Heroes of Might and Magic V Firstlook May 21,2005 - It was only a matter of time before Heroes of Might and Magic fans were led into the world of 3D. At this year's E3, we had a chance to talk to Ubisoft's Fabrice Cambounet to see how HoMM V is shaping up, and we came away surprised at just how solid the engine and mechanics are coming together.

The turn-based portions of the game are played from the adventure map, using movement point the player has earned. Cambounet showed us various goodies scattered around the map, such as treasure chests that lets the player choose a reward of gold or experience. He also built several windmills, which are used to collect the game's three types of resources. RPG elements allow the player to level their heroes up and buy skills, spells, or special abilities. To demonstrate, he invoked the pathfinding skill, which allowed the hero to move to his destination faster than before. There will be four races with two heroes each, making eight playable heroes total.

The other portion of the game consists of turn-based battles, which take place in a more traditional TBS/JRPG combat view. Once he entered battle, Cambounet cast several spells, including an impressively blazing fireball spell, and then summoned a griffin to do some of his dirty work. In fact, all of the effects and environments were downright impressive, featuring vibrant, lush environments, and a unique setting for each of the four races. Cambounet confirmed the existence of human and demon races, but was tight-lipped about the others.

Cambounet promises plenty of surprises in store for us in the series' first venture into a fully 3D engine. Inside Gamer Online is willing to bet that longtime fans will be more than pleased with Ubi's progress to date, and will bring you more information on Heroes of Might and Magic V as it develops.

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