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Heroes of Might & Magic V

Heroes of Might & Magic V

Nival · released May 12, 2008

StrategyPC

Witness the amazing evolution of the genre-defining strategy game as it becomes a next-generation phenomenon, melding classic deep fantasy with next-generation visuals and gameplay. In the renowned Might & Magic universe, demon swarms spread chaos over the land in a relentless assault.

82
VGC Score
Stablemedium confidence
n/a
At launch
88%
Steam all-time
77%
Press
84%
Player sentiment
86%
Recent sentiment

Screenshots & trailers

Review sentiment over time

Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.

How this score was computed

The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (Metacritic)776
All-time Steam reviews88%821000
Metacritic user ratings846
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)86%807
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 21 reviews sampled · 20 total reviews in window · weighted 14.5 up / 2.3 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (40)

Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.

  • 92
    trust 69

    I am truly spellbound by the splendor of this game.

    read full review ↗
  • 82
    trust 67

    A good sequel that's faithful to its forebears in all the right places. [July 2006, p.98]

  • 85
    trust 67

    Regardless of these minor concerns, HoMM V is a shining example of how a turn-based strategy should be executed, and will no doubt set the standard for generations of the genre to come.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 66

    It's not a great leap forward for gaming; but in terms of reassurance and welcome traditionalism, it's a small step for cosiness.

    read full review ↗
  • 82
    trust 66

    Skeptical Heroes fans, as well as anyone looking for a fun, long-lasting turn-based strategy game, will likely be pleasantly surprised by this one.

    read full review ↗
  • 74
    trust 64

    And, unfortunately, despite extra time on the grill, Heroes V's ribs are tasty, but still a bit undercooked. [Aug 2006, p.48]

  • 70
    trust 63

    On one hand, you can't ignore the game's various shortcomings, the lack of editing tools and failing multiplayer. But on the other hand, it's hard to dismiss a game that eats up late night hours faster than G-String Diva reruns on HBO, leaving you desperate to finish a campaign mission at 3AM before you pass out.

    read full review ↗
  • 85

    I came to this series knowing not what lay ahead. Imagine my surprise when I found a beautifully crafted fantasy realm that reminded me both of the Disciples series and the more recent Warcraft III.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    trust 62

    You simply have to have the willingness to learn and give this game a chance. If you do this, you will be rewarded with an amazing strategy experience.

    read full review ↗
  • 84
    trust 61

    Heroes of Might and Magic V is certainly a good game, but it's flawed. That said, fans of the series, as well as those who simply enjoy turn-based strategy, will definitely enjoy it.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 61

    A credit to the series, a huge improvement on the previous title and a game you should definitely try if you like strategy games. In fact, it’s probably worth a try even if you DON’T like strategy games.

    read full review ↗
  • 78
    trust 61

    While I adore the Heroes franchise, I feel that Nival played it a little too safe with this one. After seeing them show so a bit of originality in their other titles, this feels too much like development-by-the-numbers.

    read full review ↗

…and 28 more tracked reviews.

Patch history