Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest
A turn-based strategy spin-off of the Might and Magic series.
Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest is a 1995 turn-based strategy game developed and published by New World Computing for DOS. A spin-off of the Might and Magic role-playing series, its success led to multiple sequels. An updated Windows 95 version in 1996 added a map editor, random map generator, CD audio, new scenarios, and included King's Bounty as a bonus.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- New World Computing
- Designer
- Jon Van Caneghem
- Programmer
- Phil Steinmeyer
- Artist
- Julia Ulano
- Composer
- Paul Romero
- Released
- DOS
- September 1995
- Windows
- February 1996
- Series
- Heroes of Might and Magic
- Genre
- Turn-based strategy
Facts from the source article.
Story
The narrative follows Lord Morglin Ironfist, who flees his homeworld of Varn through a magical portal after his cousin Ragnar usurps the throne. Ironfist arrives in the uncharted land of Enroth, contested by three other warlords: Lord Slayer, Queen Lamanda, and Lord Alamar. In the canonical storyline, Ironfist defeats his opponents and founds a kingdom, though player-led victories by other factions are not reflected in later series entries.
Gameplay
Set in a medieval fantasy world, the game involves leading heroes at the head of armies composed of mythical creatures. Heroes explore, attack, defeat enemies, and acquire resources, with the usual goal of capturing all enemy castles and defeating all enemy heroes. Scenarios may have unique victory conditions, such as accumulating gold or finding an artifact. Four castle and hero classes exist: Knight and Barbarian (might classes, favoring attack or defense skill points) and Sorceress and Warlock (magic classes, favoring spell power or knowledge). Neutral wandering troops include Rogues, Nomads, Ghosts (the only non-hireable unit), and Genies.
Reception
By mid-November 1995, New World Computing reported that Heroes of Might and Magic had shipped 100,000 copies to retailers with strong sell-through, and the company announced it was set to top 100,000 unit sales. Combined sales of the original, Heroes II, and The Price of Loyalty expansion surpassed 500,000 copies by October 1997, and the series as a whole sold 1.5 million copies by December 1999. Andy Butcher of Arcane rated it 7 out of 10, noting its simplicity was appealing but that it lacked the depth of Master of Magic. Next Generation scored it four out of five stars, praising it as easy to learn yet difficult to master with great longevity. Australian Realms' Nick Leaning commended its replayability and design. GameSpot rated production values somewhat below par and the story thin, but gave gameplay a 7.5 out of 10. It received a Golden Triad Award from Computer Game Review. The game was named 1995's best turn-based strategy game by Computer Games Strategy Plus (tied with Jagged Alliance) and best overall strategy title by Computer Game Review and Computer Gaming World (tied with Command & Conquer, Gazillionaire, and Blood Bowl). PC Gamer US nominated it for Best Strategy Game, but the award went to Command & Conquer. Computer Gaming World's editors called it one of the most addictive games in years. In 1996, Computer Gaming World ranked it the 133rd-best computer game ever, calling it a brilliantly balanced game of fantasy combat.
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