Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes Definitive Edition Review – More fun on the go

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes, a game that garnered much acclaim upon its initial release, returns in the new Definitive Edition that repackages and upgrades the game nearly ten years after its initial release. Never having played a Might & Magic title, I jumped into this one with curiosity and open expectations. What I discovered was a mixed bag that was innovative in places and lacking creativity in others. The gameplay, while fun in short bursts, might not be everyone’s preferred way to kill an afternoon, but the game is still pretty solid for what it wants to be.

Originally developed by Capybara Games, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes receives something of a rebirth in this Definitive Edition of the game. This version brings together the core game and its DLC, while also introducing a host of improvements and additions that aim to enhance gameplay and provide players with an enriched adventure.

One of the notable enhancements in the Definitive Edition are the refreshed character portraits. The visual makeover breathes new life into the game’s heroes, adding depth and personality to their appearances. This attention to detail helps to forge stronger connections with the characters, further immersing them in the captivating world of Ashan. My personal favorite character through the campaign was Anwen, whose dorky smile we get introduced to early on.

Moreover, the Definitive Edition of Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes introduces a multitude of quality-of-life improvements. These enhancements address player feedback and streamline various aspects of the game. While I didn’t play the original, going back and watching footage of the game being played makes it easy to see the differences improved on through the Definitive Edition, which truly does feel like an upgraded version of the now aging game. 

However, the most significant addition to the Definitive Edition is the expanded online mode, which has been fully reworked and rebalanced.

The reworked online mode brings about a rebalancing of the game’s units and mechanics. This meticulous effort aims to create a fair and rewarding multiplayer experience, where players can showcase their strategic prowess on equal footing. By addressing potential imbalances and refining the gameplay dynamics, the Definitive Edition seeks to offer a more polished and satisfying multiplayer environment.

Though the Definitive Edition is a huge upgrade, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is still the game it used to be at its core. This is great news for fans and future fans, though some may find it hard to latch on to the game’s unique experience.

At the core of Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is a turn-based color-matching puzzle game, which cleverly blends elements of strategy and match-three mechanics. Your battles see you tasked with assembling units on a grid, aligning them to form attacking formations and ultimately launching assaults against their adversaries. This is done by matching three units of the same color and type like you might see in a game like Candy Crush, innovating upon a well-known and popular game design and making it fit into the strategic fantasy-war setting of the game.

Innovative though the game may be, strategic depth is left wanting and you’ll quickly find yourself mastering and growing bored of the game in long playthroughs. At least, I did. While the story wasn’t bad, and I liked certain characters more than others, I didn’t find it intriguing enough to refresh me between battles and I found the game was best enjoyed in short bursts.

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes unfolds within the realm of Ashan, where a demonic attack on a diplomatic meeting sets forth a series of events that drive the overall story. While the concepts introduced in the story are serviceable, if not totally original, the execution on them falls short of the story’s potential. The narrative lacks the depth and coherence necessary to fully immerse players in this fantastical world, which in of itself feels pretty generic.

Furthermore, character development feels superficial, leaving me yearning for more substantial connections with the heroes I controlled. The dialogue, though serviceable, often leans towards the predictable and generic, failing to leave a lasting impression. The story really feels like an introduction for the gameplay, which the game really wants you to focus on. While not the worst sin a game like this could have, I would have preferred a more original and engaging story with stronger dialogue to immerse me in the characters I’d be seeing in my future matches.

Visually, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes captivates with its vibrant and whimsical art style. The hand-drawn characters and backgrounds create an inviting atmosphere that brings the game world to life. Animations during battles are smooth and visually satisfying, making the strategic maneuvers feel all the more impactful. The character portraits are beautiful, though at times a little distracting and out of place – Such as Anwen’s default, goofy smile showing in a scene where she is mourning the death of a loved one.

The strength of Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes Definitive Edition will most assuredly be in its multiplayer, which highlights the game’s unique strategic take on the match-three game design far better than its story does. In short bursts, such as on your lunch break or killing some time on the weekend, is where I think this game will really shine, giving players just enough of a taste of its unique formula to keep it from getting stale. I definitely recommend this game for Switch players, which seems to me like the platform best suited for the game’s strengths.

Try Hard Guides was provided with a PC review copy of this game. Find more detailed looks at popular and upcoming titles in the Game Reviews section of our website!