Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes: Definitive Edition - A Delightful Puzzle RPG Adventure revisited

Step into the imaginative world of Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes, a spin-off title from the renowned Might & Magic franchise. Originally released on PC in 2011 and on Nintendo DS a few years before that, this captivating game offered a refreshing twist by combining puzzle battles with RPG elements. If you have never involved yourself before with RPG puzzle games, then prepare to be immersed in a whimsical journey as you guide a group of orphaned children fighting against a demonic invasion. 

Gameplay
The screen is divided horizontally, with your troops positioned at the bottom and opponents' forces at the top. Each turn, you can select a single unit from the bottom row and place it anywhere on your grid, which is limited to a grid-based layout. The units are color-coded, and the primary objective is to match units of the same color in specific patterns.

Matching units vertically creates an attack formation, while matching them horizontally forms a defensive wall. The formation gradually gains strength with each turn, preparing to launch a devastating assault on your opponent's side. The aim is to strategically position your units, anticipating your opponent's moves and outmaneuvering them in order to deal significant damage.

Various unit types with different attributes and abilities add depth to the gameplay. As you progress through the single-player story mode, you level up your heroes and unlock new abilities and troop types, providing a sense of progression and allowing for more strategic possibilities. The game gradually introduces additional complexities, such as the need to match multiple units of the same color to activate more powerful units or create powerful fusion bonuses.

The battles in Clash of Heroes require careful planning, resource management, and tactical decision-making. Choosing when to attack, when to defend, and which units to deploy becomes crucial for victory. Additionally, heroes can equip artifacts that grant bonuses to their units, walls, or health, further enhancing their combat effectiveness.

As the game moves on, more layers will unveil themselves. Introducing more options such as factions which can dictate which specific set of units are available to equip in battle. For example, the Sylvan Faction is composed of woodland creatures, whereas the Inferno Faction is made up of demonic creatures. And there are champions and elite classes as well as spells you can use to create powerful attacks and combos. Things. can get out of hand pretty quick as you can tell but pulling off highly advanced moved successfully feels very satisfying.

Beyond the puzzle battles, Clash of Heroes offers a single-player story mode that immerses players in a captivating narrative. As you guide a group of orphaned children through their adventure, you'll uncover a sinister plan to unleash demons upon the world. The story mode features a map-based progression system reminiscent of classic RPGs, where you traverse an overland map, engage in quests, and encounter various characters and challenges.

The game's depth extends to its multiplayer mode as well. Players can test their puzzle-solving skills against friends or other players in exhilarating head-to-head matches. Quick Battle mode allows for immediate skirmishes, while multiplayer matches can be played using both single and multi-cart options.

Presentation
The presentation of Clash of Heroes shines through its captivating story, charming graphics, and enchanting audio.  Taking place 40 years before the Heroes of Might and Magic V saga, Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes tells the tale of five heroes scattered across five different regions of Ashan. Each must travel their own dangerous paths to grow in strength, unravel a demonic plot, and ultimately save their world from devastation. 

The single-player adventure unfolds like a vintage 16-bit RPG, with a colorful overland map, symphonic music, and well-written dialogue. The story follows the journey of five brave young heroes as they uncover a sinister plot to overrun the world with demons. While the plot may not be entirely original, its execution and character development make it engaging and worth investing in. The delightful visuals breathe life into the chunky fantasy characters, creating a vibrant and immersive world.

Clash of Heroes features a vibrant and colorful art style that brings the game's fantasy world to life. The visuals capture the essence of classic 16-bit RPGs, with chunky, well-designed character sprites and detailed environments. The whimsical fantasy aesthetics lend a sense of wonder and adventure to the game, drawing players into its imaginative world.

The game's visuals extend beyond the battles themselves. As players progress through the single-player story mode, they navigate a beautifully crafted overland map reminiscent of classic RPGs. The map is filled with diverse locations, each visually distinct and evocative. From lush forests to ominous dungeons, the environments showcase a level of artistry that enhances the overall immersion.
Character designs in Clash of Heroes are both charming and varied. The game introduces a colorful cast of heroes, each with their own unique appearance and personality. Additionally, the various unit types that players command in battle are visually distinct, making it easy to differentiate between different troops and their roles on the battlefield.

The audio design in Clash of Heroes contributes to its immersive presentation. The game features a captivating soundtrack composed of gentle symphonic melodies that evoke a sense of adventure and discovery. The music perfectly complements the game's whimsical art style and enhances the overall atmosphere.
In addition to the soundtrack, Clash of Heroes employs sound effects that further immerse players in the gameplay experience. From the clash of units during battles to the satisfying sound cues that accompany successful moves, the audio elements provide feedback and add an extra layer of engagement to the gameplay.

Clash of Heroes presents a well-written and engaging storyline that propels players through the single-player adventure. The game follows the journey of a group of orphaned children who find themselves at the center of a grand battle against a demonic invasion. While the overarching plot may not be entirely original, the execution and character development bring the narrative to life.
The dialogue in Clash of Heroes is well-crafted and contributes to the world-building and character depth. It establishes the motivations, relationships, and struggles of the brave young heroes players control, instilling a sense of investment in their fates and the outcome of their quest. The storytelling unfolds gradually as players progress through the game, revealing intriguing plot twists and unexpected developments along the way.
The presentation of Clash of Heroes also extends to the game's user interface and menus, which are intuitive and visually appealing. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that players can easily navigate through different screens, manage their troops and resources, and access various gameplay features without unnecessary complexity or confusion.

Parental Recommendation

With its bright colored graphics and fantasy story line, there is no real worry about accidental exposure to some truly violent, gruesome or illicit content within M&M Clash of Heroes. The ESRB rating for its original release was E10 for " Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes." But mostly it is a fun thinking game that make you work your puzzler until its sore and tickled with delight. Add in a second copy to engage together in some multiplayer action can add that extra layer of playing together. 

Final Thoughts

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes introduces a captivating gameplay experience that combines puzzle mechanics with RPG elements. The game's core battles revolve around a unique puzzle system that challenges players to strategically match units of the same color to form powerful attack formations or sturdy defensive walls. Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is a not-so-hidden gem that deserves recognition for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and charming presentation. Whether you're a fan of puzzle games, RPGs, or both, this title offers a captivating blend of strategic puzzle battles and immersive role-playing elements. Step into the mystical world of Clash of Heroes and unleash your tactical prowess in this delightful puzzle RPG adventure. If you already own on of the previous releases however then know this version does probably add enough to warrant another purchase of the same game unless you really have a want for it.

Game:  Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes: Definitive Edition
Publisher: Dotemu
Developer: Dotemu / Capy /Ubisoft

Review Platform:  Switch
Release Date:  20 July 2023 (Price:$17,99 €17,99 £15,49)
Platforms:PC (steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation. 
ESRB: N/A (geeks rating E for everyone)

About the writer: DadGeek (Rob) is the co-founder of GeeksVsGeeks. He is a product of the eighties and never let go of his geek interest and hobbies no matter how often someone told him to stop. His love for gaming and all things geeks has been part of his parenting style and permeates throughout the whole family. A family of Geeks vs Geeks