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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{About|the series|the first game|Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest}}
{{ref improve|date=February 2013}}
{{Infobox VG series
| image = ]
| caption = Logo for the ''Heroes of Might and Magic'' series
| genre = ]
| developer = ]<br>]<br>]
| publisher = ]<br>]
| creator = ]
| platforms = ], ], ], ], ]
| spinoffs = '']''<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''
| first release version = '']''
| first release date = 1995
| latest release version = '']''
| latest release date = 2011
| website = http://www.mightandmagic.com
}}

'''''Heroes of Might and Magic''''' is a series of video games originally created and developed by ] through ]. As part of the '']'' franchise, the series changed ownership when NWC was acquired by ] and again when 3DO closed down and sold the rights to ].<ref name="3DO/Ubi">{{cite web |author= |title=Ubisoft Entertainment SA acquires 3DO Co-Heroes of Might & Magic from 3DO Co |publisher=The Alacra Store |date=December 23, 2003 |url=http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/Thomson_M&A/Ubisoft_Entertainment_SA_acquires_3DO_Co_Heroes_of_Might_Magic_from_3DO_Co-1463134020 |accessdate=2009-10-05}}</ref> The games feature ], fantasy-themed conflicts in which players control armies of ]s. The series began in 1995 with the release of the first title. A sixth installment, '']'', was released on October 13, 2011.<ref name="Ubisoft)">{{cite web | url = http://might-and-magic.ubi.com/heroes-6/en-GB/news/details.aspx?c=tcm:21-21565&ct=tcm:6-231-32 | title = Might & Magic Heroes VI will be released on October 13th | date = August 5, 2011 | accessdate = 2011-08-05 | publisher = ] }}</ref>

The series is directed primarily at the ] and ] platforms, with sporadic support for ] over the years. ] closed after the production of '']'', and since then the rights to the franchise have been owned by Ubisoft. ] developed the first game in the series since the changeover, '']'', while ] is developing its sequel. ''Heroes III'' was ported to ].<ref name="Linux">{{cite web |author= |title=Heroes III ported to Linux |publisher=Loki Software, Inc |date=October 28, 2000 |url=http://www.lokigames.com/products/heroes3/ |accessdate=2009-10-05}}</ref> ] has carried the first four games in the series since 2006.<ref name="GameTap">{{cite web |author= |title=Heroes of Might and Magic Invade GameTap |publisher=GameZone |date=February 23, 2006 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/02_23_06_11_45AM.htm |accessdate=2009-10-05}}</ref> ] have appeared on the ].

==Games== ==Games==
]'']] ]'']]
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'']'' (1990), an earlier game from ], largely precipitated the design of ''Heroes'' and is included in some ''Heroes'' anthologies. It was later remade and branded as a ''Heroes'' title for the ] game, ''Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff''. A sequel to ''King's Bounty'' was released in 2008 as '']''. '']'' (1990), an earlier game from ], largely precipitated the design of ''Heroes'' and is included in some ''Heroes'' anthologies. It was later remade and branded as a ''Heroes'' title for the ] game, ''Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff''. A sequel to ''King's Bounty'' was released in 2008 as '']''.


===Main titles, expansions and adventure packs===
*'']'' (1995) *'']'' (1995)
*'']'' (1996) *'']'' (1996)
**''The Price of Loyalty'' (1997) **'']'' (1997)
*'']: The Restoration of Erathia'' (1999) *'']'' (1999)
**'']'' (1999) **'']'' (1999)
**'']'' (2000) **'']'' (2000)
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*'']'' (2009) *'']'' (2009)
*'']'' (], 2009), (], 2011), (], 2011), (], 2011) *'']'' (], 2009), (], 2011), (], 2011), (], 2011)
**''Might & Magic Clash Of Heroes: DLC I am the Boss'' (2011)


===Anthologies=== ===Anthologies and special editions===
*''Heroes of Might and Magic Compendium'' (1997), includes ''King's Bounty'' and first two ''Heroes'' games including expansion pack. Released by 3DO. *''Heroes of Might and Magic Compendium'' (1997), includes ''King's Bounty'' and first two ''Heroes'' games including expansion pack. Released by 3DO.


*''Heroes of Might and Magic Millennium'' (1999), includes ''King's Bounty'', ''Heroes I'', ''Heroes II Gold'' and ''Heroes III'', but no expansions to ''Heroes 3''. Released by 3DO, in a 3 CD-ROM disc set. *''Heroes of Might and Magic Millennium'' (1999), includes ''King's Bounty'', ''Heroes I'', ''Heroes II Gold'' and ''Heroes III'', but no expansions to ''Heroes 3''. Released by 3DO, in a 3 CD-ROM disc set.

*''Heroes of Might and Magic III: Complete'' (2000), a special edition that includes ''Heroes III'' and its expansions packs (all updated to latest versions) and a custom title screen. Released by 3DO.


*''Heroes of Might and Magic Trilogy'' (2000), ''Heroes I'', ''Heroes II'' and ''Heroes III'', but no expansions to ''Heroes 2'' nor ''Heroes 3''. Released in a joint venture by 3DO and Ubisoft, in a 3 CD-ROM disc set. *''Heroes of Might and Magic Trilogy'' (2000), ''Heroes I'', ''Heroes II'' and ''Heroes III'', but no expansions to ''Heroes 2'' nor ''Heroes 3''. Released in a joint venture by 3DO and Ubisoft, in a 3 CD-ROM disc set.


*''Heroes of Might and Magic Platinum Edition'' (2002), includes ''Heroes I'', ''Heroes II Gold'' and ''Heroes III Complete''. Released by 3DO, in a 4 CD-ROM disc set. *''Heroes of Might and Magic: Platinum Edition'' (2002), includes ''Heroes I'', ''Heroes II Gold'' and ''Heroes III Complete''. Released by 3DO, in a 4 CD-ROM disc set.


*''Heroes of Might and Magic III+IV Complete'' (2002), includes ''Heroes III Complete'' and ''Heroes IV Complete''. Released by Ubisoft, in a 1 DVD-ROM disc set. *''Heroes of Might and Magic III+IV Complete'' (2002), includes ''Heroes III Complete'' and ''Heroes IV Complete''. Released by Ubisoft, in a 1 DVD-ROM disc set.


*''Heroes of Might and Magic V Silver Edition'' (2006), includes ''Heroes V'' and the expansion pack ''Hammers of Fate''. *''Heroes of Might and Magic IV Complete'' (2004), includes ''Heroes IV'' and all of its expansions. Released by Ubisoft.


*''Heroes of Might and Magic Complete Edition'' (2008), includes all five ''Heroes'' games and their expansions. Released by Ubisoft. *''Heroes of Might and Magic V: Silver Edition'' (2006), includes ''Heroes V'' and the expansion pack ''Hammers of Fate''.


*''Heroes of Might and Magic V: Collector's Edition'' (2007), includes ''Heroes V'' and all of its expansion packs. It also includes three bonus DVDs including Storyline Trailers for the main game and its expansions, Developer Diaries, Heroes V Universe Album, Exclusive Monsters Test Videos, Fan-Made Heroes Game Encyclopedia and more. Released by Ubisoft.
*''Might & Magic Heroes Collection'' (2011), includes all five ''Heroes'' games and their expansions. It was released by Mastertronic Games in a 4 disc set.<ref> from Mastertronic Games</ref>


*''Might and Magic Heroes V: Epic Collection' (2009), includes ''Heroes V'' and both of its expansion packs. Released by Encore Games.
==Gameplay==
The ''Heroes'' series is within the genre of ]. The titular heroes are ]s who can recruit armies, move around the ], capture resources, and engage in combat. The heroes also incorporate some ] elements; they possess a set of ] that confer bonuses to an army, ] that enhance their powers, and knowledge of ] that can be used to attack enemies or produce strategic benefits. Also, heroes gain ]s from battle, such that veteran heroes are significantly more powerful than inexperienced ones. Experienced heroes may persist through a campaign, but generally do not carry over between scenarios.


*''Heroes Pack'' (2009), includes ''Dark Messiah'' and ''Heroes V'' and its expansion packs. Available on Steam.
On a typical map, players begin a game with one town of a chosen alignment. The number of different alignments varies throughout the series, with the lowest count of four appearing initially in ''Heroes I'' and peaking at nine in the ''Heroes III'' expansion ''Armageddon's Blade''. Each town alignment hosts a unique selection of creatures from which the player can build an army. Town alignment also determines other unique traits such as native hero classes, special bonuses or abilities, and leanings toward certain skills or kinds of magic.


*''Heroes of Might and Magic: Complete Edition'' (2008), includes the first five ''Heroes'' games and their expansions. The included games are accompanied by extras and goodies, such as soundtracks DVDs, a faction booklet, a Heroes of Might and Magic V T-shirt or The Art of Might and Magic artbook. Released by Ubisoft.
Towns play a central role in the games since they are the primary source of income and new recruits. A typical objective in each game is to capture all enemy towns. Maps may also start with neutral towns, which do not send out heroes but may still be captured by any player. It is therefore possible, and common, to have more towns than players on a map. When captured, a town retains its alignment type, allowing the new owner to create a mixed army. A player or team is eliminated when no towns or heroes are left under their control. Barring any special conditions, the last player or team remaining is the victor.


*''Might & Magic Heroes Collection'' (2011), includes all five ''Heroes'' games and their expansions. It was released by Mastertronic Games in a 4 disc set.<ref> from Mastertronic Games</ref>
A side objective commonly appearing in the series is the acquisition of a powerful object called the "ultimate artifact," (''Heroes I'' and ''II''), ] (''III'' and ''IV'') or Tear of Asha (''V''), buried under a random tile on the map. As heroes visit special locations called ]s, pieces are removed from a ]-like map, gradually revealing its location to the player. Once found, it confers immense bonuses to the player capable of breaking a stalemate: the grail can be taken back to a town and used to build a special structure, while the ultimate artifact provides the bonuses directly through possession.

===Time and resource model===
Each turn (consisting of all players' moves) is represented as a single day, and days are organized into cycles of weeks and months (measured as four weeks). The primary resource is gold, which is generated by towns on a daily basis. Gold alone is sufficient for obtaining basic buildings and most creatures. As construction progresses, increasing amounts of secondary resources such as wood, ], gems, crystals, sulfur, and mercury are required. These resources, as well as gold, are produced at ] and other secondary structures, which are located on the map and require heroes to capture them. As with towns, mines can also be captured by enemy heroes, presenting an additional avenue for conflict.

At the start of each week (each day in ''Heroes IV''), creature dwellings produce new recruits, and in most cases neutral armies will increase in size (by default; can be turned off if desired). In some of the games, the start of a new month causes neutral armies to spawn all over the map, providing fresh challenges and opportunities.

===Combat===
Whenever a player engages in battle, the game changes from the adventure map display to a combat screen, which is based on either a ] or square grid. In this mode, the game mimics the ] genre, as the engaged armies must carry through the battle without the opportunity to reinforce or gracefully retreat. With few exceptions, combat must end with the losing army ], being destroyed, or paying a heavy price in gold to surrender. Surrendering allows the player to keep the remaining units intact.

Creatures in an army are represented by unit stacks, each of which consists of a single type of creature, in any quantity. A limited number of stacks are available to each army, varying by game. Players generally maneuver their stacks attempting to achieve the most favorable rate of ] for themselves. The games also have an automatic combat option that allows the computer to make tactical choices for a player. Heroes participate in battle as well: passively by granting bonuses to their army, and actively by engaging in combat and casting spells. In most of the games, heroes do not act as units, and cannot be harmed. However, in ''Heroes IV'' they do act as regular units and can be "killed"; these dead heroes are transferred to the nearest town's dungeon where they can be freed if their team captures the town.

Combat is affected by several random factors. In addition to simulating ] rolls to determine damage, a variety of influences including hero abilities and special bonuses determine a unit's luck and morale ratings, which affect the likelihood of those units triggering a bonus during combat. A unit that triggers good luck deals more (or receives less) damage, and a unit that triggers high morale receives an extra turn. In some other games, luck and morale can also be negative, with opposite corresponding effects. Luck and morale can be improved by hero abilities, artifacts, and spells. Morale may suffer with overwhelming odds in combat or by mixing incompatible unit types (e.g. Chaos with Order.)

===History of changes===
Knowledge allows heroes to cast more spells, either through a spell memorization (HoMM I) or spell point (II-V) system.

''Heroes II'' introduced secondary skills. Heroes can learn a limited variety of secondary skills with several levels of proficiency. Secondary skills give specific, miscellaneous bonuses to heroes and their armies. For example, skill in logistics increases the distance a hero's army can travel, while skill in leadership gives their army a ] bonus.

Beginning with ''Heroes II'', some creatures were able to be upgraded. By ''Heroes III'', every creature (excluding those not found in any castle) was able to be upgraded.

''Heroes III'' also introduced a new artifact platform; rather than having 14 spaces for any artifact, the player instead has a much larger backpack, but can only use a limited number. For example, only one headpiece can be used at a time, as well as only one pair of boots, etc.

===Replay value===
Games in the series often include a map editor and/or random map generator. Several fansites collect and rate user-generated maps.

==Storyline==

===Original universe===
]''.]]
Up until '']'', the ''Heroes'' series took place in the same fictional universe as the '']'' series, and later ''Might and Magic'' installments heavily referenced the games, with some taking place in the same world.

'']'' and '']'' take place on the planet of Enroth, on a northerly continent of the same name, and chronicle the adventures of the Ironfist dynasty. The protagonist of ''Heroes I'' is Lord Morglin Ironfist, a knight who discovers a portal to the realm of Enroth while fleeing from his throne's usurpers, and goes on to conquer and dominate the continent, establishing a unified kingdom and a new rule.

''Heroes II'' featured a two-sided conflict between Morglin's sons, Roland and Archibald, both vying for their deceased father's throne. Canonically, Roland defeats Archibald, though the player can choose to align themself with either side. It was the first game in the series to feature playable heroes as campaign characters – the main characters of ''Heroes I'' were represented by the player's presence rather than as commanders on the battlefield.

The storylines of '']'' and the '']'' shift focus to the Gryphonheart dynasty on the southern continent of Antagarich, and introduces the ] as playable characters and enemies. In ''Heroes III'', Queen Catherine Gryphonheart, King Roland's wife, is called home to attend her father's funeral, to discover Antagarich being torn apart by various factions. ''Heroes III'''s ] build on the setting with more prominent character development, featuring new and old heroes from the series in differing roles.

The events preceding '']'' precipitated the destruction of Enroth due to a clash between ] and the ]. The ensuing destruction brings about portals leading to another world, Axeoth, through which many characters escape. ''Heroes IV'''s campaigns focus on the scattered survivors from Enroth and Antagarich as they form new kingdoms and alliances in the new world.

===Ubisoft continuity===
'']'' was the first ''Might and Magic'' title to take place on the previously unheard-of world of Ashan, as part of ]'s franchise-wide ]. Its six campaigns are each centered around a faction leader, tied together by the character of Isabel Greyhound, Queen of the Griffin Empire. The ''Heroes V'' ] both continued this storyline, leading into the events of '']''. '']'' acts as a prequel, occurring 400 years prior.

==Reception==
Critical reception for the series has been generally positive, with ] scores averaging from the high 70s to high 80s.


*''Might & Maigc Heroes VI: Limited Edition'' (2011), includes ''Heroes VI'' and ''Heroes III' along with one extra item (''Staff of Asha'') and hero (''Kraal'') for Heroes VI. Released by Ubisoft.
==Production==
{{Empty section|date=July 2010}}
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===Origins===
===Development===
===Digital images and animations===
===Musics===
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*''Might & Magic Heroes VI: Deluxe Digital Edition'' (2011), includes a digital copy of ''Heroes VI'', two .pdf documents (164-page concept art book and an A2 format double sided poster), the game's soundtrack and one month subscription on ''Heroes Kingdoms''. Released by Ubisoft.
==References==
{{Reflist}}


*''Might and Magic Franchise Pack'', (2012), includes ''Dark Messiah'', ''Heroes V'' and its expansion packs, ''Clash of Heroes'' and its DLC, ''Heroes'' VI and its two adventure packs. Available on Steam.
==External links==
*
*{{dmoz|Games/Video_Games/Strategy/Turn-Based/Heroes_of_Might_and_Magic_Series|''Heroes of Might and Magic'' series}}
*{{MobyGames|id=/heroes-of-might-and-magic|name=Heroes of Might and Magic}}


*''Might & Magic Heroes VI: Gold Edition'' (2012), includes ''Heroes VI'' and its two adventure packs. Released by Ubisoft.''
{{Might and Magic series}}
{{Ubisoft}}


*''Might & Magic: Heroes VI: Complete Edition'' (2013), includes ''Heroes VI'' (version 1.5.1) and its standalone expansion pack and two adventure packs.
]
]

Revision as of 14:01, 8 May 2013

Games

Screenshot from Heroes of Might and Magic II
Screenshot from Heroes of Might and Magic V

King's Bounty (1990), an earlier game from New World Computing, largely precipitated the design of Heroes and is included in some Heroes anthologies. It was later remade and branded as a Heroes title for the PlayStation 2 game, Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff. A sequel to King's Bounty was released in 2008 as King's Bounty: The Legend.

Main titles, expansions and adventure packs

Spin-offs

Anthologies and special editions

  • Heroes of Might and Magic Compendium (1997), includes King's Bounty and first two Heroes games including expansion pack. Released by 3DO.
  • Heroes of Might and Magic Millennium (1999), includes King's Bounty, Heroes I, Heroes II Gold and Heroes III, but no expansions to Heroes 3. Released by 3DO, in a 3 CD-ROM disc set.
  • Heroes of Might and Magic III: Complete (2000), a special edition that includes Heroes III and its expansions packs (all updated to latest versions) and a custom title screen. Released by 3DO.
  • Heroes of Might and Magic Trilogy (2000), Heroes I, Heroes II and Heroes III, but no expansions to Heroes 2 nor Heroes 3. Released in a joint venture by 3DO and Ubisoft, in a 3 CD-ROM disc set.
  • Heroes of Might and Magic: Platinum Edition (2002), includes Heroes I, Heroes II Gold and Heroes III Complete. Released by 3DO, in a 4 CD-ROM disc set.
  • Heroes of Might and Magic III+IV Complete (2002), includes Heroes III Complete and Heroes IV Complete. Released by Ubisoft, in a 1 DVD-ROM disc set.
  • Heroes of Might and Magic IV Complete (2004), includes Heroes IV and all of its expansions. Released by Ubisoft.
  • Heroes of Might and Magic V: Silver Edition (2006), includes Heroes V and the expansion pack Hammers of Fate.
  • Heroes of Might and Magic V: Collector's Edition (2007), includes Heroes V and all of its expansion packs. It also includes three bonus DVDs including Storyline Trailers for the main game and its expansions, Developer Diaries, Heroes V Universe Album, Exclusive Monsters Test Videos, Fan-Made Heroes Game Encyclopedia and more. Released by Ubisoft.
  • Might and Magic Heroes V: Epic Collection' (2009), includes Heroes V and both of its expansion packs. Released by Encore Games.
  • Heroes Pack (2009), includes Dark Messiah and Heroes V and its expansion packs. Available on Steam.
  • Heroes of Might and Magic: Complete Edition (2008), includes the first five Heroes games and their expansions. The included games are accompanied by extras and goodies, such as soundtracks DVDs, a faction booklet, a Heroes of Might and Magic V T-shirt or The Art of Might and Magic artbook. Released by Ubisoft.
  • Might & Magic Heroes Collection (2011), includes all five Heroes games and their expansions. It was released by Mastertronic Games in a 4 disc set.
  • Might & Maigc Heroes VI: Limited Edition (2011), includes Heroes VI and Heroes III' along with one extra item (Staff of Asha) and hero (Kraal) for Heroes VI. Released by Ubisoft.
  • Might & Magic Heroes VI: Deluxe Digital Edition (2011), includes a digital copy of Heroes VI, two .pdf documents (164-page concept art book and an A2 format double sided poster), the game's soundtrack and one month subscription on Heroes Kingdoms. Released by Ubisoft.
  • Might and Magic Franchise Pack, (2012), includes Dark Messiah, Heroes V and its expansion packs, Clash of Heroes and its DLC, Heroes VI and its two adventure packs. Available on Steam.
  • Might & Magic Heroes VI: Gold Edition (2012), includes Heroes VI and its two adventure packs. Released by Ubisoft.
  • Might & Magic: Heroes VI: Complete Edition (2013), includes Heroes VI (version 1.5.1) and its standalone expansion pack and two adventure packs.
  1. Douglas, Jane (August 17, 2010). "Heroes of Might & Magic VI rising on PC in 2011 – News at GameSpot". Gamescom.gamespot.com. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  2. Might & Magic Heroes Collection from Mastertronic Games