For gamers of a certain vintage, especially those into turn-based strategy adventures, the franchise that is Heroes of Might and Magic holds a special place in their hearts. Starting in 1995, the series captured the attention of fans for over a decade, but has lain dormant ever since. Thankfully, that is about to change with Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era
Developed by Unfrozen and Ubisoft, this title is poised to bring back the legendary turn-based fun via Steam Early Access later this year. Even better, a new partner is on board, which will provide additional development and launch support. Hooded Horse will serve as the publisher for the game moving forward, and judging from the company’s track record, the game is in good hands.
“Heroes of Might and Magic is a legendary series, one that has a place in the hearts and childhoods of many gamers,” said Hooded Horse CEO Tim Bender. “We’re honoured to be teaming up with Ubisoft and Unfrozen on this project.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Hooded Horse aboard to support the next chapter of Heroes of Might and Magic,” added Alain Corre, chief publishing officer at Ubisoft. “Their passion for the franchise and strong connection with strategy communities make them the perfect complement to Unfrozen’s creative talent.”
What is Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era?
While it is the latest entry in the franchise, it does things differently. For starters, players will be entering a mysterious new continent for their adventures. In the lands of Jadame, new factions, biomes, and creatures will debut, helping to bring to life an environment that has been referenced but never realised.
That is because the game is positioned as a prequel hailing back to the origins of the entire series. Whether you are playing solo or hopping into multiplayer, there are always things to do and discover.
A Non-Linear Single-player Campaign
If you are hoping to create a dynasty of your own, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era offers a non-linear campaign set on Jadame, where rival factions must forge fragile alliances to face the Hive and the Mastermind behind them.
The roster of unique factions mixes returning fan favourites and brand-new creations, each with their unique gameplay style, creatures and heroes and unique faction abilities: Temple (Classic Humans), Necropolis (Undead and Vampires), Sylvan (The Forces of Nature and Fey Folks), Dungeon (Underground Creatures and Dark Elves), Hive (Demonic Insectoids), and a mysterious sixth faction to be revealed soon.
3 Main Multiplayer Modes:
- Classic: a mode where a player can play with one or more heroes, upgrade the castle and explore the map.
- One-hero mode: a blitz-like system, but you have only one hero, so their demise will become yours as well!
- Arena: a mode for those who came to battle! Draft a hero, upgrade them, pick your troops, and challenge the enemy right away.
“The entire Unfrozen team is very excited that Hooded Horse is joining the project,” said Unfrozen CEO Denis Fedorov. “We firmly believe that their expertise, combined with Ubisoft’s legacy, will allow us to make Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era truly successful and introduce the game to even more fans of tactical turn-based strategies from all over the world.”
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era will be released on PC via Steam Early Access.
