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Fifth installment is currently the best version, after the Third.
Here are some arguments:
Pros of the Fifth:
1. Skill upgrade planning. It has become more complex, as, in addition to the main secondary skills, their sub-skills have appeared. Unlike the Fourth, from which this feature was actually taken, in the Fifth, the sub-skills have a much more complex structure. In addition, they also have an unusual structure, which further complicates the upgrade planning. In general, the overall infrastructure of the skill tree is currently the absolute standard among all the games.
2. Graphic abstraction. Another pride of this series. Almost every icon accurately reflects the power of the spiritual worldview. In the era of the Third, this apparently was not a major priority; the Third was strong in other areas. Nevertheless, the fact remains.
3. Caravan system. Although it was absent in the early parts, it has become very well-defined in the later expansions. Of course, this feature is also present in the Fourth. It's a pity that it doesn't exist in the Third.
4. Clear and unique specialization of races/heroes. If we talk about heroes, this is a rather controversial point, but in terms of race specialization, it becomes a clear argument. Of course, this specialization is somewhat underdeveloped in places, but progress is noticeable.
5. Simple camera control with four arrow keys. Of course, those who are used to moving the mouse along the edges of the map may disagree with me, but agree that it is more comfortable to do this in the Fifth.
6. Cumulative recruitment effect for dwellings. I believe that this feature should rightfully be considered a "pain reliever" for the endless troop transfers through a giant chain of heroes, as was the case in the Third.
7. Well-designed artifact icons. This could probably be attributed to point number 2, but I decided to mention it separately. The image of artifacts is no longer a secondary matter, as it was in the Third. Almost every artifact is now (with a few exceptions) a work of art. Unfortunately, a clear dependence has emerged between the preciousness of the artifact's design and their number, as well as the presence of so-called "artifact sets." Sets appeared only in the very last expansion of the Fifth.
8. Presence of an ATB (Active Time Battle) scale. This is undoubtedly a big plus for conducting more thoughtful battles, as it allows you to accurately determine when a unit's turn will come. Of course, veterans will object, noting with their experienced eye that they can easily do without it. But still, this unique feature partially reduces the "headache" and allows you to focus on something else.
9. More clear display of objects on the mini-map, as well as their abstraction. An undoubted plus for the Fifth.
10. Indicator of the faction's aura for heroes. A slightly ghostly plus, but nevertheless, it positively affects the player's quick orientation among a multi-racial set.
Now, I will highlight the serious drawbacks of the Fifth compared to the Third:
1. Significant simplification of the richness of objects/creatures on the map. Few scrolls, few magic pedestals, few dwellings... In general, there is little of everything that is abundant in the Third! Accordingly, this greatly narrows the strategic and tactical intrigue.
2. Significant simplification of the list of possible objects/creatures found on the map. The conclusion is the same as in point 1.
3. Significant simplification in terms of heroes. If in the Third, each race has a division of heroes into warriors and mages, as well as a change in their priorities in the appearance of skills after reaching a certain level, then in the Fifth, everything is limited to fixed race priorities.
4. Significant simplification in terms of landscape. No comment.
5. Significant simplification in logistics regarding penalties/bonuses. Up to the dependence on SCS (Skill Cooldown System), as well as manipulations with neutrals, nomads, native creatures for the chosen land, etc.
6. Impossibility to view the opponent's last move.
7. Inconsistency of the entrance/exit to/from the dungeon. I don't know about you, but for me personally, this is nonsense: you enter in one place, and exit in another. A completely unnecessary confusion, in my opinion.
8. Significant simplification of magic. Although it is not as strong as in the previous points, it still makes you a little sad.
9. Lack of a feature for taking treasure vaults when troops are surrounded by guards. Also, the inability to find out information about the treasure vault in advance, but this is more of a subjective thing.
10. Presence of the HD mod. Of course, this feature appeared not so long ago, but together with it, it brought so many huge pluses that the Fifth should at least develop asthma when it sees this.
11. Atmosphere. This is exactly what is almost absent in the Fifth. For me, this is primarily its fairy tale quality. The things you remember from fairy tales when they were read to you in your early childhood.
12. Something beyond what I have explored. I think you will continue this list.
