Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era Marks a Nostalgic Return for Strategy RPGs
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is bringing the classic strategy RPG franchise back to life via Steam Early Access, blending nostalgic map exploration and turn-based combat with a bustling modern presentation.
Strategy RPG fans have waited over a decade for a proper entry in the storied Heroes of Might and Magic franchise, and developer Unfrozen is looking to deliver with the upcoming Early Access launch of Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. Backed by a collaboration between Ubisoft and publisher Hooded Horse alongside series creator Jon Van Caneghem, this reboot aims to recapture the magic of the original fantasy world of Enroth. Early hands-on impressions from Rock Paper Shotgun point to a faithful revival that retains the classic map exploration, resource management, and turn-based tactical combat that defined the genre back in the day.
Despite its nostalgic appeal, the game brings a few modern visual hurdles that might catch new players off guard. Initial impressions note that the aesthetic can occasionally lean into a style reminiscent of mobile gacha titles or overly ornate fantasy tropes. However, spending time with the game reveals a densely packed, bustling world filled with animated details, from circling dragons to clucking chickens by windmills. Underneath the busy presentation lies a satisfying loop of managing hero armies, exploring treasure-strewn maps, and engaging in tactical skirmishes that feels surprisingly fresh in a market with very few modern strategy RPG competitors.
The real test for Olden Era will be how well it welcomes players who missed the golden age of the franchise. While systems like city customization can feel a bit repetitive and overwhelming during early hours, the core loop of kitting out heroes and tailoring armies for specific encounters holds strong. As the game heads toward its April 30 Steam Early Access release, it stands as a promising reminder of why strategy hybrids once ruled PC gaming. You can read the original hands-on impressions over at Rock Paper Shotgun.
Tags: Strategy RPG, PC Gaming, Early Access, Turn-Based Combat, Rock Paper Shotgun
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun