When it comes to role-playing games, franchises don’t get much more classic than Might & Magic. For 23 years people have been strapping on their armor and dusting off their wizard robes for this venerable series. While Might & Magic has certainly been around the block a few times, the games have mostly made their home on the PC. Sure the occasional title would come out on a home console or handheld, but by and large it’s a PC gamer’s thing. Clash of Heroes, however, stands as the latest release to hit the non-PC market and the first installment of the franchise on the DS.
While the Might & Magic series used to be in the hands of New World Computing, Ubisoft made a bold move in tapping Capybara Games for its latest incarnation. This change in development team means the game is decidedly different from what fans have come to expect. In short, Clash of Heroes is more accessible to the modern gamer. It’s a mash-up of elements from traditional RPGs, strategy games, and from titles such as Puzzle Quest. It’s quite unique in many respects and in all honesty doesn’t necessarily need the Might & Magic name attached to it. The game stands on its own two feet and should be regarded as one of the best DS titles from 2009.
Before this review gets into what makes this game special, let it be said that Clash of Heroes takes a lot of time for users to become comfortable playing. It is similar to titles already available on the DS, but the complexities of the game’s systems will leave many gamers bewildered from the get-go. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because in some respects games are too dumbed down these days, but considering that it’s a handheld title there should be a certain pick-up-and-play element when one starting it for the first time. Patience is a virtue when it comes to this title, however, and it pays off once things begin to click.
At the core of the game there are obviously RPG elements. Players will gain experience points, level up, amass wealth, and build up units. There is also a fantasy story backing the events of the main campaign and the tale is actually quite good — it is entertaining and meaty with some surprisingly dramatic moments. Players will certainly have things to look forward to as the story unfolds. In fact, the story is surprising in many ways and I, for one, didn’t expect a tale of this complexity to be found on the DS. For fans of the series, there are references to other parts of the Might & Magic “Heroes” brand. Veterans will recognize names, races, and terms used throughout that branch of the family tree.
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