Info about Warlords Battlecry III:

Official game description:
Warlords Battlecry III _further expands_ the Battlecry tradition of featuring persistent RPG-like fantasy heroes with its retinue of loyal followers fighting massive battles in the Warlords' world of Etheria. It is a true sequel to Warlords Battlecry I & II, featuring many familiar races and troop-types, while also adding some new ones into the mix.  
Warlords Battlecry III continue to perfect its automated feature system, greatly reducing gameplay micromanagement and quickly proving to be the holy grail of RTS games among gamers of the genre.  
While being a strong RTS outright, there are also numerous activities for players to engage in between battles, such as obtaining titles and awards, trading and purchasing items & retinue members, and even an upgradeable castle to reflect your importance and influence in the world of Etheria.  
Extra features included in Warlords Battlecry III are specifically geared to please the legions of previous Battlecry players, including the removal of hero and unit caps, the addition of new special abilities for high-level heroes and the creation of an intuitive hero system. All of these features, coupled with new races and hero classes, new spells and items, and new building and dragons meld to form a Real-Time Strategy game that once again raises the benchmark for other games in the genre. Warlords Battlecry III is poised to receive even greater accolades than the previous award-winning titles in the Warlords Battlecry series.  
**Features:**  
*   Sixteen different races, twenty-eight different classes.  
*   More than one hundred and thirty spells over thirteen different spheres of magic. New Magic Items many of them special & rare, some even able to cast spells.  
*   Plaguelords, Saurians, Swarm. The old Human side will be split into Knights & Empire. This will include new units and new buildings.  
*   All of your old favorites plus eight new classes combine together in a new hero system that is easier to learn but harder to master than before. Take heroes beyond level 50. Gain levels while actually playing the game.  
*   Rock & Lava terrain, along with Jungle, Ruins and subterranean caverns.  
*   Players will be able to produce six different coloured dragons all with unique abilities and breath weapons.  
*   Many different shops will allow players to purchase items & troops to aid them in battle. The variety of different Lairs will produce neutral units that will roam the map seeking out trouble.
\* Multiplayer mode is functional, but not supported.

Release date: Jan 22, 2016

Categories: Real-Time Strategy, Character Progression, Base Building, Mod Support, Single-player, Multiplayer, Turn-based Strategy, Customization

Feature scans:
- Mods: score 40; verdict: Buggy but Playable; summary: The game is heavily impacted by the inclusion of an unofficial patch, which introduces unwanted changes, causes frequent crashes, and alters the original gameplay experience. While some users appreciate the fixes and updates provided by the patch, many others prefer the vanilla experience and are frustrated by the lack of option to play without the patch.
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Needs Significant Improvements; summary: The primary issues highlighted by users revolve around game stability, particularly frequent crashes when alt-tabbing, and the lack of modern features such as resolution settings and windowed mode. These problems significantly impact the user experience, making the game less enjoyable and more cumbersome to play.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Rich content and variety (weight 0.91): The game offers a vast amount of content, including many quests, races, maps, and a complete campaign. Players appreciate the variety and the large number of options available.
- Highly praised and recommended (weight 0.67): Many players express strong positive sentiments, calling the game excellent, fun, and worth the price. They often mention enjoying it over many years and recommending it to others.
- Mod support and community content (weight 0.4): The game supports mods, with notable mentions of 'The Protectors' mod, which adds significant content and enhances the gameplay experience.
- High replayability (weight 0.4): The game offers significant replayability through varied missions, customizable maps, and the ability to replay levels. The Protectors mod enhances this further.
- Atmospheric and artistic (weight 0.16): Players appreciate the game's atmospheric qualities and artistic design, which contribute to its immersive experience.
- Engaging campaign and storyline (weight 0.15): The campaign is praised for its interesting and engaging narrative, with a variety of missions and character development that keeps players invested.
- Easy to learn, hard to master (weight 0.09): The game is noted for its easy learning curve but offers significant depth and challenge, making it accessible yet rewarding for experienced players.
- Multiplayer and cooperative play (weight 0.07): The game is enjoyed by players in multiplayer and cooperative modes, with mentions of playing with siblings and friends.

Common complaints:
- Save and progression issues (weight 0.9): Players report issues with saving the game and hero progression. The game does not save properly, and there are problems with hero data corruption, particularly with the Ironman hero mode.
- Lack of official support and updates (weight 0.87): The Steam version is reported to be old and lacks official fixes and updates. It is also criticized for using player-made patches that are not officially supported.
- Outdated graphics and poor optimization (weight 0.86): The game's graphics are considered outdated and visually unappealing, with comparisons to Paint.exe. It also lacks support for modern resolutions and widescreen monitors, and has poor optimization for modern PCs.
- Compatibility issues with modern hardware (weight 0.84): The game does not work well with modern computers and has compatibility issues with new hardware. It does not run on certain devices like Lenovo and has problems with resolutions.
- Inappropriate language and changes (weight 0.79): The game contains inappropriate language, such as curse words broadcasted during resource conversion. Some changes added to the game are considered not fun by players.
- Game balance issues (weight 0.3): There are several balance issues reported, including changes to hero strength, useless skills, and imbalances between classes and races. The Steam version is criticized for its balance changes, particularly with summoners.
- Lack of official localization and expansions (weight 0.16): The Steam version lacks official localization, particularly for Russian players, and does not include expansions. Players have to manually restore voice acting and descriptions.
- Multiplayer functionality issues (weight 0.14): Multiplayer is reported to be hard to get into, not very functional, and may require frequent restarts. The Steam version does not provide multiplayer services, and there are few multiplayer players.

Gameplay feedback:
- Hero Progression and Customization (weight 0.96): The game features a robust hero progression system where heroes can level up, gain new skills, and be customized with various gear and abilities. Heroes can be carried over between missions and even used in different game modes like skirmish and multiplayer.
- Variety of Races and Classes (weight 0.77): The game offers a wide variety of races and classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles. This diversity allows for extensive customization and replayability, catering to different player preferences.
- RTS and RPG Hybrid Gameplay (weight 0.75): The game combines elements of real-time strategy (RTS) and role-playing games (RPG), offering a unique blend of base-building, resource management, and hero progression. This fusion provides a rich and engaging gameplay experience.
- Diverse Game Modes and Features (weight 0.75): The game offers multiple modes including campaign, skirmish, and multiplayer, along with features like a map editor, unit leveling, and a variety of spells and items. These features enhance the game's replayability and depth.
- Campaign and Skirmish Modes (weight 0.58): The game includes a comprehensive campaign mode with varied missions and a skirmish mode with tweakable rules and randomly generated maps. The campaign features a world map and non-linear gameplay, allowing players to influence the story through their choices.
- Innovative Gameplay Mechanics (weight 0.52): The game introduces innovative mechanics such as hero abilities, summoning units, and a complex resource management system. These mechanics add depth and strategic elements to the gameplay.
- Balanced and Unique Factions (weight 0.26): Each faction in the game has its own unique units, buildings, and playstyles, providing a balanced and diverse gameplay experience. This variety ensures that players can find a faction that suits their preferred strategy.
- Challenges with Skill Balancing (weight 0.14): Some skills and mechanics in the game have been criticized for being underpowered or useless, such as certain combat skills and resource management skills. This can affect the overall balance and player experience.
- Iron Man Mode (weight 0.05): The game features an Iron Man mode where heroes are mortal, adding an extra layer of challenge and strategy to the gameplay. This mode is designed for players seeking a more difficult experience.

Performance notes:
- Graphics and performance problems (weight 0.32): Players report various graphics issues, including weak and outdated graphics, flickering cursors, and problems with resolutions. The game is poorly optimized for modern PCs and has mouse lagging issues.
- Workarounds for running the game (weight 0.32): Players have found workarounds such as using compatibility mode, DXWND, and HD mods to run the game on modern systems and improve resolution support.
- Region lock issue (weight 0.03): Some players have reported region lock issues specifically on Lenovo machines, which prevents them from running the game.

Recommendations:
- Purchase on GOG instead (weight 0.46): Several reviews recommend buying the game on GOG rather than other platforms due to better management and availability of installers. Some also mention patches and modernized versions.
- Try The Protectors mod (weight 0.43): The Protectors mod is highly recommended by many reviewers for additional functionality and an improved gaming experience. Some suggest downloading this mod even if you don't buy the game from Steam.
- Highly recommended for strategy fans (weight 0.39): The game is frequently praised and recommended for fans of strategy games, particularly those who enjoy RTS and RPG elements. Many reviewers suggest it is worth the price and a fantastic time killer.
- Consider unofficial patches (weight 0.11): Players suggest looking into unofficial patches to enhance the gaming experience. These patches can bring changes and improvements not found in the official release.
- Fun and unique gameplay (weight 0.05): The game offers unique features and enjoyable gameplay, making it worth playing both in solo and multiplayer modes.
- Good for grinding enthusiasts (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for those who enjoy grinding and have played similar games before.
- Watch videos before buying (weight 0.05): New players are advised to watch gameplays or videos before purchasing to understand the game mechanics better.
- Superior to other RTS games (weight 0.03): Despite some criticisms, the game is still considered better than virtually any other RTS available.
- Interesting hero system (weight 0.03): The game features an interesting hero system that adds depth to the gameplay.
- Assess changes before buying (weight 0.03): Potential buyers should consider if they can live with the changes made to the game before making a purchase.

Other player notes:
- Unofficial patches available (weight 0.05): Players have noted the availability of unofficial patches for the game. These patches are often shared through community efforts and can include various fixes and enhancements.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.27): Players are primarily frustrated due to technical issues such as game crashes, freezing, and compatibility problems with modern systems. Additionally, the unofficial patch has introduced gameplay changes that many players dislike, including cooldowns on spellcasting and timed life for summoned units.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.22): Players express nostalgia for the game due to fond memories of playing it during their childhood. Many remember it as a unique and innovative game of its time, often comparing it favorably to other games from the same era.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Disappointment stems from the game's technical issues, crashes, and the changes made by the unofficial patch. Players feel let down by the unbalanced leveling system and the overall instability of the Steam version.
- Joy (weight 0.09): Players find joy in the game's unique features and fun gameplay. Positive memories, enjoying the game with family, and the emotional attachment to the storyline contribute to this sentiment.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Excitement is generated by the game's diverse races, classes, and customization options. Players are also thrilled by the game's unique gameplay features and the blend of RTS with heavy RPG elements.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Players are satisfied with the game's performance on modern systems like Windows 10. They also appreciate the combat mechanics, leveling system, and the overall gameplay experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.03): Despite some issues, players enjoy the game and have spent significant time playing it. The game is found to be enjoyable even with occasional problems, especially when played in LAN mode.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Players express hope for a future installment or a remake of the game. They dream of an official reboot or a new game in the series, showing their continued interest and investment in the franchise.
- Sadness (weight 0.03): Sadness comes from the game not running on new computers and the loss of multiplayer servers, making the game feel dead. The death of a beloved character also contributes to this emotion.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Players feel joy because the game remains fun even after many years. The active modding community, such as The Protectors mod, also contributes to this happiness.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admire the game's depth and content. The music and overall design of the game are also highly praised.
- Frustration (weight 0.02): Players are frustrated because the game does not function correctly. The game being abandoned and modified by the community also adds to this frustration.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the discovery of the game as a hidden gem. The unique blend of RTS and RPG elements is unexpected and delightful.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express love for the game, considering it one of the coolest games ever. This strong affection is due to its unique features and enjoyable gameplay.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic about the game and believe it deserves more recognition and love. They are eager to share their positive experiences and recommend the game to others.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.01): Players are satisfied because the game is fun and unique. The enjoyable gameplay and unique features contribute to this satisfaction.
- Longing (weight 0.01): Players feel nostalgia because the game was a part of their childhood. The memories associated with playing the game during their youth evoke this sentiment.
- Disappointment (weight 0.01): Players are disappointed because the Steam version is not the official version of the game. This leads to a sense of being misled or receiving an inferior product.}