New World Computing has announced a few huge changes in the gameplay for Heroes Of Might & Magic IV. First off, they have added an RPG element to the heroes. Your heroes can now use eleven starting classes : Archer, Barbarian, Rogue, Fighter, Warrior, Sorcerer, Lord, Priest, Necromancer, Shaman and the Enchanter. From there, as your heroes grow stronger, you can advance into 37 new classes based on the skills you've learned. Each hero also has nine primary skills, each with three associated secondary skills. Each secondary skill consists of five levels of mastery. Your heroes can also participate in the battle now, instead of standing at the sidelines to cast blessings and other spells of devastation. It is safe to say that there will be quite a number of heroes in the game, as the assistant designer of the game, Maranthea, has asked around for help in creating biographies for over two hundred heroes. However, expect several of your favorite heroes to make the transition, such as Ajit, Crag Hack and Sandro. Your armies, unlike previous games in the series, will now be able to travel with more than one hero, or with none at all. You can also transport your armies from town to town or to distant heroes using caravans. Creatures and other troops will also retaliate in full force now, instead of at diminished forces unlike previous games in the Heroes series. Two combat lines are now also available, allowing you to keep your archers in the rear. The blacksmiths in the towns will also be more practical this time round. Instead of providing your army with ballistas and ammo carts, they will supply your hero with potions and other magical items.
