The latest expansion pack has been released. Now, certain things are clear.

Then, comparing the third game to the fifth is also incorrect. The fifth game, in terms of graphics, is in no way a continuation of the third. Let's wait for the sixth game and see what the trend is in 3D. Why did you immediately criticize it as the "first 3D attempt"?

Let's define what we are comparing and how. We are comparing HoMM V to HoMM III as a continuation in general (which cannot be said about your example of "Shrek" and "Hedgehog in the Fog"). Then we discuss trends in one plane of games, one of which is a continuation of the other. And in terms of graphics, of course, there is no need to compare sprite and 3D models, who would argue?! I repeat once again that we are talking about the cartoonishness of the graphics, and therefore the correctness of the comparison is restored.
Of course, let's wait, I'm not against it. The point is that we are discussing a trend, and we are against the trend (relatively to cartoonishness!) being positive in HoMM VI.
It doesn't matter whether it's the "first 3D" or not, we are talking about the conscious choice of direction in the graphics of specific companies. We are not talking about the fact that the models are poorly made and have holes, or about the beauty (this is a completely separate conversation).

2 Olga
Good afternoon, colleague (as it turns out).

I also enjoy playing the fifth game. But dreaming is not harmful.

Exactly.