Next, we have the strategic map and unit aesthetics. Apart from their gameplay-related flaws, I also dislike them on an artistic level. They copy all the mistakes that have been plaguing this series since arguably H5, in the sense that the units are somehow at the same time both overdesigned and crude blobs. It blows my mind that ever since NWC’s demise, nobody understood that the appeal of HoMM was always its aspect as an intercultural Wrestlemania, where unicorns battled medusas and crusaders, in a generally low-key style. Meanwhile, ever since H5, all the games have been in an arms race for adding Original Content of the most Epic variety, so now it’s Woodland Sentinels™ vs Xaurips© vs Champions of Jeunerix® (not actual in-game names, but you get the idea), and the upgraded T1 Temple unit has more armour and bigger shoulder pads than that H3 crusader, while of course the basic angel has to be a fully-armoured floating shiny... thing rather than a dude in a bathrobe with a sword. I can only describe it as garish and in poor taste, with no real vision behind it, other than “let’s make it look like a MOBA or a browser game”. It’s no coincidence that the only faction that looks passable is Dungeon, because it sticks to classic sensibilities. Furthermore, it’s been a while since I’ve played Might and Magic 8, but the world as presented in Olden Era certainly doesn’t remind me of either Jadame or Enroth at large.