Hey everybody,

I've managed to kick my near-terminal addiction to Heroes of Might and Magic III, and I'm looking for another good turn-based game.

I've heard mixed reviews about HOMM IV, especially from those experienced with the HOMM franchise (I played, and loved, all three previous versions). The consensus choice for an alternate turn-based game appears to be Disciples II. I've done a bit of research on it, and by all accounts, the gameplay and graphics are solid.

My question is: which "version" should I get?

From what I understand, Dark Prophecy is the original version. Then at least two more expansions came out (one with Elves), and at least one expansion contained the original game as well. Is there a box collection out there somewhere that will give me all of it (like the Icewind Dale Ultimate Collection), or do I have to buy these separately?

What would you advise?

Get Disciples 2:Rise of the Elves. It is a standalone product and contains Dark Prophecy as well.

Guardians of the Light and Servants of Darkness are more like expansions for powergamers. Buy these only if you have money to burn.

Bought Disciples II, thought it was pants. I couldn't even find Heroes IV anywhere around here, though.

Ok, thanks for the info. I'll check into my local game shop and see if they've got Rise of the Elves.

DBear, I'm not up on my slang. When you say "thought it was pants", what does that mean? You liked it, loved it, or hated it?

Heroes IV wasn't in stores here for very long either. I think amazon or ebay is about the only place to get it now.

I have the first disciples. It was very good, so I imagine Disciples II is great. I'm still trying to figure out which ones in DII to buy.

Ya, the game comes with three scenarios. The rise of elves gives you a fourth scenerio witht he first three, and another race to play for the user made modules online you may need this one.

If you already have disciples 2 I might not buy the rise of elves one. But if you have neither thats the one to get.

The other two expansions released are rip offs. I didnt see them, but they are just some added scenarios not any new campaign content. There are hundreds of free user made scenarios online..... those were basically just reissues of the orignal d2 game.
I like this game much more than heroes 4. Heroes 4 was a non functional game.

The writing and art in disciples 2 is outstanding. The actual game is even simpler than heroes 3 but similar.

[ 07-11-2004, 07:00 PM: Message edited by: the mighty stamar ]

There are more unit balances in RotE too. Balances that are not in the original DProphecy due to hardcoded limitations.

I just love the units in Disciples. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Just downloaded the free trial/tutorial. Seems pretty cool so far. It feels strange to cast all my spells outside of the combat screen. The Empire mage leader does good damage, but is slow as molasses.