Posts from Age of Wonders 4

Age of Wonders 4 is a computer game in the turn-based strategy (4X) genre with RPG elements, developed by the Dutch studio Triumph Studios and released by the Swedish company Paradox Interactive on May 2, 2023 for the Windows, Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 platforms^[2]. The sixth game in the Age of Wonders series, which returns to a fantasy setting after the sci-fi spin-off Age of Wonders: Planetfall released in 2019.

This game genre has always been more similar to the Civilization series and Warhammer Total War; an interesting point is that Steam has started recommending this game as being similar to Heroes of Might and Magic 3.



But I still haven't bought it.

Are there any who have already played it and formed their own impression of the game?
How similar is it to Heroes 3, and is it worth playing for fans of the Heroes of Might and Magic series?

I suggest discussing the game and sharing your impressions in this thread.

The similarities to the heroes are quite distant. In terms of economics, the game is closest to Civilization, and in terms of combat, it features turn-based battles with units and heroes (up to 6 in an army, up to three armies per side) with elements from XCOM. To a lesser extent than in Age of Wonders: Planetfall, but nevertheless. Various misses and partial damage await you. But within the series itself, this is definitely the best installment so far. And overall, it's a good game. I would recommend it. After all, it's simpler than Civilization in terms of economics, and the combat is quite enjoyable. There is room for tactical skill. And the developers are very active. Specifically, the fourth installment stands out for its freedom in build creation and role-playing. The key feature is the ability to create races with a very wide selection of preferences and characteristics. You can play as all sorts of interesting peoples. Thus, the emphasis is more on the players' imagination and the diversity of development paths, rather than on rigid classes or Factions. Although, globally, they exist. I like the fourth installment. It is definitely one of the best strategy games of 2023, if not the best. But it is definitely not Heroes

Are there any players who have already played it and formed their opinion about the game?
How similar is it to Heroes 3, and is it worth playing for fans of the Heroes of Might and Magic series?

I've played all the games in the series, including the fourth. There are certain similarities with the Heroes games, but it's hard to call them very similar. Moreover, even if you compare the series, the fourth AoW will be closer to the fourth Heroes game:
- Units in the game can move around the map without a hero in the squad, but they don't have the same range of actions.
- Heroes are needed to capture and create new cities, as well as to clear certain locations.
- Heroes are present in battle as separate combat units.
- Depending on their development, they can enhance the other units in the army.
- All hired heroes, except for those created by the player, have their own unique trait-specialization, which gives them a special active or passive ability.
- Both games are turn-based strategies in the fantasy genre.
- The use of magic is an important element of tactical battles.
- A number of other, superficial, similarities. For example, neutral units can, instead of fighting, offer to join in exchange for resources. Or the presence of a dungeon, as in the fourth game, where defeated heroes end up.

If you want something similar to Heroes, then this isn't quite the game I would recommend. Songs of Conquest or even Hero's Hour will be closer. AoW will be closer to Master of Magic than to HoMM. However, if you just want to play a quality fantasy strategy game, then I would advise you to give it a chance. In my opinion, it is one of the best games in the genre at the moment.

I only played AoW3. I didn't get very far, but it was interesting. It seemed more similar to a turn-based Total War than to Heroes. The combat system offers more tactical options than in Heroes. Unfortunately, I haven't found the time for AoW4.