Enchanting- Might and Might: Clash of Heroes Review

While the game still uses a turned-based, match-three or more dynamic to settle conflict, its battle system is deliciously intricate, incorporating delayed attacks as well as offensive and defensive stats. Few titles have balanced complexity with user-friendliness as well as Clash of Heroes; the game often seems like a refined sequel rather than an original diversion that seeks recognition by the use of the Might and Magic moniker. While fans of the fifteen year old strategy franchise may be perplexed by the series’ direction, Clash of Heroes should please all but the most stubborn adventure fans.

At the title’s onset, players are introduced to the high-fantasy setting of Ashan- a world populated the archetypical species of elves, mages, undead, demons, and humans.  The realm’s balance is dutifully maintained by an artifact named the ‘Blade of Binding’, a relic that limits the dominance asserted by demons. When a lunar eclipse occurs, the metaphysical shackles on the nefarious fiends are loosened, allowing the demons to launch a bloody insurrection. Clash of Heroes wisely keeps the dialog focused, allowing dialect and tone to frame each protagonist’s persona.

Although the game’s narrative is undoubtedly compelling, it’s Clash of Heroes spectacular combat that will induce protracted sessions. Both narrow defeats and enthusiastic victories will implore players to indulge in ‘just one more game.’ A fraction of this coercion is created by the title’s dazzling simplicity. Players take command of formations on the bottom DS screen, while the enemy’s configuration is shown on the top display. Players typically have three turns to perform one of the three functions: remove or move a unit from the playfield, launch a special attack, or request reinforcements.

From this condensed subset of commands, an immersive amount of strategic options can be forged. Players may form a vertical line of three identical units to create an attack formation, while a horizontal line can constructs a defensive barrier. Unlike most games, each on-screen unit isn’t a featureless gemstone, but a specific combatant with unique characteristics. Some fighters like dragons, druids, or trees require a particular amount of similar-colored characters to activate, rewarding perseverance with a particularly strong offensive measure. Both player and enemy attacks aren’t instantaneous- battle formations have an unmistakable number next to their configuration, which counts down with every turn. Successful players will carefully monitor each group of units, balancing their turn between producing assaults and protective barricades. Many battles in Clash of Heroes introduce slight variations to offset fatigue- from protecting a fragile tree to eliminating opponents with minute weak spots, discord wisely deviates over the title’s thirty hour tour of five seperate campaigns.

Shrewdly, each fracas in Clash of Heroes contributes experience to both the player and each active unit type. Optional submissions provide additional opportunities for leveling up, ensuring that the game’s clash never become too challenging. Occasionally, players may encounter the sporadic overpowered opponent; with no indication of each characters level, gamers will not know this until the battle is already engaged.