What else besides control zones? This has already been discussed hundreds of pages ago.

Through the distribution of skills and abilities. In Heroes, there were two to choose from; in Heroes 6, you choose from six in a scheme, just like in Disciples.
On the battlefield in Heroes, there are only obstacles; in Heroes 6, there are various veins, flags, and other elements, just like in Disciples.
The graphics are very similar to Disciples.

But it's still playable, and it's interesting to play; the storyline is great! The units are new and interesting, the abilities are new, and the buildings are unique. I wish they would come up with a reasonable way to split the party and clarify, "Do you really want to start the battle again?"
And if we're being serious, what in Heroes is the connecting thread that unites all the parts and connects the player to the Heroes series? Are there any ideas? Perhaps the valiant Heroes?