Ubisoft has announced a remake of the critically acclaimed strategy role-playing game, Heroes of Might and Magic 3. The remake is slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X at some point next year. This announcement follows the recent re-release of the Complete Edition of Heroes of Might and Magic 3 on Steam.
The game has been rebuilt using Ubisoft's Snowdrop engine, featuring a transition from 2D to a detailed 3D world. Players can expect visual enhancements including shifting seasons and weather effects, alongside new animations. Ubisoft has also indicated that a range of quality-of-life improvements and new features will be included.
Crucially, the remake aims to preserve the core gameplay experience that made the original a classic. To facilitate this, improved editor tools are being developed, and a new in-game hub for user-generated content is planned. Notably, existing maps and campaigns created by players for the original game are reportedly compatible with this new version. The remake will also include the two original expansions: Armageddon's Blade and The Shadow of Death.
Previews suggest a revamped user interface, particularly beneficial for the base-building aspects of the game. Descriptions from previews highlight the remake as a comprehensive visual update that leaves the core gameplay largely untouched, maintaining the "almost one-for-one" feel of the original Heroes of Might and Magic 3. The classic gameplay loop involves exploring fantasy lands, assembling armies, developing bases, and engaging in turn-based, chess-like combat.
Heroes of Might and Magic 3 originally launched in 1999 and has since cast a long shadow, influencing subsequent titles in the genre, including the King's Bounty series and Songs of Conquest, as well as being a notable inspiration for the Witcher spin-off Thronebreaker. While Ubisoft has continued the Heroes of Might and Magic franchise, this remake represents a significant return to the beloved original.