Olden Era Brings Revival Hopes to Strategy Gaming

The return of Olden Era has sparked renewed interest in strategy gaming, especially among fans who have long awaited a fresh take in the Might and Magic universe. The game, crafted by Unfrozen under the watchful eye of game designer Dmitrii Tripolskii, has emerged as a potential flagship title for publisher Ubisoft, claiming back some of the luster in the strategic fantasy landscape.

New Factions and Classic Gameplay

The six factions showcased at Gamescom 2025 – Dungeon, the insectoid Hive, Necropolis, Sylvan, Temple, and the newly introduced Schism – offer players a wide variety of gameplay experiences. The Schism, with their sci-fi and Lovecraftian inspirations, bring an unusual twist to the mix. Their reliance on ice magic and eerie rituals, along with their striking snowy citadel, adds a distinct layer of narrative depth to the game.

Combat lovers will appreciate the introduction of Devir, the minotaur overlord of the Dungeon faction. His ability to rally troops and grant extra turns adds strategic depth to turn-based engagements. Each unit's unique animation provides a lively interpretation of battle, ensuring that players remain engaged with the game’s intricacies.

Customization and Strategy

Customization lies at the heart of Olden Era's appeal. The rich, cartoon-style world maps are adorned with faction-specific themes, bringing an immersive experience for players who appreciate visual artistry. Adding to this depth, the game's spell system offers an ever-changing landscape of power pathways, with spells categorized into Arcane, Daylight, Nightshade, and Primal paths. The animated star map displays these routes, providing players with multiple strategies either through discovery or in-game currency purchase.

The innovative modding tools let creative minds serve their visions, allowing map-building across different terrains and scales. For players looking for combat-focused gameplay, One-Hero Mode eliminates the management hassle, concentrating purely on strategic troop engagements. Inspired by Hearthstone Battlegrounds, Arena mode further enriches Olden Era's appeal by offering quick, customizable matches featuring mixed-faction armies.

Soundscapes of Fantasy

Complimenting the visual grandeur is the game’s sound design, with longtime series composer Paul Anthony Romero returning to score Olden Era. Heroic melodies intertwine with ambient sound cues to recreate the classic Might and Magic atmosphere, while the Heroes Orchestra adds a layer of weighty audio, ensuring that each battle feels epic in scale.

Olden Era has indeed rekindled enthusiasm in a genre that thrives on innovation. Its blend of classic gameplay with modern features makes it a formidable contender. As fans wait for its release, the promise it holds is akin to the discovery of a hidden treasure in the realms of gaming – only time will tell if it is a jewel or a mirage.

Update: 29 Aug 2025