Heroes of Might and Magic IV

 PC
  • Publisher: 3DO
  • Release Date: Mar 28, 2002
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 394 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 240 out of 394
  2. Mixed: 115 out of 394
  3. Negative: 39 out of 394
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  1. DorlGaming
    Jun 4, 2023
    6
    After the great HoMaM 3, this game gives a very boring experience, everything in this part turned out not only worse than the previous one, but also losing significantly to the then competitors.
  2. ZXSth
    Apr 9, 2023
    9
    A great sequel to game that was so damn good, it was just about impossible to live up to. Heroes IV is a very, very good game - the base elements of what made its prequel so good are here. But there are also a great deal of bold changes to gameplay here - some of which work marvellously, and others that drop the ball.

    Your heroes play a much more prominent role than in Heroes 3, with    A great sequel to game that was so damn good, it was just about impossible to live up to. Heroes IV is a very, very good game - the base elements of what made its prequel so good are here. But there are also a great deal of bold changes to gameplay here - some of which work marvellously, and others that drop the ball.

    Your heroes play a much more prominent role than in Heroes 3, with them actively participating in battles. Additionally, creature hiring has been revamped in a big way, and this new system - devoid of dwelling upgrades and forcing players to choose between two options - might irk some fans of the prior instalment. For what my personal take is worth, I don't mind this too much.

    Overall, when compared to Heroes III, Heroes IV is a somewhat different beast. It doesn't quite live up to its predecessor's legendary status, but make no mistake - this is still a very fun game with plenty to offer players who enjoyed previous entries, and some of its bold new directions (especially those regarding heroes) even manage to improve on what came before.    … Expand
  3. Nick7000
    Mar 5, 2023
    10
    Я люблю другие части серии, но..... Это лучшая номерная часть, идите на**й! Даже со всеми своими огрехами.
  4. dr-kenobi
    Sep 7, 2022
    1
    Просто дикий шмат лайна. Більше про цей покруч сказати нічого. Найгірше, що ставалось з Героями.
  5. FRIST_008
    Jun 14, 2021
    9
    Моя любимая часть героев, ничего не могу с собой поделать, но третью часть я сколько не пробовал, так и не принял
  6. Estro
    May 29, 2021
    6
    I wouldn't say it's that bad, it has some charm to it but overall it just fell flat to me compared to other heroes games
  7. Sensi89
    Feb 22, 2021
    7
    Gave it a try few times. It's ok but the downgrade from HoMM III is just too big. Just 6.5 because i expected a lot more.
  8. Sinmaker
    May 27, 2020
    7
    a ser feita em breve jakjalkahslkdhalkshdlkahslkdahslkdakhldhsaldhaklshdlkahsdklah
  9. Genek13
    Nov 18, 2019
    9
    I know that it's not a HoM&M III (and no other game will be) but game is still great !!
    It's suck you in in few minutes with new world, mechanics and units.
    Stil love to play once in a while to this day !!
  10. nitorita
    Nov 13, 2019
    9
    I've had this game for the large part of my life, and it has definitely shaped my opinion of what to expect from turn-based fantasy strategy games. I got completely hooked ever since I started playing it when I was a kid, and I still play it from time to time out of nostalgia because there are no other games like it, except for some lackluster sequels and the prequels, which I haveI've had this game for the large part of my life, and it has definitely shaped my opinion of what to expect from turn-based fantasy strategy games. I got completely hooked ever since I started playing it when I was a kid, and I still play it from time to time out of nostalgia because there are no other games like it, except for some lackluster sequels and the prequels, which I have unfortunately not yet tried.

    The game may have its balancing issues, but even so, it is incredible what 3DO and NWC managed to create, especially considering the financial situation they were in at the time. There is almost virtually no other issue with this game that could reduce your enjoyment of it, unless you want to nitpick about specific gameplay features being pointless, like sea travel or stealth.

    Anyone who is a turn-based strategy buff needs to have HoMM IV in their repertoire. If not, they have not experienced how amazing this game was for its time. And, as for why I'm giving this game a 9, it's essentially because the game has so much content and potential that the satisfaction of playing it easily outweighs its minor flaws.    … Expand
  11. SilverOrlov
    Oct 7, 2019
    0
    With all my gaming soul, I don’t understand the high ratings of this ...this product. An uninteresting story, in attempts to jump over the head of the third part, and a completely wretched appearance/graphics. It feels like they were drawing this ...game on their knees for three days in a hurry. Besides the beautiful artifacts, everything else was ugly. Especially the movement of units, soWith all my gaming soul, I don’t understand the high ratings of this ...this product. An uninteresting story, in attempts to jump over the head of the third part, and a completely wretched appearance/graphics. It feels like they were drawing this ...game on their knees for three days in a hurry. Besides the beautiful artifacts, everything else was ugly. Especially the movement of units, so if they are all somehow crippled. And this stupid idea to rotate the map at an angle like pseudo 3D.… Expand
  12. andrenergy
    Oct 4, 2019
    10
    I played this game years ago and now I felt like making a review.
    In my opinion this game is amazing. I really like that heroes are actually units that fight and level which give this game rpg elements. The different factions are so beautifully designed especially with their own town music. Oh boooy, just listen to the music on youtube. Gives the game this special atmosphere.
    I    I played this game years ago and now I felt like making a review.
    In my opinion this game is amazing. I really like that heroes are actually units that fight and level which give this game rpg elements. The different factions are so beautifully designed especially with their own town music. Oh boooy, just listen to the music on youtube. Gives the game this special atmosphere.
    I understand why people like Heroes III more than this game, but that´s not true for me.
    If you played Heroes III and want a cool sequel then this might be to different to your expectations.
    As for me, I played Heroes III afterwards, the game´s great and deservers it´s spot, but I prefer the atmosphere, the RPG elements of the heroes and the graphics of this game.    … Expand
  13. Neotis
    Mar 1, 2019
    9
    Not an ideal part of the HoMM series, but one of the favorites, the battle system is not bad graphics worthy, the good old nastolgiya is always a pleasure to replay it.
  14. Zeratex
    Feb 11, 2019
    6
    Heroes IV is the sequel to the famous Heroes 3, which was imo the best in the series.

    Heroes IV improved some Technical qualities from its prequel, also it added the concept of a hero fighting with his army instead of just casting spells, so it made the gameplay more fun as hero so that you could make proper builds and use some neat artifacts. From a technical point its pretty good.    Heroes IV is the sequel to the famous Heroes 3, which was imo the best in the series.

    Heroes IV improved some Technical qualities from its prequel, also it added the concept of a hero fighting with his army instead of just casting spells, so it made the gameplay more fun as hero so that you could make proper builds and use some neat artifacts.

    From a technical point its pretty good.
    The music and soundtrack is also good, some relaxing tunes in the background while you explore and the battle themes are epic.
    The story is still the same quality from its prequel, a very shallow quick stories for the campaign with little lore.
    The Gameplay however is much better in III. In terms of Combat i enjoyed the 4th more but it misses a lot on the gameplay variety, the castle battles, the buildings and the maps are better in the prequel.
    The A.I is much worse than 3, the A.I is so bad it makes the whole combat less challenging.

    Other than that the game is pretty close to the quality of the 3rd, and i dont understand why it got a lot of backlash for trying different things back then.

    6.5/10    … Expand
  15. Raiden666666
    Jan 23, 2019
    10
    Fantastic frachise,i like Homm4.Music,gameplay,graphics...My rankings of heroes games are next:3,4,5,2,7,6,1.
  16. daedalus_
    Aug 7, 2018
    9
    yes there are better and generally more acclaimed games from the homm series but this one is my favourite
  17. iddqd4
    Jan 22, 2018
    5
    Этот текст здесь для того что бы оценка отобразилась в моем профиле.
  18. RagingPoet
    Dec 21, 2017
    8
    8.5 out of 10.
    Heroes 4 did something that no other sequel in this series ever did: took some risks. A lot of them didn't pay off, but the game is still fun to play especially via hotseat.
  19. Sirik_Matak
    Jan 1, 2016
    7
    It would be a really solid game, if it was finished. Some graphical assets are obviously placeholders, some mechanics don't work exacly as they were intended to. And there's an unfinished, crippled AI, that makes playing this game single player a pointless bore-fest.
    It's still a blast on hot seats.
  20. Mauer
    Oct 25, 2015
    8
    Of course, it's not as good as its predecessor, the legendary Heroes III, but the game is entertaining and addicting. Its mechanics are significantly different from what we know from other Heroes games - for example, heroes are not necessary in an army. Probably, IV will always be considered the black sheep of the Heroes franchise, but it's worth picking up and giving it a try. Once youOf course, it's not as good as its predecessor, the legendary Heroes III, but the game is entertaining and addicting. Its mechanics are significantly different from what we know from other Heroes games - for example, heroes are not necessary in an army. Probably, IV will always be considered the black sheep of the Heroes franchise, but it's worth picking up and giving it a try. Once you let it speak for itself and show what's made of. Very underrated game.… Expand
  21. koval321
    Jan 9, 2015
    0
    Am probably should give this game big plus for brave attempt to create something new original. This game have unique style and interesting RPG feeling. Unless its all broken to point that am not enjoy playing it as previously HoMM3. What is most important in strategy are statistics, informations and all that is like secondary to useless things. For example fonts with informations are tinyAm probably should give this game big plus for brave attempt to create something new original. This game have unique style and interesting RPG feeling. Unless its all broken to point that am not enjoy playing it as previously HoMM3. What is most important in strategy are statistics, informations and all that is like secondary to useless things. For example fonts with informations are tiny and instead you have that wide interface and pictures which anyway are bad. Also number one in tactic is visible grid where you may predict how enemy or you will move this is almost not existing here and I don't see benefits from 3D landscape in battles it could be flat. And few other things which should be done better like upgrade units more items in shop etc. Only concept is good maybe even better that in all other HoMM but it look bad broken, like made in hurry or something or not tested. Am actually would give this game chance and try to play it just because it have some good ideas and its probably better from nevest HoMM. But definitely am enjoyed more playing previously HoMM 2 and 3… Expand
  22. EUPOLEMOS
    Dec 17, 2014
    5
    This is certainly the worst heroes game.It is insanely difficult and the vulnerability of your hero makes the game irritating as you can lose an easy battle simply because your hero died.The only really good thing about heroes 4 is its soundtrack.Oh okay it has good story too but how can you enjoy it when you are losing all the time?I finished heroes 3 without problem so what is the matterThis is certainly the worst heroes game.It is insanely difficult and the vulnerability of your hero makes the game irritating as you can lose an easy battle simply because your hero died.The only really good thing about heroes 4 is its soundtrack.Oh okay it has good story too but how can you enjoy it when you are losing all the time?I finished heroes 3 without problem so what is the matter with this game?… Expand
  23. SasBorg
    Jan 6, 2014
    9
    Definately the best game in the series. Heroes 4 brings you the opportunity to take your hero into the battle, for good this time, in a wonderful 3D atmosphere, with amazing music and beautiful maps. Its colour and sceneries remind me of old fantasy tales and medieval movies, like a Heroes game should. The combat system is almost flawless, the map editor gives you a wide array ofDefinately the best game in the series. Heroes 4 brings you the opportunity to take your hero into the battle, for good this time, in a wonderful 3D atmosphere, with amazing music and beautiful maps. Its colour and sceneries remind me of old fantasy tales and medieval movies, like a Heroes game should. The combat system is almost flawless, the map editor gives you a wide array of scripting, the only thing that i would say it is missing, is the possibility to edit certain buildings. The choices you have to make regarding the creatures in towns is also a great aspect, making each town a powerful asset in your scenario/campaign. The lack of a random map generator is probably the only thing that drags this game down a little, but still, there are plenty of those created by users for download.… Expand
  24. Magniffico
    Jan 8, 2013
    4
    I, myself, am a big fan of well thought through turn-based strategy games. When I started to play this game, most of my friend were saying "oh, Heroes 3 is so much better". However, I thought that it would be wise to try the game before saying that it is not worth any of my time. So I did. The first feeling was that the gameplay was OK. Nothing extremely bad for a 2002 game. The way theI, myself, am a big fan of well thought through turn-based strategy games. When I started to play this game, most of my friend were saying "oh, Heroes 3 is so much better". However, I thought that it would be wise to try the game before saying that it is not worth any of my time. So I did. The first feeling was that the gameplay was OK. Nothing extremely bad for a 2002 game. The way the game plays was certainly different from what I was used to in Heroes 3, but it did not make it feel worse in that case. It was just different with some new interesting ideas that fit the game quite well. The thing is, it feels sort of cheap, the graphics are just very edgy and does not form the harmony you would expect. After playing Heroes IV I turned back to Heroes III to compare. And from the moment I, once again, saw the undeniable truth: the older version is so much better and so much smoother, it just feels a lot more organic and enjoyable. The feeling that I did not really feel playing Heroes IV was the joy of gaming, it just did not feel right. The game does not feel polished or finished, it just forms some sort of feeling that it is hostile to the player. It even lost that sporty feeling of competitive gaming, which is due to removal of a normal grid in the combat. To sum up, I will not play it again, but if you want a taste of history, it would be a game to try. Don't worry, you probably won't hook up.… Expand
  25. Chaosmaker
    Dec 10, 2012
    7
    This game is a solid title, not the best but one that can be played with joy. I would say the most detracting thing is chopping animations and generally boxy and bland strategic map. On the other side, interface, music and drawn portraits are top-notch. Gameplay improvements are in my opinion, real improvements. It feels like Master of Magic in some aspects. All in all, a solid 7/10This game is a solid title, not the best but one that can be played with joy. I would say the most detracting thing is chopping animations and generally boxy and bland strategic map. On the other side, interface, music and drawn portraits are top-notch. Gameplay improvements are in my opinion, real improvements. It feels like Master of Magic in some aspects. All in all, a solid 7/10 because it's a mixed bag, but enjoyable.… Expand
  26. Oookeeek
    Nov 14, 2011
    10
    I understand those who say this game isn't a good HoMM (too much changes, I guess), although I disagree this opinion, but you cannot refuse Heroes IV is a wonderful game. The gameplay is addictive, the graphics are beautiful and the soundtrack is gorgeous. HoMM IV probably is the game I have played for most time. And this means hundreds of hours thinking "just one turn more". For me, itI understand those who say this game isn't a good HoMM (too much changes, I guess), although I disagree this opinion, but you cannot refuse Heroes IV is a wonderful game. The gameplay is addictive, the graphics are beautiful and the soundtrack is gorgeous. HoMM IV probably is the game I have played for most time. And this means hundreds of hours thinking "just one turn more". For me, it has a lovely world such as Heroes II and a gameplay improved over the Heroes III standard with many changes. Some wrong, yes, but most are positive. In a nutshell, Heroes IV is one of the best games I have had the joy of playing, I really love it, this game will suck you in the wonderful world of Axeoth, full of stories and mysteries.… Expand
  27. DeGreZet
    Sep 19, 2011
    10
    Very good single game and great multiplayer (hot seats and on-line) I really like this game because this is m favorite Heroes game. Amazing game play, good graphics, original and differend maps and no bad campaign. Music and sounds in game is very good, climate is great. Heroes of Might and Magic IV isn't perfect game but is really very good tour strategy. 9.1/10
  28. Overrwatcher
    Sep 10, 2011
    7
    It has some very cool features, but it lacks in good combat. Luckily, to make it up, there are completely different strategies, and you need to adapt to them. Worth it if you are looking for something different from HoMM3.
  29. Pomornik
    Jun 3, 2011
    8
    I really dont get why people say its the worst game in the series. Personally i think its almost as good as HoMM 2 or 3. Guess its that people didnt like all the new concepts like moving units without a Hero, and having Hero fighting in combat. I think it worked good, people just hate changes.
  30. Filip
    Jun 6, 2008
    10
    Ignore the people that gave the game a 0 just because of the AI, or some other trivial thing. (I didn't even notice the AI being that hard)

    This game is a magnificant piece of work, and it especially shines when it comes to story. So if you're looking for a great and compellin story, pick this - and more specificly - the Gauldoth Half-Dead Story. That, combined with the    Ignore the people that gave the game a 0 just because of the AI, or some other trivial thing. (I didn't even notice the AI being that hard)

    This game is a magnificant piece of work, and it especially shines when it comes to story. So if you're looking for a great and compellin story, pick this - and more specificly - the Gauldoth Half-Dead Story.
    That, combined with the fantastic world of HoMM makes this game the best game I have ever played - end.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best PC Game of 2002
17
#17 Most Discussed PC Game of 2002
10
#10 Most Shared PC Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Computer Gaming World
    50
    The new combat system is an almost unmitigated disaster. [July 2002, p.73]
  2. IGN
    87
    The great balance and fabulous background of the game are simply outstanding.
    Read full review
  3. Adrenaline Vault
    100
    The title takes everything that has ever been great about the series and elevates it to the next level. The changes revitalize the Heroes formula and provide more strategic gameplay than the series has ever offered.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »