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Recently released, the ThingOnItsOwn studio game Hero’s Hour is a spiritual successor to the Heroes of Might and Magic franchise. Bringing back gaming from the 90s, Hero’s Hour pulled inspiration from the early PC games that older gamers grew up on. Released earlier this month, Hero’s Hour is the return of the classic turn-based fantasy strategy RPG genre back to players. So, how does the game play? Find out in our review of Hero’s Hour.
Story: Not much of one to be found
The first thing you’ll notice right from launch, there is no story. Hero’s Hour is all about the combat, and as soon as you finish the opening tutorial, the game begins. Unfortunately, ThingOnitsOwn studios have given no announcements yet if a story will be added to their game Hero’s Hour, but even without, don’t let that stop you from trying it out.
Gameplay: Deep and complex RTS/RPG action with a lot of customization
During our review of Hero’s Hour, we found its gameplay is the meat and potatoes of the game. Pulling inspiration from the turn-based fantasy strategy RPG Might and Magic franchise. Hero’s Hour didn’t just copy everything from the elder franchise. Instead, the developer took everything that worked from the Heroes of Might and Magic series and brought it to the modern era.
The play can choose between an RTS-like campaign mode or a skirmish mode from the menu. Playing the skirmish mode is simple but also hides a great function. Here you can choose between a handful of preset battles, where you can select from preselected units. As you gain victory over each battle, more unlock. At the very bottom is where the gem is. The player can create their custom battles. Select from the different factions, including the bosses and miscellaneous characters, and watch them battle it out.
The campaign mode of Hero’s Hour is where everything is at. Offering many of the same settings that those who play RTS games will feel familiar with. You pick your faction and hero along with your opponents. There are more advanced options for those who are more experienced with the RTS game type, allowing players to change the setting of their game world.
Author’s Note: It is not recommended for those who like skipping the tutorial and jumping into the game. Jumping in and playing a bit before going through the tutorial during our review of Hero’s Hour was overwhelming. Also, it’s best to familiarize yourself with various units, buildings, and locations.
Starting, you’ll be given a city and your hero. Your job is to fight, adapt, improve, and recruit. Here is where the game mixes between an RPG and an RTS. You can improve your hero by leveling up as you fight. In addition, you can buy and find equipment and spells to further improve yourself.
There also is your army. Equally as necessary to victory as your hero, they can also be improved. As you and your hero explore, fight, and take over territory, the need to upgrade your city will also be addressed. These various factors will need to be balanced as you play to take victory against your opponents.
Every game will be different with procedurally generated maps, offering players an extra layer of replayability and challenge. Hero’s Hour also offers local multiplayer but no online multiplayer yet.
Graphics/Audio: A clean pixel adventure, but nothing groundbreaking
Made in Gamemaker Studio using assets from the community. Hero’s Hour gives the feel of a game made in the early days of gaming. The pixel-style graphics of Hero’s Hour had no glitches or bugs during play, and they looked good for what it was trying to accomplish.
The Audio of Hero’s Hour is that of the style from video games past. Like the graphics, the audio seems to accomplish what it set out to do. Although, at times, it can get a little repetitive over a long playtime.
Conclusion: Successful at what little it offers
Hero’s Hour is great at everything it sets out to do. Depending on how you set your game up, it’s a fun game that you will easily get sucked into for a few hours. Offering a bit of nostalgia for those who played the early Heroes of Might and Magic franchise, Hero’s Hour succeeded in everything it offers.
The drawback of Hero’s Hour is the lack of content in the game. Playing it, you wish there were more to do between the campaign and skirmish after a while. However, for those who enjoy a good RTS game and don’t mind a little bit of RPG sprinkled in, Hero’s Hour is something you should pick up.
After reading our Hero’s Hour review, if you’re looking to pick up the ThingOnItsOwn studio game Hero’s Hour. It can be found on Steam, GoG, itch.io, and Epic for $18.00. Check out the games product page for any information regarding Hero’s Hour. Additionally, for any information about the developer ThingOnItsOwn, check out their itch.io website or Twitter page.
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