This morning, Ubisoft released details on the first massively-multiplayer version of the Might and Magic series, including a tentative Spring 2008 release window.
The game, titled Heroes of Might and Magic Kingdoms, is a collaborative development effort between Ubisoft and a Chinese firm called TQ Digital.
Kingdoms will not be a typical MMO, says Ubisoft. First, the game will require no download or installation of any software. The entirety of the game is instead played through a web browser.
Secondly, Ubisoft confirmed that the game would maintain the Heroes series strategy elements, though how turn-based strategy translates into a persistent-world MMO is still something of a floating, glowing question mark.
I've always loved the Heroes of Might and Magic series. Even before strategy-RPGs came into vogue in the last few years thanks to Japanese console efforts, HoMM was always the most compelling, most addictive game in the genre. So, you can imagine my excitement when I first heard about this MMO.
Sadly, based on what little information they've released, it seems like this MMO is going the way of those found on ijji. I get the feeling it's being designed to appeal specifically to the Asian (read: Chinese) marketplace who desires games where the cutting-edge technology and engrossing worlds of Western MMOs have been replaced with quick, easily accessible browser titles.
I can understand why Ubisoft would opt for the more profitable route, but I'd be surprised if the game actually appeals to those of us praying for a hybrid of World of Warcraft and Heroes of Might and Magic 3.
Ubisoft Confirms Heroes Of Might And Magic MMO Details [Gamasutra]
