Beta First Impressions
Elemental Forums
I gotta say, this is by far a much more polished and improved product right out the gate, blows everything in WoM out of the water no question. The tactical combat captures the magic of the Heroes of Might and Magic series, it really feels like something special with how the units battle it out, major props to the animation work!
But this game by comparison to WoM is HARD. The monsters and AI pull absolutely no punches, I've played 3 short games and "lost" each and every one of them. First two were my own fault for picking fights I could never win (Skag armies for the lose). Third game I didn't "lose" but I'm surrounded by 3 other players (Magnar, Tarth, Altar) and my territory happens to border a swamp that is home to several armies of trolls that wander in and out of my territory burning all the way, and are waaay above my ability to handle. 
In other news the trait system is awesome, it really makes champions and created units feel unique, that plus enchanted and unique gear *drool**thumbs up* 
and the graphics are quite a big step over WoM, clearer details and generally better looking all around (the world, it is no longer brown!)
And to end the post one minor issue, some clipping with the wooden shield (first one unlocked), it can clip with loose items of clothing such as starting clothes and some leather armors, hardly a deal breaker but thought I'd bring it up
