The first game to reintroduce the Might & Magic universe to the public will be Heroes of Might and Magic V. Gamers will delve into a more mature, consistent fantasy universe that will appeal to fans of all fantasy genres. One of the most successful turn-based strategy franchises, the Heroes of Might and Magic series, with its distinctive touch of RPG, is a benchmark in the Heroic Fantasy genre, with considerable commercial and critical acclaim. The new game will benefit from the features and characteristics that established the success of the initial saga while offering a wealth of innovations such as a highly immersive scenario, a variety of appealing factions, modern 3D graphics, a revolutionary tactical combat system, and a story-based campaign mode.

In Heroes of Might and Magic V, each race has a unique ability: heroes of each race have a specific "prevailing" class-related skill which defines the orientation of their RPG development. Also, in each race's town there are special structures supporting this racial ability and corresponding the heroes' skills. These structures can only be used by heroes of the same race. Sometimes racial ability may coincide with class skill (Sylvan, Academy, Inferno, Necropolis), in other cases both of them will be used at the same time (Haven, Dungeon). We created these abilities to reflect the specificities of each faction in the way it’s being played.

HAVEN

• Counterstrike
  • This skill can be upgraded. Depending on its level, the creatures under the hero’s control will deal more damage on retaliation strikes. This reflects the fact that Haven troops and heroes belong to a faction that is well organized and structured in combat, and also might-oriented.
• Training
  • Humans can train low-tier creatures to become high-tier ones (peasants to archers, archers to squires, squires to clerics, clerics to cavaliers). Training can be performed only in Haven towns where a training ground facility exists, and only by Haven heroes. Heroes of other races would not be able to use training grounds as they do not have the ability to do so. Creatures of other races can not be trained either. The cost of this training ability is rather high at first, but can be reduced by upgrading the training ground building or by learning a special skill called Expert trainer.

SYLVAN

• Favored Enemy
  • Elf rangers have the unique ability to train their creatures to fight a specific enemy. Every ranger begins with at least one creature designated as favorite enemy, later in the game this can be changed with the help of Avenger’s Guild (special building in Sylvan towns) up to the maximum of four enemies per hero (according to the skill level). Creatures in the hero’s army deal more damage against enemy creatures that are currently in the ranger’s Favorite Enemy list. Several other special abilities of the ranger take the Favorite Enemies list into account, too.

ACADEMY

• Artifice
  • Every wizard is highly trained in artifacts crafting and arcane arts. They are able to create “micro-artifacts” that can be used to equip the creatures in their army, thus improving their stats. Depending on the skill level, more complex and powerful equipment can be created.

INFERNO

• Gating
  • Infernal creatures in the hero’s army are granted the ability to “gate”, i.e. call for the infernal plane to summon reinforcements to the battlefield. Level 1 heroes are allowed to gate only low-tier creatures like imps and horned demons, and only a low percentage of the initial stack will join the battle. However, as skill level goes higher, more powerful creatures can be gated up to Pit Lords and Devils, and in greater numbers. It costs an action–and a turn–for a creature to gate their “brethren from hell”, and the reinforcements would not come immediately either, but you are free to choose where they shall appear (even behind the enemy’s castle walls if you like). Gating can be improved by upgrading the skill and erecting special buildings in Inferno towns.

NECROPOLIS

• Necromancy
  • This ability already existed in previous Heroes installments for the Necropolis faction. It gave us the idea of creating a special ability that would unique to each race. Thank the undeads .
    So, necromancers have the unique ability to resurrect enemy bodies as skeletons to enlist in their ranks after a battle. You will only be able to resurrect a low percentage of deceased enemies at first, and you will only be able to generate skeletons. However, as your hero evolves you may wake greater armies and better troops with this method…

DUNGEON

• Invocation
  • Dark Elves have an innate binding to the magical elements of nature, associated with damage and destruction. At the opposite of Academy wizards who rely on knowledge and wisdom, they have an instinctive and visceral sense of magic that allows them to improvise creative effects on basic spells. As a result warlocks have the unique ability to deal increased magical damage to creatures with Magic Proof abilities and even against immune to magic creatures. The amount of damage dealt depends on the skill level.
• Elemental Vision
  • Dark Elves have an innate binding to the magical elements of nature, associated with damage and destruction. With proper training–and with special buildings erected in Dungeon towns–the Warlock can “feel” what element (fire, air, water, or earth) is bound to the given creature and to the terrain segment the creature is battling upon, and use this knowledge to his or her advantage. Attacking enemy creatures with opposing elements will result in additional damage, while positioning your creatures to match the elemental characteristics of the terrain will raise their stats. This ability works even without conscious application, but if managed correctly it’ll be of significant power surplus for any Warlock hero.

Related articles, Click here!