Greetings, loyal devotees of turn-based strategy and, in particular, the legendary saga of Heroes of Might and Magic! Today, we stand on the cusp of an exciting new chapter in this iconic series – Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. The announcement of this game has been a true gift for all who have spent countless hours exploring maps, building castles, and engaging in epic battles to the tune of immortal melodies, their hearts pounding with anticipation.
For many of us veterans, whose keyboards and mice still bear the memories of battles in Heroes II and Heroes III, the news of this new game has sparked a whirlwind of emotions. Can it recapture that very magic? Will the developers succeed in breathing new life into this beloved universe while offering something truly fresh and captivating? Let's delve into the currently known details of Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era together and try to understand what awaits us in the upcoming early access release, slated for the second quarter of 2025.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Olden Era is the change of scenery. For the first time in the series' history, the game's events will unfold on the continent of Jadame. This mysterious region was previously only mentioned in passing in Might and Magic VIII, never before showcased in its full glory. Now, Jadame will become the battleground for six warring factions, each pursuing their own distinct goals and interests.
The story campaign promises to be non-linear, a notable innovation compared to the more linear narratives of Heroes II and III. Our decisions will directly influence the unfolding events, the fates of heroes, and entire kingdoms. At the heart of the narrative lies the confrontation between the factions and a new threat – the Swarm, an insectoid army subservient to a demon from Inferno. This antagonist will force even the most bitter enemies to seek temporary alliances in order to survive in this new, hostile world.
It's important to note that the events of Olden Era will take place long before the first Heroes of Might and Magic game, making it the official prequel. This opens up a unique opportunity to explore the early stages of Enroth's history, perhaps encounter ancestors of familiar characters, and learn more about the events that preceded the classic trilogy.
The developers at Unfrozen studio, with the support of Ubisoft, make no secret of their deep respect for the classic installments of the series, especially Heroes III. This is why the gameplay of Olden Era will largely rely on the time-tested mechanics familiar to every fan of the genre. We can expect turn-based exploration of the world map, resource gathering, castle construction and development, hero recruitment, and, of course, thrilling tactical battles.
However, it would be naive to think that we're simply getting a thoughtless copy of old ideas. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era will offer a range of exciting innovations designed to refresh the gameplay and add depth:
At the start of early access, players will have access to six distinct factions:
This unique mechanic will become a hallmark of each faction, influencing castle development, available upgrades, and even strategic gameplay on the world map. Details of this system are yet to be revealed, but the developers promise it will add significant replayability.
Unlike classic Heroes, where units primarily possessed passive skills, in Olden Era, many creatures and heroes will gain active abilities that can be used in combat. This should significantly expand tactical possibilities and make battles even more engaging.
Each hero will possess unique abilities specifically designed for their faction, highlighting the individuality of each playable side.
Similar to Heroes V: Tribes of the East, each base unit will have two alternative development paths, allowing players to choose the most suitable strategy.
The beloved artifact sets, granting powerful bonuses upon collecting a full set, will triumphantly return in Olden Era.
The developers have also announced several game modes to cater to every player's preference:
The developers understand how crucial the ability to battle friends and other players is for fans of the series. Therefore, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era will feature a comprehensive multiplayer mode:
The developers also promise to actively engage with the community, listen to player feedback during early access, and work on game balance.
The visual style of Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era combines the vibrancy and cartoonish charm of the early installments (especially Heroes II) with modern animation and detail. At the same time, many interface elements and artifact designs will be styled after the beloved Heroes III, evoking a pleasant sense of nostalgia. The developers have aimed to avoid the controversial 3D that was present in later parts of the series, opting for the time-tested 2D graphics with high-quality animation.
Special attention should be paid to the game's musical accompaniment. The legendary composer Paul Anthony Romero, whose melodies have become an integral part of the atmosphere of previous Might and Magic and Heroes games, has returned to create the soundtrack. He will be joined by Chris Velasco, known for his work on hits such as God of War, StarCraft II, and Mass Effect. The Heroes Orchestra will also participate in the music creation, handling orchestral arrangements. Such a constellation of talented composers promises to create a truly epic and memorable soundtrack, comparable to the iconic melodies of Heroes III.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era looks like a promising return for the legendary series. The developers at Unfrozen, positioning themselves as true Heroes fans, are betting on time-tested classic gameplay while not being afraid to experiment and add new, exciting mechanics to the game.
Comparisons between Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era and previous installments are inevitable. The developers themselves acknowledge that they draw inspiration from the classic Heroes II and Heroes III, striving to recreate the very atmosphere and engaging gameplay that we love so much about this franchise.
The return to a 2D map, a hexagonal battle grid (albeit with improvements such as dynamically changing unit initiative and the absence of large two-hex creatures), two unit upgrade paths, and multi-tiered mage guilds in castles all clearly indicate the developers' desire to return to the series' roots. At the same time, innovations such as the non-linear campaign, laws of factions, and active unit and hero abilities are designed to enrich the gameplay and introduce fresh ideas, while avoiding the controversial experiments seen in Heroes IV, for example, with heroes on the battlefield.
Many fans hope that Olden Era will be able to avoid the mistakes of the later installments and return the franchise to its rightful pedestal. The decision to create a prequel and explore a completely new territory – the continent of Jadame – looks like a bold and promising step.
The early access release, scheduled for the second quarter of 2025, will be an important stage in the game's development, allowing players to be among the first to assess its potential and contribute to its further development. Given the developers' active engagement with the community, regular development logs, and answers to fan questions, there is every reason to believe that Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era can become a worthy successor to the great series and provide us with many unforgettable hours spent in a world of magic and adventure.
Are you looking forward to Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era? What are your expectations for this game? Which innovations seem most interesting to you? Share your thoughts in the comments!