Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Products | Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes |
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is a puzzle-based role-playing game created by Capybara Games and distributed by Ubisoft for the Nintendo DS. As an installment in the Might and Magic franchise, it debuted in December 2009 in North America and followed in Europe by February 2010. An HD downloadable edition became available in 2011 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows. Subsequently, mobile versions for iOS and Android, developed by Tag Games, were launched in 2013. In July 2023, a remastered version named Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes - Definitive Edition, developed and published by Dotemu, was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows.
Gameplay
The game’s mechanics have drawn comparisons to titles like Puzzle Quest and Critter Crunch, incorporating strategic elements from the Heroes of Might and Magic series. It merges aspects of role-playing, turn-based strategy, and puzzle gameplay, enabling players to undertake both narrative-driven and optional missions while overseeing army recruitment and resource management.
The playable factions include five out of the eight found in Heroes of Might and Magic V: the Haven, Inferno, Sylvan, Academy, and Necropolis. Despite this, the composition of troops differs from their appearances in Heroes V. Each faction’s army consists of an unlimited number of basic units unique to that faction, alongside a restricted quantity of elite troops. Every faction provides three types of basic soldiers plus five varieties of advanced units, allowing for tailored army configurations.
Players assume control of faction leaders who act as avatars throughout exploration phases and tactical turn-based combat, acquiring experience points and unlocking new skills over time. Battles take place across two grids: enemy forces are displayed on the upper screen, while friendly units occupy the lower one. Typically, players have three actions per turn to move their troops, stacking units of matching colors vertically to build up attacks that trigger after several turns. If uninterrupted, these attacks strike downward through enemy ranks, potentially damaging opposing commanders.
Artifacts that can be equipped—some returning from Heroes V—alter the abilities of troops or heroes during engagements. The game also offers multiplayer options: DS Download Play allows two players with limited hero selection, whereas DS Wireless Play supports all ten heroes for competitive matches.
Plot
As the third installment within the Ubisoft continuity of the series, this game acts as a prequel to Heroes of Might and Magic V, unfolding in the world of Ashan approximately four decades prior to the events of Heroes V and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic (circa 946 YSD).
The narrative focuses on five main characters—Godric, Aidan, Anwen, Nadia, and Fiona—each leading distinct factions: knights, demons, elves, wizards, and necromancers respectively. Godric and Anwen return from Heroes V, alongside other familiar figures such as Cyrus, Findan, and Markal. Central to the storyline is the enigmatic Demon Lord Azh Rafir, who is Nadia’s father and seeks to exploit the Blade of Binding to open portals to the demonic realm Sheogh, thereby unleashing widespread havoc. Fiona’s arc reveals Azh Rafir’s devotion to Urgash, the chaotic dragon. Unaware of its significance, Aidan wields the Blade of Binding. Ultimately, Nadia confronts Azh Rafir in his demon lord form, destroys the blade, and brings tranquility back to Ashan.
Release
An HD edition was produced for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 platforms. This version redesigned gameplay for a single-screen experience, enhanced game balance, and debuted on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade in April 2011. The PC launch followed on September 22, 2011, using Steamworks instead of Uplay for distribution. In 2013, mobile versions were introduced for iOS and Android devices.
A remastered version entitled Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes - Definitive Edition, featuring newly redrawn visuals and developed by Dotemu, was released on July 20, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows.
Reception
Across all platforms, the game garnered "generally favorable reviews" according to Metacritic.
The DS version received a nine out of ten score from Edge for its daring reinvention of the franchise. Both DS and Xbox 360 editions were commended by GamePro for their innovative fusion of RPG mechanics with puzzle gameplay, making them highly recommended for strategy enthusiasts. GameZone described it as an intelligent and gratifying puzzle-RPG experience despite minor imperfections. On the other hand, TouchArcade gave the iOS port three out of five stars due to technical issues but recognized its promise on newer hardware.
Metro awarded an eight out of ten rating to both DS and Xbox 360 versions, praising their excellent combination of role-playing elements with puzzle and strategy gameplay along with appealing graphics and online features; the iOS edition received a similar score for its value and solid gameplay. The iOS version earned four stars from Digital Spy, which highlighted its asynchronous multiplayer mode as a fitting addition to the turn-based design. Despite some technical difficulties, National Post rated it seven out of ten.
At E3 2009, IGN nominated the DS version for Best DS Strategy Game.
In summary, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes established itself as a unique puzzle-strategy RPG that attracted a broad audience across multiple gaming platforms.