What game should I get?

[frogbeastegg]

D'oh! Don't post while I'm posting!

Thanks for the suggestions, HOMM 3 sounds interesting but is there any reason why you pick 3 and not 4 or 5?

I can answer that partially. Econ21 and others will be better able to describe the differences between the games themselves. Heroes 5 is a lot more demanding in terms of PC requirements. I played it on a fairly decent machine (P4 3ghz, 2GB RAM, 9800 pro 128mb) and it chugged on medium settings. Heroes 3 and 4 are older games and have far lower demands. They aren't 3D for a start.

Heroes 3 is considered the classic and best title in the series by many. Best AI, best campaigns, best MP mode, best random map generator. I can't really comment; I've barely played it.

Heroes 4 gets hammered a lot by series enthusiasts. Seems like either you like the changes it made to the formula or you loathe them. The AI isn't too hot. Again I haven't played it much and so will let someone else pick up the torch. I will say that I enjoyed my couple of hour session, and didn't find it to be a bad game.

Heroes 5 I have played quite a bit. Reportedly in its current state it's very close to being Heroes III in 3D with a few alterations and with a new series of campaigns. The plot is poor, the voice acting bad, the AI not the best ever. Otherwise it's a good game, and I enjoy playing it.


I got a special Amazon.uk exclusive edition of Heroes 5 which included heroes 1, 2, 3 complete and 4 complete all for the standard price of the game. Unfortunately it looks like it's no longer available.

You could try Caesar III. No diplomacy and limited military, but it's a great city-builder.

I'd recommend Pharoah, Zeus and Emperor over Caesar II myself. The refinements to the formula make for a more enjoyable playing experience, and allow for more complex cities. Maybe that's because I can't build a decent city without roadblocks