Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes for the Nintendo DS carries the ancient and highly respected Might & Magic name, but Clash of Heroes has a lot more in common with Tetris than a traditional RPG. Clash of Heroes breeds a column-matching puzzle game with a turn-based strategy game, and even if the end result is a bit unbalanced difficulty-wise, it is maddeningly addictive.

Developer: Capy
Publisher: Ubisoft
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone Ten and Up)
Genre: Puzzle / Turn-based strategy RPG

When an ancient race of demons strives to upset the balance of the world order by creating unrest throughout the kingdoms, five youngsters suddenly find themselves in charge of putting things right.

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes puts you in the stockings of its lead characters. Each new chapter begins with a new hero who must build up his or her troops, defeat demon threats (or even take on some friendly sparring challenges), and ultimately do his or her part to stifle the devilish plot at hand.

The game's story is quite basic and uninspired, but the banter between the main characters and various non-player characters is surprisingly witty and funny (one bounty I tracked down informed me I had a “real purdy mouth” before jumping on me).

In most regards, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is a well-balanced title. There's just enough of a puzzle element to keep you thinking without getting bored, and there's just enough strategy involved to give your attacks a personal touch without having to micromanage your troops.

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is about the thrill of the fight. Battles involve lining up color-coded troops: three of the same kind in a vertical line will launch an attack, whereas three of a kind in a horizontal line will build a defensive wall. Battle formations headed by “Elite” troopers—which can only be bought, unlike the infinite Core troopers—launch an especially powerful attack. “Champion” troopers require the support of four Core troopers, but will launch a devastating blow to the enemy.

Your first handful of battles in Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes will be clumsy and shameful, but your eye for strategy will eventually be honed—even if you're typically not talented with strategy games. Clash of Heroes lets you savor your accomplishments without being patronizing.

But your success in battle can also ride on luck. Every war strategist doesn't mind a bit of luck, but if you're dealt a crummy variety of warriors at the start of a battle in Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes, you may well end up dead.

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes doesn't boast a mess of ultra-detailed graphics. Your troops are super-deformed anime characters, and, frankly, adorable. Most of the troops exist merely to dash themselves against the enemy, and there's no reason for them to dress up for the occasion. But Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes isn't completely without moments of visual “Wow!”. The Elite and Champion soldiers animate very well—when a gryphon gears up for its attack, there's no doubt that someone is about to get hurt. The character portraits are also fun and expressive (one minor character in chapter two carries a basset hound on his shoulder for no particular reason, and the dog emotes with him).

Each battle is punctuated with a lusty battle song. The playlist is large enough to enjoy each tune without getting thoroughly tired of the background music.

Despite its minor flaws, it's a pretty good bet that Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes will clamp down on you and refuse to let go. If you want to romp with Lords and Ladies who will test your intellect as well as your strength, pick it up. Just make sure to clear your schedule first.