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I don't know... I think I'll agree with Dion that the plot in a strategy game is just a secondary thing, which, nevertheless, if well executed, can easily turn an ordinary game with a worn-out gameplay into a real gem (like Disciples). In Disciples, we saw a simple balance, a combat system... almost a complete copy of Heroes, slightly simplified, but the atmosphere (music, colors, plot) did its job and turned a perfectly ordinary strategy game into an object of worship for thousands of fans. In general, I think the plot is an important component of a strategy game, but not a defining part by which one could judge it at all.
As for deviating from Cunningham's ideas, I think it's justified and correct, because a different company is now working on the game, with its own views and its own vision of the material. For example, I myself don't like to copy or even continue other people's ideas, thoughts, etc., so I don't like cloning my own either. That's one thing. Secondly, if we are to be objective, Cunningham's idea had already run its course in the 3rd part. They had to urgently "come up with" the inconsistent, primitive beginning of the 4th part about teleportation (a very ingenious invention by Cunningham, in my opinion, it couldn't be more primitive) and other dubious plot lines. And moving it to another planet, as some are shouting, is in the style of the 4th part, and I don't see anything good in that.
In general, I think that Heroes 5 should acquire its own independent and unique look, and if Nival implements all its ideas, I will have great respect for them! Let them better deal with the balance and the battlefield, and the plot is a secondary matter... at least