User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 162 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 19 out of 162

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  1. May 22, 2013
    7
    I'd rather put 7.5 but the system doesn't work like that. This game is pretty good but the combat gets old pretty quick in my opinion. After a certain point in the game your troops roll over everything with many instances of one shot kills and its pretty easy to get all your troops to move first so very often the other side does not even get to fight back. The RPG part of the game isI'd rather put 7.5 but the system doesn't work like that. This game is pretty good but the combat gets old pretty quick in my opinion. After a certain point in the game your troops roll over everything with many instances of one shot kills and its pretty easy to get all your troops to move first so very often the other side does not even get to fight back. The RPG part of the game is pretty good, I wish there was greater number of weapons and armor. The city building is also just ok. The races are all really similar; everyone really looks the same. After a few I only play small maps anymore (I have around 40 hours in the game). Late game gets super boring. Expand
  2. Aug 20, 2016
    6
    I just couldn't seem to get in to this game, it does seem to have quite a depth of mechanics but you really need to flush them out and you'll need a few games to get the hang out of it. Those with more patience might find this appealing but I grew tired of it. Still fans of these types of games like others have mentioned might find this worth a look.
  3. Dec 29, 2013
    6
    The dynamics of gameplay are excellent and become quite addictive- hours can be lost playing this game. This may just be a personal thing, but the graphics (character models in particular) could use some improvement. I think I'm just tired of cell-shaded games (League of Legends comes to mind, but again just a personal thing).

    The game really fails when it comes to writing. Do they just
    The dynamics of gameplay are excellent and become quite addictive- hours can be lost playing this game. This may just be a personal thing, but the graphics (character models in particular) could use some improvement. I think I'm just tired of cell-shaded games (League of Legends comes to mind, but again just a personal thing).

    The game really fails when it comes to writing. Do they just assume that people who play will completely ignore this aspect of the game? It's dismal at best. It's as if they took every cliche about the fantasy genre and presented them through the prism of the corniest dialogue and story I've ever run across.
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  4. Dec 16, 2013
    8
    In my opinion this game is a step forward from GalCiv in some aspects but a step backward in others.
    I really love the quest system and the wildlands addition, it gives to the game a lot more depth. All the editors, the customization tools and the uniqueness of every play are simply exciting and definitely worth all the time spent playing.
    What I didn't like though is the fixed tech
    In my opinion this game is a step forward from GalCiv in some aspects but a step backward in others.
    I really love the quest system and the wildlands addition, it gives to the game a lot more depth. All the editors, the customization tools and the uniqueness of every play are simply exciting and definitely worth all the time spent playing.
    What I didn't like though is the fixed tech tree, which is the same for every faction (a dynamic, galciv-style would be preferred), the diplomatic interface (too basic according to me), the custom content management system (almost non existent) and the inability to create custom scenarios. I found most strange the lack of any scenario editor. I mean, they gave everything to players, even a special effects editor, but not a simple scenario editor to make some player-made gdr-style campaign. Why?

    Anyway the game itself is really good and deserves a long try: so rich of depth, good graphics, good music and sound. Playing this game is relaxing but still engaging, and the customization possibilities are so huge that the game itself could be virtually rebuilt by players!
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  5. May 23, 2013
    8
    Legendary Heroes is a significant set of improvements to Fallen Enchantress, and anyone keen on the original should pick it up. All elements of the game have been improved, but still many are imperfect. The graphics engine which underpins the game is remarkable. There has been significant work to 'balance' various aspects, but there is more that could be done. I have played for a fewLegendary Heroes is a significant set of improvements to Fallen Enchantress, and anyone keen on the original should pick it up. All elements of the game have been improved, but still many are imperfect. The graphics engine which underpins the game is remarkable. There has been significant work to 'balance' various aspects, but there is more that could be done. I have played for a few hundred hours, and there are still interesting surprises to be found.

    I recommend it to TBS fans especially. Makes a good change from Civ or similar. I don't think it can be given a 10, as it still has some rough edges and occasional bugs.
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  6. Jun 7, 2013
    8
    I got this because I paid for the rushed and not so good predecessor. This game more than makes up for the original. It is more interesting, balanced, and generally fun to play. However, the original promised and had a basic multi-player component. The sequels and this, do not. I would give this a 10 if it had multi-player. As it is, the single player is fun if not dry and strangeI got this because I paid for the rushed and not so good predecessor. This game more than makes up for the original. It is more interesting, balanced, and generally fun to play. However, the original promised and had a basic multi-player component. The sequels and this, do not. I would give this a 10 if it had multi-player. As it is, the single player is fun if not dry and strange with the quirky AI.

    Good game worth about $20.
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  7. Aug 6, 2013
    4
    I decided to try it out despite of the more favorable reviews lately.. Sadly, the new dlc hasn't improved the issues with the game. Bad UI, lacking graphics and game play. I really wanted to like this game, but it left me just wishing for a better alternative.
  8. May 26, 2013
    8
    The game is an almost even mix between the strategic elements of Civilization (city building, resource management, diplomacy) and tactical elements of Heroes of Might and Magic (hero development, army management, battles). Compared to the obvious inspiration Master of Magic, the focus of LH shifts more towards the strategic side of things and less towards magic as the main tool of theThe game is an almost even mix between the strategic elements of Civilization (city building, resource management, diplomacy) and tactical elements of Heroes of Might and Magic (hero development, army management, battles). Compared to the obvious inspiration Master of Magic, the focus of LH shifts more towards the strategic side of things and less towards magic as the main tool of the game.

    After going through two installments and a pretty enjoyable effort with Fallen Enchantress, this expansion has finally shaped up to become a standout 4X fantasy game with sensible features. Costumization of the world, factions, your Sovereign and even your units is big, strategic choices are plentyful, especially at the very beginning of the game, tactical combat relies heavily on positioning and special attacks/abilities but stops short on more in-depth elements like morale or terrain modifiers. Living with and if you are strong enough going against the neutral monsters in the world is a blast and always provides a nice challenge. The world is filled with quests, items and lands to explore.

    Issues still arrive with the lackluster diplomacy system and the erratic behaviour of enemy factions. The AI has been significantly improved, especially concerning the use of magic on the strategic map, but still has problems when it comes to army composition and prioritizing which/where to construct its buildings/units. Bugs will also find their way more often than not and the performance tends to become unstable after a certain amount of game time.

    If you are even vaguely interested in turn-based strategy games in a fantasy world, you should really check out this game and maybe watch some videos. At first it might be hard to get into the specific rules of the economy and combat due to a shallow Tutorial, but once you understood all the concepts it can provide for a hapy long-term relationship. Modders are already at work.
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  9. Jun 14, 2013
    6
    There seem to be 2 positives to this game:

    1.) It is civilization, but with only one era. So it's smaller, and more manageable from a technology, military units, city building perspective. 2.) The mana system allows you to do a few things that you can't do in games like Civilization. The negatives: It's not Civilzation. The game is basically identical to the Civilization
    There seem to be 2 positives to this game:

    1.) It is civilization, but with only one era. So it's smaller, and more manageable from a technology, military units, city building perspective.
    2.) The mana system allows you to do a few things that you can't do in games like Civilization.

    The negatives:

    It's not Civilzation.

    The game is basically identical to the Civilization series... but doesn't come with any of the benefits. There are new units to learn and understand their combat abilities.

    I would say if you are NOT familiar with Civilization or just want a more manageable game, then this one is a great place to go. If you ARE familiar with Civilization, keep playing that as you won't have to learn a bunch of new material to basically play the same game.
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  10. Sep 5, 2013
    5
    UI is trash and graphic of this game is really horrible. Especially grid and range of move are sometimes very hard to see, so I always do mistakes in a whole game. Bad optimization and Many bugs are also problems. Sometimes my troops and some monsters are invisble, building icons and characters' picture are invisible, and suddenly the game is terminated. The funnest thing is updates thatUI is trash and graphic of this game is really horrible. Especially grid and range of move are sometimes very hard to see, so I always do mistakes in a whole game. Bad optimization and Many bugs are also problems. Sometimes my troops and some monsters are invisble, building icons and characters' picture are invisible, and suddenly the game is terminated. The funnest thing is updates that resolve bugs but make new bugs!!!!! Expand
  11. omi
    May 23, 2013
    10
    A lot of improvements to its base game. Especially graphic haul is impressive.
    I strongly recommend this to any fan of turn based strategy game and tactical battles.
    Game play is fun details are amazing. AI seems a little bit feeble at the moment I have experienced but I haven't tried high settings. I applaud developers for sticking with their game, and making it shine I hope they
    A lot of improvements to its base game. Especially graphic haul is impressive.
    I strongly recommend this to any fan of turn based strategy game and tactical battles.
    Game play is fun details are amazing. AI seems a little bit feeble at the moment I have experienced but I haven't tried high settings.
    I applaud developers for sticking with their game, and making it shine I hope they deserve the well earned recognition for this.
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  12. May 24, 2013
    10
    There are so many ways to play this game. being able to make your own faction and units give endless combinations. The combat is not based on luck, so if you plan accordingly you can influence the outcome. the world you play in gives a challange, with roaming monsters upto huge dragons. While the graphics are not top notch it all looks good.
    It has been a while since i hvae had so much
    There are so many ways to play this game. being able to make your own faction and units give endless combinations. The combat is not based on luck, so if you plan accordingly you can influence the outcome. the world you play in gives a challange, with roaming monsters upto huge dragons. While the graphics are not top notch it all looks good.
    It has been a while since i hvae had so much fun and addictiveness with a game.
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  13. May 22, 2013
    10
    I don't normally bother with reviews but I wanted to in this case to support this game.

    This game is a really solid fantasy 4X turn based strategy game, in the tradition of games like Master of Magic or Age of Wonders. I highly recommend it to all strategy fans, especially turnbased 4X fans and grand strategy fans. RTS fans might find it too slow for their tastes. Additionally RPG fans
    I don't normally bother with reviews but I wanted to in this case to support this game.

    This game is a really solid fantasy 4X turn based strategy game, in the tradition of games like Master of Magic or Age of Wonders. I highly recommend it to all strategy fans, especially turnbased 4X fans and grand strategy fans. RTS fans might find it too slow for their tastes. Additionally RPG fans who want to try their hand at a strategy fantasy game might want to give it a shot.

    I bought the first elemental game a few years ago and it was pretty terrible. Stardock has been supporting their game ever since and we soon got the next game Fallen Enchantress, which was a decent entry to the genre but still was all that compelling.

    Now with Legendary Heroes the game is much more focused and polished and it's finally a very good game. I've been playing the LH beta the last few weeks and I just can't stop playing. they've finally captured that one more turn feeling that makes for a great strategy game and that's the highest compliment I can give to any game developer.

    Bottom line: If you are a 4X strategy fan, this game is worth your time.
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  14. May 22, 2013
    9
    Outstanding! If you like the mod for Civ 4 called Fall from Heaven 2 then you should like this. It was developed by the same guy and now backed by a reputable company in Stardock. This is Civ 4 set in a fantasy realm and done very well.

    The graphics might look a little cartoony but who cares. So did Borderlands, X-Com, and Torchlight. I'll take a point off for diplomacy as it could
    Outstanding! If you like the mod for Civ 4 called Fall from Heaven 2 then you should like this. It was developed by the same guy and now backed by a reputable company in Stardock. This is Civ 4 set in a fantasy realm and done very well.

    The graphics might look a little cartoony but who cares. So did Borderlands, X-Com, and Torchlight. I'll take a point off for diplomacy as it could use a little love but not a biggie. The game is stable and runs smooth. And above all else...it's a finished product. (are you listening StarDrive?)

    Honestly, I have no idea what game the reviewer from Thunderbolt played. "Building an army is a complex endeavor?" What? I want to build a Spearman...click. Done. Ok, now I want to build Spearmen riding a horse...click, click. Done. Did the reviewer think that Civ 4 or 5 was complex?

    Folks, if you like 4x games then this is a good addition to your library.
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  15. May 22, 2013
    10
    best fantasy strategy game i've ever played.
    i was big fan of Master of Magic long time, but i don't need to return anymore.
    if you have ever played MoM Civ age of wonders series, this game is very easy to understand , you won't need to read manuals a lot good UI and ingame tutorials will lead you to game world quickly. i can highly recommend this game even if you have never played
    best fantasy strategy game i've ever played.
    i was big fan of Master of Magic long time, but i don't need to return anymore.
    if you have ever played MoM Civ age of wonders series, this game is very easy to understand ,
    you won't need to read manuals a lot good UI and ingame tutorials will lead you to game world quickly.
    i can highly recommend this game even if you have never played 4X style games.
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  16. May 22, 2013
    10
    What a great game. I'm lucky I gave fallen enchantress a try, otherwise I would have missed this gem. Thanks a lot Stardock, I'll be playing Legendary Heroes for a long time to come.
  17. May 24, 2013
    9
    While being far from perfect, this is the best civ-building strategy-game incorporating magic as a major feature ever made. The overhaul has improved the original Fallen Enchantress a bunch, and it has the same "just-one-more-turn" effect on me as the good civ-games have. A gem, this one.
  18. May 26, 2013
    8
    Very goox fantasy 4x game that should appeal to fans of Master of Magic, Warlords, Heroes of Might and Magic, and Age of Wonders. Pretty deep content with the option to design your own units, CIV like city building, Tactical combat, and lots of RPG-like optional side quests. I've found myself awake later than I intended to be, and the first thing I did after completing my first game isVery goox fantasy 4x game that should appeal to fans of Master of Magic, Warlords, Heroes of Might and Magic, and Age of Wonders. Pretty deep content with the option to design your own units, CIV like city building, Tactical combat, and lots of RPG-like optional side quests. I've found myself awake later than I intended to be, and the first thing I did after completing my first game is start again. That's a pretty good indication of quality there.

    I was extremely disappointed in the original Elemental game (How could anyone not have been?) and am happy to report that this is nothing like it. This is the game that I wanted to play back then, and I can easily recommend it.
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  19. Sep 24, 2013
    7
    A solid turn-based strategy game that could use a little more content. The mechanics are good, and the game is balanced. However, there is only one "scenario" (ie. campaign) that is only a single map, even though there is a menu to select from "scenarios" (plural). But there is only one. This is a waste of what is clearly a detailed backstory, and squanders an opportunity to tell anA solid turn-based strategy game that could use a little more content. The mechanics are good, and the game is balanced. However, there is only one "scenario" (ie. campaign) that is only a single map, even though there is a menu to select from "scenarios" (plural). But there is only one. This is a waste of what is clearly a detailed backstory, and squanders an opportunity to tell an immersive story in this potentially rich world. Instead, we get a random map generator, which should be an "extra" to extend gameplay, but becomes instead the whole game. Expand
  20. Jun 3, 2013
    8
    Unlike most people I liked Fallen Enchantress better so take my review with a grain of salt. The new hero trees are stale and boring. Yes you have more control over building the hero but I no longer find myself weighing the Pros and Cons of the random selections in FE. While the new prestige system removes the randomness of finding heroes it takes away some of the feeling of wonder I hadUnlike most people I liked Fallen Enchantress better so take my review with a grain of salt. The new hero trees are stale and boring. Yes you have more control over building the hero but I no longer find myself weighing the Pros and Cons of the random selections in FE. While the new prestige system removes the randomness of finding heroes it takes away some of the feeling of wonder I had previously. Eliminating the multitude of different damage & armor types for universal consistency & weapon specific special moves does slightly erode some tactical decisions. Overall, still a solid game and for me, this series lags only behind Civ 4 & 5 for hours invested in 4X games. Expand
  21. May 26, 2013
    9
    I really enjoyed the game. I played for 60 hours, over three weeks, in the game. I started with a small map, but that was too crowded, so I then played on a massive world with high monsters. Throughout the game: you feel that your choices matter, especially in the early game and when leveling up your cities and heroes. The end-game is a bit weak, when you already know that you will win.I really enjoyed the game. I played for 60 hours, over three weeks, in the game. I started with a small map, but that was too crowded, so I then played on a massive world with high monsters. Throughout the game: you feel that your choices matter, especially in the early game and when leveling up your cities and heroes. The end-game is a bit weak, when you already know that you will win. The strategic game is well done, the map tile graphics are very varied and pretty enough. The tactical game could use a bit more variety in maps and placement of the creatures. There are way more spells and skills accessible, but you end up using the same few spells/skills. Expand
  22. Jun 3, 2013
    10
    Good game with a few flaws here and there, and certainly an improvement in the series. If you are looking for a fantasy TBS 4x strategy then you should at least think about giving this one a try. My overall rating for the game would probably be around a 8.5, but since morons come in here and give the game a blatantly poor review for no other reason than being a jerk, I've decided toGood game with a few flaws here and there, and certainly an improvement in the series. If you are looking for a fantasy TBS 4x strategy then you should at least think about giving this one a try. My overall rating for the game would probably be around a 8.5, but since morons come in here and give the game a blatantly poor review for no other reason than being a jerk, I've decided to offset that with giving it a 10. It really is sad that Metacritic allows such nonsensical review scores from folks who are blatantly being unrealistic. Expand
  23. May 24, 2013
    9
    This is an excellent game for anyone with a passing interest in turn based strategy games. I honestly do believe this is the spiritual successor to Age of Wonders or the closest we shall get to it, which is something I've always dreamed would happen.At first I pirated the game and on the second day after I went and purchased it off Steam to support the developers in what way I can, I wasThis is an excellent game for anyone with a passing interest in turn based strategy games. I honestly do believe this is the spiritual successor to Age of Wonders or the closest we shall get to it, which is something I've always dreamed would happen.At first I pirated the game and on the second day after I went and purchased it off Steam to support the developers in what way I can, I was that impressed. It has so many layers from the research, the rpg-style exploration and questing to the empire building and warfare. Stardock has really impressed me with how much support they have gone and given this game, it is a light and day difference in terms of quality from the original Elemental to Legendary Heroes and this tells me they really do care about their product and their support for such a great game will not be ending anytime soon. I'll end by saying that the "one more turn" feeling we all love and crave has been captured very well so far for me with Legendary Heroes and what more can you ask for with a game like this? Turn based strategy fans shouldn't even hesitate on giving this game a try and spreading the word. I've been greatly impressed with the amount of work and detail put into this game. Cheers! Expand
  24. Sep 13, 2013
    9
    One of the best games of 2013. Worked right out of the box, no serious bugs, was sold at a reasonable £25 full price. £12.50 if you owned the previous game Fallen Enchantress. Game play is epic in scale and very very addictive and it is moddable. I have recommended this game to many players this year and every one of them like it.... So I am giving it 9. If you like X4 strategy games, thisOne of the best games of 2013. Worked right out of the box, no serious bugs, was sold at a reasonable £25 full price. £12.50 if you owned the previous game Fallen Enchantress. Game play is epic in scale and very very addictive and it is moddable. I have recommended this game to many players this year and every one of them like it.... So I am giving it 9. If you like X4 strategy games, this is a safe bet for your money. A nice upgrade on the original too. Stardock are a company that have treated their customers well for decades, so always keep an eye out for their games. PS I have nothing what so ever to do with stardock.... I am just an impressed customer. Plus the owner talks a lot about supporting new PC hardware in the future and that always gets my vote. Expand
  25. Jul 19, 2013
    9
    A fantastic turn-based fantasy 4X game! Great combat, awesome city management and loads and loads of customisation of pretty much everything! This is a must have for everyone who loves strategy games!
  26. Mar 16, 2014
    8
    Great game with very addicting gameplay. I put some 30hr in it and had only some minor bugs here and there (ver 1.5). After you get familiar with the game I suggest you grab some mods from the nexus that make it even better. My only complain are the maps options, they are to small and lack in variety.
  27. Jun 4, 2013
    9
    Excellent fantasy TBS that combines elements from the Civilization franchise, the Age of Wonders series, and, of course, the memorable Master of Magic, grandpa of the genre!

    Besides being a pretty game, Fallen Enchantress: LH features something that has become a rare sight in strategy games: A competent, non-cheating (on most settings) AI that will actually hand you your butt by simply
    Excellent fantasy TBS that combines elements from the Civilization franchise, the Age of Wonders series, and, of course, the memorable Master of Magic, grandpa of the genre!

    Besides being a pretty game, Fallen Enchantress: LH features something that has become a rare sight in strategy games: A competent, non-cheating (on most settings) AI that will actually hand you your butt by simply playing better than you. It's really refreshing in a genre where you normally either get AIs that bore the stuff out of you, or AIs that play by completely different rules and then steamroll you with the 15372 extra units that they got out of nowhere. Brad really shows, again, that few people in the game industry understand AI programming as well as he does.

    The downside is the lack of multiplayer options. I don't need them, but I would like to have them. I still give this a 9/10 because it's not super important to me (because the AI is so good), but releasing a TBS in 2013 without any form of MP is a little off and a missed opportunity.

    It's still the best fantasy TBS in quite a few years. Don't skip it if you're a fan of the genre.
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  28. Jun 9, 2013
    9
    The version I'm playing is currently 1.1 and it is such an awesome game already! I can only imagine that it will continue to get better and better. A terrific 4x TB strategy game. Great job Stardock!!
  29. Sep 20, 2016
    8
    Very good turn based strategy RPG. Lots of stuff to customize from creating your own race of people to customizing individual units. Heroes are powerful and make a big impact but standard units can be strong as well and level through combat like Heroes thought they cannot equip items after they are created (they can equip items if you design them with items initially). You expand like mostVery good turn based strategy RPG. Lots of stuff to customize from creating your own race of people to customizing individual units. Heroes are powerful and make a big impact but standard units can be strong as well and level through combat like Heroes thought they cannot equip items after they are created (they can equip items if you design them with items initially). You expand like most TBS games by creating pioneers who go out and build on new plots of land. Cities are then leveled by increasing population. You can specialize cities for wealth, research or military purposes and each branch has sub-branch specializations. Items are scattered throughout the map for you to find and you can also shop for items in your own territory or in a competitors territory (allowing you to buy items that their merchant offers) as long as you are not at war with them. There are different types of heroes including mages, commanders, warriors, defenders, and some thief type class. Each is fairly strong if you level them right and each can do multiple things though I found that it is best to focus on one type of ability such as damage vs defense.

    The only reason I do not rate this game higher is because the strategy aspects are not exactly great. Its not bad mind you but there is nothing new in this game and combat becomes monotonous toward mid game. In fact if you have played any TBS RPG game in the past (Disgaea, FFT, HM&M, etc) then you have seen everything this game offers in terms of combat. Mages in this game are insanely powerful and can 1 shot entire armies in the initial move of an encounter making battle pointless even before reaching end game. Mid and end game suffer from very slow pacing on large maps. Diplomacy is boring and just straight trade based. Story? There really isnt one; just a bunch of lore that is not interesting.

    Still this is possibly the best TBS RPG around and far surpasses old console competitors like those mentioned above and stands tall against PC competitors as well. If you have not given this game a shot, I definitely recommend it.
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  30. May 30, 2013
    9
    GOOD: Whoops, 4am again? I forgot about time so completely sometimes because playing it is so much fun and so addictive at times. The replayability is immense. So a lot of worth for your bucks. There is so much you can play and work with, that the ways of playing are immense...
    BAD: There are some minor glitches in the game the heros look very similar and so on.
    Really happy I finally
    GOOD: Whoops, 4am again? I forgot about time so completely sometimes because playing it is so much fun and so addictive at times. The replayability is immense. So a lot of worth for your bucks. There is so much you can play and work with, that the ways of playing are immense...
    BAD: There are some minor glitches in the game the heros look very similar and so on.
    Really happy I finally bought the game!
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Awards & Rankings

Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 10, 2014
    80
    One of those games that you sit down to play for half an hour and end up spending whole night with. It’s not flawless (e.g. it lacks a multiplayer mode) but you will not regret investing time in it. [01/2014, p.50]
  2. Oct 15, 2013
    90
    Competition in the 4X space might seem quaint to some, but Stardock easily proves that there’s more than one great ruler who deserves fealty.
  3. Oct 7, 2013
    73
    Legendary Heroes is yet another step forward for Stardock, If you are not familiar at all with Elemental, the studio’s previous effort, or other 4X fantasy strategy games, it may even surprise you. It’s just not a stand-out game.