Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes

Review

Common Sense Media says

Puzzles meet strategy in fun fantasy for older kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is a fantasy strategy game with no graphic violence, though some of the still images used to progress the story show dead heroes (without blood) and scary demons. The story has players taking on the role of plainly good characters who are attempting to protect the land and those they love from an encroaching evil; nothing too deep, but also nothing particularly concerning. Parents should note, though, that the game’s text dialogue is sophisticated and that the narrative contains some dark and sad themes including death and loss. It is not intended for younger children.

  • Positive messages1
    While play involves some very mild fantasy violence, the game’s themes run along the lines of protecting the ones you love and opposing evil. There’s nothing too deep here, but there are themes of death and loss which might bother younger players.
  • Positive role models1
    Our heroes are clearly good and righteous nobles and warriors. They display love for their comrades, and selflessly fight to keep the world safe from invading demons.
  • Ease of play4
    The strategy is wholly unique, which might make it a bit intimidating for those looking for something familiar. However, it takes only a few minutes to learn the rules, and you can replay the brief tutorials whenever you like. What’s more, the choice between button-based or touch-screen based controls lets players adopt the type of interface with which they are most comfortable.
  • Violence1
    The action is very mild. Tiny sprite-based characters rush from the bottom screen to the top or vice versa, ramming any enemies they may come in contact with along the way and causing them to disappear. Some of these miniscule warriors hold weapons, including bows and swords, but never actually use them. Slightly more concerning are the detailed, anime-style still images shown during narrative scenes in which can be seen scary demons and dead heroes. No blood or gore is present.
  • Sex2
    Some female characters are dressed in provocative clothing that reveals cleavage, and a few lines of text reference sexual words, such as “succubus.”
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism1
    This game is the latest in a long line of strategy games sold under the popular Might & Magic banner.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
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What's it about?

The first game in the Might & Magic series to find its way to Nintendo’s dual-screened handheld, MIGHT & MAGIC: CLASH OF HEROES is a thoroughly original turn-based strategy game that adds a dash of match-three puzzling to the mix. After being introduced to a fairly typical cast of fantasy heroes, including humans, elves, and wizards, players begin battling a demon horde that’s invading the land. These fights take place with the enemy’s army on the top screen and the player’s forces on the bottom. Players need to match their units in groups of three to either ready them for attack or create defensive barriers. Strategy comes into play when players need to decide which of the unit types in their ever expanding armies should be deployed, when to call in reinforcements, and how best to use magical spells powered up during battle. Between battles, players engage in a bit of role-playing, traveling the world map where they will meet allies and enemies, shop for new units, and encounter optional side quests. Meanwhile, a local wireless mode that supports both single-card and multi-card play lets friends battle each other.

Is it any good?

 

Clash of Heroes has a wonderfully simple and accessible design. The basics take mere minutes to learn, but the tactics grow deeper as the game progresses, thanks to a variety of ways in which to link attacks, defend from enemy advances, and a steady stream of new unit types with varying abilities, such as being able to leap over enemy walls or cause damage to your foe’s supply of magical energy. Plus, the pacing is spot-on for Nintendo’s portable platform. The role-playing elements are quick and free of clutter while most of the battles tend to last just long enough to play during a bus ride or in bed before falling asleep. One of the best strategy games of the year, it’s a surefire bet for strategy lovers, fantasy fans, and puzzle game players.

Online interaction: A local wireless mode that supports both single-card and multi-card play lets friends battle each other.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the difference between seeing graphic violence depicted on screen versus imagining it in your mind based on text descriptions. Is one more impactful than the other? Should it make a difference when considering age appropriateness?

  • Families can also discuss how the game melds strategy with puzzles? Do these two genres fit well together here? Have you seen anything like it before?

This review was written by Chad Sapieha
Teen, 15 years old
November 27, 2010
AGE
9
 
Meh ok for kids 10*
Meh it's okay, but I think anyone 10+ is okay to play. Real conversation. me: Ethan! Come here I want you to play this. Ethan: K me: okay press a to attack and x to defend. He is 10.
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This review was written by Chad Sapieha
Topics:magic and fantasy
Platforms:Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Strategy
Developer:UbiSoft
Release date:December 1, 2009
Price:$29.99
ESRB rating:E10+ for Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
This review was written by Chad Sapieha

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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