Heroes of Might and Magic IV is a turn-based strategy game developed by Gus Smedstad. Unlike previous games, where they had little active role in combat, heroes became present on the battlefield with their troops. It is possible to have armies with more than one hero, or with no heroes at all, although armies without a hero are incapable of performing certain tasks, such as capturing enemy towns or structures. Both the adventure and combat maps were converted to fixed-view isometric 3D display. The traditional hexagon-based battle grid was converted into a much higher-resolution square-based grid, making it easier to feature units of different sizes. Non-hero spellcasting units were given proper spell selections. Retaliation was allowed simultaneously with the attack, and ranged units were given the capability to retaliate against ranged attacks. Projectile attacks and spells now required direct line of sight to the target. Each individual troop unit was given its own movement allowance on the adventure map, with units possessing the ability to split off independently of the main army; however, the troops can no longer be “shuttled” from hero to hero to move an army large distances in a single turn. Logistics were restricted by eliminating or weakening travel spells. This, in turn, was partially compensated for by the elimination of the need to revisit resource-producing structures each week, and the introduction of caravans, which can quickly and safely transport heroes and remotely recruit troops from external dwellings.

Heroes of Might and Magic IV System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows® 95/98/ME/2000* (only) (XP not fully supported)
• Processor: Pentium II 300 MHz
• Memory: 128 MB RAM
• Graphics: 4 MB SVGA DirectX® 8.0 compliant capable of 800×600 resolution
• Storage: 750 MB hard-disk space

Recommended:

• OS: Windows® 95/98/ME/2000* (only) (XP not fully supported)
• Processor: Pentium III 450 MHz
• Memory: 256 MB RAM
• Graphics: 4 MB SVGA DirectX® 8.0 compliant capable of 800×600 resolution
• Storage: 750 MB hard-disk space