Home Gaming Might & Magic Heroes VII Preview: Strategic destruction

Might & Magic Heroes VII Preview: Strategic destruction

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MnM Header1

Confession time… I have never in my life touched a Might & Magic game. Please don’t shoot me Mr/Mrs Internet! Regardless, I dashed off to the Ubisoft booth at Gamescom to grab some info for the fans. I got to see what the latest edition of the game will bring to players when it lands some time next year.

For those of you (like me) who know little about the title, it is a turn-based strategy game. It takes place between the events of Heroes VI and V. That seemed odd to me, but I was assured that it is in that order chronologically. You take the role of Ivan Griffin, following his path from duke in this game to the eventual role of emperor in the fifth game. It is a huge time of transition for the empire. Check out the trailer:

There will be six advisors from the different factions to advise him and help make his choices along the way. You may notice from the trailer that the council numbers seem a bit short at the moment. The reason for this is that Limbic Entertainment (the developers) have given the players a choice of which factions they want to fill the gaps. You can go vote right now. There is the choice of Elves or Dwarves:

SYLVAN: From a military point of view, Elves would add adaptability to Ivan’s strategies. Elf warriors are designed for speed and striking power. They hate a stand-up fight and prefer guerilla tactics. Maneuverability is the key to Elf tactics – they are past masters of retreating to draw the enemy into an advantageous position for them. In a fight they concentrate on picking the enemy army apart. To an Elf general, the perfect battle is one in which the enemy never sees a single Elf…

OR

FORTRESS: Dwarves would make reliable allies as Dwarf warriors, while ferocious, are possessed of an uncanny discipline. They fight to the death, even when the odds are hopelessly against them. Dwarves particularly excel at sieges, with their engineers and sappers working relentlessly to undermine any fortifications they face. Which would be definitely become an asset if Ivan must conquer the impregnable walls of Horncrest, the Stag’s capitol.

I like that they have put it to the vote, and even incorporated it into the story, explaining that only one faction can be chosen so as not to arouse any suspicions.

MNM Screen

The gameplay demonstration kicks off with the region being invaded by invading wizards. We are shown our city in full screen – something that fans have apparently been requesting for a very long time. Using our catapults, we destroy the bridge to slow the progress of the enemies. Some large Titans slipped through however, and arcane birds have destroyed our catapult on its vantage point. We head out to destroy the pesky pigeons.

The game shifts into its battle view, which strongly reminds me of a chessboard. The difference however, is that the board is littered with bits of the environment we previously saw on the overworld map. Our catapult is in the middle, still in flames from the attack. This sort of thing indicates that battles will require different strategies based on terrain, as there may be obstacles that can impede or assist in progress.

Board

After defeating the birds, the catapult is repaired and used to destroy the titans. We also need to repair the bridge we just destroyed so we can take the battle to the attackers. Crossing the bridge shows an avalanche blocking our way. The only alternative is an enemy fort. We opt to take it, and the battle resumes once more.

This time, the battle screen really looks like a maze. This opens up room for flanking, something which is new to the game. It is important to watch your back, as the damage received can be monumental. Thankfully, you can do the same to enemies, catching them off guard to do massive amounts of damage. We win, and the fort is destroyed. We can choose to rebuild it under our control, which may be helpful from a strategic point of view.

Overworld

Unfortunately, the avalanche is still in the way. However, we can choose to go underground into a completely new area. The underworld and overworld can interact with each other in interesting ways. For example, later on we are shown a lake that is blocking progress. However, destroying a key statue underground drains the water, opening up a new lane of progress. We are also briefly shown a variety of environments that will be available; greeny, snowy, and oasis-y. They all really look great.

We are told that the developers have really listened to fan feedback, which they are hoping will translate this into the best game to date. While I may know next to nothing about the genre, I can say that it does look great. If you’re a fan, I’m sure you will be happy with the work that Limbic Entertainment have done. Will you be getting this on launch? Be sure to let me know below (accompanied with your hate for me not having played any of these games before).

Last Updated: August 27, 2014

23 Comments

  1. oooooh nice

    Reply

    • hairyknees

      August 27, 2014 at 09:08

      Omg I actually got your approval on an article?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? 😛

      Reply

      • Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora

        August 27, 2014 at 09:16

        • Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora

          August 27, 2014 at 09:17

          Sorry.. I panicked… @hairyknees:disqus

          Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          August 27, 2014 at 09:22

          What the hell dude? We’re not here to build his self-esteem but break it down, so LG can rebuild him stronger, better, faster than before. A thoughtless compliment could ruin it.

          Reply

          • Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora

            August 27, 2014 at 09:24

            Hence why I solved the problem by destroying it…

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 27, 2014 at 09:28

            Good thinking. I’ve never understood why people claim violence doesn’t solve problems.

  2. Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora

    August 27, 2014 at 08:38

    I might actually try this one as it seems like the game has been refreshed a bit. I haven’t really enjoyed any since #3 to be honest

    Reply

    • Viking Of Science

      August 27, 2014 at 08:47

      In Order of Greatness:
      1> Heroes 3
      2>Heroes 5
      3>Heroes 1
      4>Heroes 2
      5> Heroes 4

      (I’ve not yet spent time with 6)

      Reply

      • Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora

        August 27, 2014 at 09:15

        I’d agree with that except I’d put 2 ahead of 5

        Reply

        • Viking Of Science

          August 27, 2014 at 09:20

          Did you play 5’s expansions, though? They elevate the whole experience!

          Reply

          • Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora

            August 27, 2014 at 09:22

            I did not

          • Viking Of Science

            August 27, 2014 at 09:24

            If You Can get your hands on them, they’re Awesome, Especially Tribes of the East!

          • Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora

            August 27, 2014 at 09:24

            sweet. I shall consider this advise

    • Kensei Seraph

      August 27, 2014 at 08:48

      3 got me into the series.
      Dark Messiah rebuilt my interest and the Sanctuary faction is why I want to get 6 (although Uplay puts me off).

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief Assassin

        August 27, 2014 at 08:55

        I enjoyed DM!

        Reply

        • Kensei Seraph

          August 27, 2014 at 08:58

          I hope they make a good sequel or expansion.

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief Assassin

            August 27, 2014 at 08:59

            Indeed, was a “fresh” game for me back then.

          • Kensei Seraph

            August 27, 2014 at 09:03

            I loved the rope arrows and how you could get to some very interesting locations.
            I once accidentally bypassed 2/3rds of the route I was supposed to take and ended up running in a loop back to where I started.

      • Admiral Chief Assassin

        August 27, 2014 at 08:56

        DM, also known as “The adventures of Sir Kicksalot Deathboot in the land of conveniently placed spikes and traps”

        Reply

        • Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora

          August 27, 2014 at 09:15

          hahahahaha

          Reply

      • Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora

        August 27, 2014 at 09:20

        Yeah, 3 got me in to the series as well. Good memories and many late nights

        Reply

  3. 3Deano

    August 27, 2014 at 14:23

    Always been a fan of these games! remember playing hot seat mode with a few friends in our younger days, some epic battles!

    Will defiantly get this one, shaping up nicely.

    Reply

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