Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars

"Sedate your urge of productive activity via a pinnacle in classic stratagem"

In the grand tradition of mindless, ennui-alleviating computer gaming, basic military strategy games have always been an ideal choice. While not requiring the time and attention of an insanely in-depth game (in the stereotypical fashion of first-person shooters and action/adventure), this category rarely misses it's mark in terms of entertainment and gaming pleasure.

And in the grand field of overhead strategy gaming, Heroes of Might and Magic has always been a front runner. In this second chapter of the series, players are able to assume the control of six different hero types. Four are magic oriented; two physical. Three are creatures of evil; three fight with benevolent intentions. Such dynamic gameplay opportunity juxtaposes ideally with a turn-based battle and map system.

In comparison to other relatively aged games, such as earlier Warcraft games, Starcraft, Command and Conquer, and the like, HoMM2 stands out due to a wider variety of possible player roles. With six polar different character types, scores of magical spells and abilities, dozens of single and multi-player maps and varying difficulty modes, players are offered radically different gameplay options. And while the battles and strategy never cease to impress, they never require utmost attention either; a perfect combination for such a seemingly outdated game.

Points of criticism lie in some of the repetitive parts of building an empire. Gaining control of resource mines is one thing; maintaining control is quite another. Leveling up to higher units is one thing; keeping such units supplied in you army is, once again, quite another. While each of these example only adds to the stratagem of a master, they will simultaneously provide frustration.

Visual effects are ostensibly outdated. The overworld map resembles a Milton-Bradley board game more than anything else; the only things separating the two worlds are the sporadic motion of windmills and the random twitching of nomadic enemies. In battle, creatures aren’t defined by utmost detail; however, the size and fortitude between awesome Titans and tiny Halflings are readily noted. However, such basic graphic design only attributes to the casual gaming atmosphere.

Sound effects are repetitive, but pleasing. Particularly appealing is the theme song from the Sorceress compound. In turn, though, the battle music resembles an African tribal dance, and almost immediately becomes annoying. Redeeming factor lies in the game’s complete enjoyment despite a hasty strike of the “mute” key.

While this game is capable of providing plenty of entertainment within a casual environment, it suffers in aspects of audio/visual effects and occasional repetitiveness.

So, by the average of 9 (Gameplay), 5 (Visuals), 4 (Sound), and 8 (Challenge and Replay value), this game receives a solid score of 6.5, rounded up for current intents and purposes as a 7.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/07/02, Updated 10/07/02