Casting” a spell consists of you clicking on the appropriate icon and then clicking on the unit you want to affect. It isn't in-depth, and merely adds more strategy. One thing that must be remembered about fantasy games such as this is that a “spell” is the fantasy equivalent of a flamethrower or machine gun, nothing more (usually).

“Heroes 3 Complete” is one of the best games I've ever played. It's a classic struggle between good and evil, and doesn't go deep into occultic elements. Highly recommended.

Year of Release—2001

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.