Summary

Release Year: 1999
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Loki Software, New World Computing
Publishers: Loki Software, The 3DO Company

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia is a turn-based strategy game and the third installment of the Heroes of Might and Magic series. Developed by New World Computing and published by 3DO, it was released for Microsoft Windows in February 1999. The game’s story is set in the fantasy world of Erathia, and follows a group of heroes as they attempt to restore the kingdom to its former glory after it was conquered by the evil Demon Lord Malassa.

Heroes of Might and Magic III is a turn-based strategy game in which the player controls a hero unit and a group of creatures. The game is played on a hexagonal grid map, and players take turns moving their units around the map, attacking enemy units, and capturing towns and castles. Heroes can also gain experience and level up, which allows them to learn new abilities and spells.

One of the most important aspects of Heroes of Might and Magic III is the resource management system. Players must collect resources such as gold, wood, and ore in order to build and maintain their armies and towns. Resources can be collected from mines, forests, and other locations on the map. Players must also manage their resources carefully, as they can be lost if their towns are captured or their armies are defeated.

Another important aspect of Heroes of Might and Magic III is the combat system. Combat takes place on a separate battlefield, and players have direct control over their units. Units can attack, defend, and cast spells. The outcome of combat is determined by a number of factors, including the unit’s strength, defense, and morale.

Heroes of Might and Magic III features a number of different game modes. The main game mode is the campaign mode, which tells the story of the game. The campaign mode is divided into six chapters, each of which features a different hero and a different set of objectives. Players can also play in the scenario mode, which features a variety of pre-made maps with different objectives. Finally, players can play in the multiplayer mode, which allows them to compete against other players online or via LAN.

Heroes of Might and Magic III was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its engaging story, challenging gameplay, and beautiful graphics. The game has been ranked as one of the best turn-based strategy games of all time, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Gameplay

Heroes

Heroes are the most important units in Heroes of Might and Magic III. They are powerful units that can lead armies and cast spells. Heroes can also gain experience and level up, which allows them to learn new abilities and spells.

There are four different types of heroes in Heroes of Might and Magic III:

Knight: Knights are melee units that are strong in attack and defense. They are also good at leading armies.
Barbarian: Barbarians are melee units that are strong in attack but weak in defense. They are also good at pillaging enemy towns and castles.
Sorcerer: Sorcerers are ranged units that are weak in attack and defense but strong in magic. They can cast a variety of spells, including offensive, defensive, and healing spells.
Necromancer: Necromancers are ranged units that are weak in attack and defense but strong in necromancy. They can cast a variety of spells, including spells that summon undead creatures and spells that damage enemy units.

Creatures

Creatures are the other type of unit in Heroes of Might and Magic III. Creatures are weaker than heroes, but they are cheaper to recruit and can be used to overwhelm enemy units. There are many different types of creatures in Heroes of Might and Magic III, including:

Infantry: Infantry are the weakest type of creature, but they are also the cheapest to recruit. They are good for defending towns and castles.
Cavalry: Cavalry are faster and stronger than infantry, but they are also more expensive to recruit. They are good for attacking enemy units and raiding enemy territory.
Archers: Archers are ranged units that can attack from a distance. They are good for defending towns and castles and for attacking enemy units.
Flying creatures: Flying creatures can fly over obstacles and terrain, which makes them good for scouting and for attacking enemy units that are difficult to reach.

Resources

Resources are essential for building and maintaining armies and towns in Heroes of Might and Magic III. There are three types of resources in the game:

Gold: Gold is used to recruit units, build buildings, and upgrade towns and castles.
Wood: Wood is used to build buildings and upgrade towns and castles.
Ore: Ore is used to upgrade towns and castles and to create artifacts.

Combat

Combat in Heroes of Might and Magic III takes place on a separate battlefield. Players have direct control over their units in combat, and they can attack, defend, and cast spells. The outcome of combat is determined by a number of factors, including the unit’s strength, defense, and morale.

Game modes

Heroes of Might and Magic III features a number of different game modes:

Campaign mode: The campaign mode is the main game mode, and it tells the story of the game. The campaign mode is divided into six chapters, each of which features a different hero and a different set of objectives.
Scenario mode: The scenario mode features a variety of pre-made maps with different objectives. Players can play the scenario mode alone or with friends.
Multiplayer mode: The multiplayer mode allows players to compete against each other online or via LAN.

Legacy

Heroes of Might and Magic III has had a significant impact on the turn-based strategy genre. The game’s innovative resource management system and combat system have been copied by many other games in the genre. Heroes of Might and Magic III has also inspired a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Heroes of Might and Magic IV, Heroes of Might and Magic V, and Might & Magic: Heroes VII.