Armageddon's Blade

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Armageddon's Blade box art. From left to right: Adrienne, Catherine, Gelu, Roland, Mutare, Dracon.

This article refers to the expansion. For the campaign with the same name, see Armageddon's Blade (campaign). For the artifact with the same name, see Armageddon's Blade (artifact).

Armageddon's Blade is the first of two expansions for Heroes of Might and Magic III. It was developed by New World Computing for Microsoft Windows and released by the 3DO Company in 1999.

Synopsis[edit | hide | hide all]

Plot[edit | hide]

Only one of the six new campaigns available in Armageddon's Blade directly concerns the main storyline. The events of Armageddon's Blade immediately follow the events of Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor. As the kingdom of Erathia struggles to rebuild following the Restoration Wars, the Kreegans of Eeofol launch a surprise invasion. Already war-weary, the forces of Queen Catherine are no match for the formidable Kreegan army.

Following the death of the Kreegan king, Xenofex, a usurper named Lucifer Kreegan takes control of Eeofol and, driven by a vision, begins to seek a means to fashion an ancient weapon known as Armageddon's Blade, capable of setting the world on fire. His general Xeron is tasked with locating the components for the Blade. To stop him, the armies of Erathia and AvLee launch an attack on Eeofol, receiving assistance from the very elements as they manifest in "Conflux" towns. Queen Catherine and the recently liberated King Roland are assisted by the mysterious elven warrior Gelu in the ensuing war. Xeron obtains the Blade but is defeated by Gelu on his return to Eeofol. Gelu claims the Blade, and, at the behest of Queen Catherine, uses it to slay Lucifer Kreegan. Following this event, the Ironfists return to Enroth and the Blade is passed on to Gelu. The story is continued in Heroes Chronicles: The Sword of Frost, eventually leading to The Reckoning - a cataclysm that sets the stage for Heroes of Might and Magic IV.

Four of the other five campaigns are the origin stories of characters important to The Reckoning:

The last campaign is a less serious campaign chock full of pop culture references that serves as the origin story of Christian, an aspiring fragrance alchemist.

Characters[edit | hide]

In the Armageddon's Blade campaign, the player takes command of Queen Catherine Ironfist, the main character of Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia, as well as King Roland Ironfist, the protagonist of Heroes of Might and Magic II. New characters introduced include Gelu, a half-elven archer, and Xeron, leader of the Kreegan armies. The five standalone campaigns feature a multitude of previously-unseen characters. Dragon Slayer features the Bracadan wizard, Dracon, while Festival of Life introduces the barbarian Kilgor who has a prominent role at the outset of Heroes of Might and Magic IV. Dragon's Blood stars Mutare, a dungeon overlord who returns in Heroes Chronicles: Clash of the Dragons along with Adrienne, the protagonist of Playing with Fire. Finally, the unlockable Foolhardy Waywardness campaign features the Knight, Sir Christian, who also returns in Heroes of Might and Magic IV. As an aside, the epilogue of the Foolhardy Waywardness campaign explains the reason for Sir Christian's appearance as the player's starting hero in The Restoration of Erathia's first campaign, Long Live the Queen.

Features[edit | hide]

The most significant change in Armageddon's Blade is the addition of the Conflux, bringing the total number of alignments in Heroes III to nine. The town is themed around classical elements and includes other creatures to round out the selection. Six new campaigns were included, one acting as a continuation of the base game's storyline, with the other five revolving around adventures taking place in the same fictional world. Over 35 single scenarios were also added.

Returning as non-aligned units, several creature types from previous Heroes games make an appearance. These include PeasantPeasant Peasants, BoarBoar Boars, and HalflingHalfling Halflings. The expansion also introduced some new non-aligned creature types, such as the powerful Azure Dragon. Eleven new campaign heroes and two new artifacts – Armageddon's BladeArmageddon's Blade and the Vial of Dragon BloodVial of Dragon Blood – were introduced as well. Several new map objects, including special quest towers that only allow passage if the hero meets certain criteria defined by the author of the map, also appear here for the first time.

A random map generator included with the expansion allows players to create random maps using a variety of customizable parameters. Finally, a standalone campaign editor packaged with the game allows for the composition of new campaigns from individual scenario maps.

Towns


Creatures
Conflux Creatures Neutral Creatures
PixiePixie SpriteSprite Pixie and Sprite PeasantPeasant Peasant HalflingHalfling Halfling
Air ElementalAir Elemental Storm ElementalStorm Elemental Air Elemental and Storm Elemental BoarBoar Boar RogueRogue Rogue
Water ElementalWater Elemental Ice ElementalIce Elemental Water Elemental and Ice Elemental MummyMummy Mummy NomadNomad Nomad
Fire ElementalFire Elemental Energy ElementalEnergy Elemental Fire Elemental and Energy Elemental SharpshooterSharpshooter Sharpshooter TrollTroll Troll
Earth ElementalEarth Elemental Magma ElementalMagma Elemental Earth Elemental and Magma Elemental EnchanterEnchanter Enchanter Faerie DragonFaerie Dragon Faerie Dragon
Psychic ElementalPsychic Elemental Magic ElementalMagic Elemental Psychic Elemental and Magic Elemental Rust DragonRust Dragon Rust Dragon Crystal DragonCrystal Dragon Crystal Dragon
FirebirdFirebird PhoenixPhoenix Firebird and Phoenix Azure DragonAzure Dragon Azure Dragon


Heroes
Conflux Heroes Other Heroes
Planeswalker Planeswalkers Elementalist Elementalists Sir MullichSir MullichSir Mullich Sir Mullich AdrienneAdrienneAdrienneAdrienne Adrienne
PasisPasisPasis Pasis LunaLunaLuna Luna CatherineCatherineCatherineCatherine Catherine
ThunarThunarThunarThunar Thunar BrissaBrissaBrissa Brissa RolandRolandRolandRoland Roland
IgnissaIgnissaIgnissaIgnissa Ignissa CieleCieleCiele Ciele GeluGeluGeluGelu Gelu
LacusLacusLacusLacus Lacus LabethaLabethaLabetha Labetha DraconDraconDraconDracon Dracon
MonereMonereMonere Monere InteusInteusInteus Inteus XeronXeronXeronXeron Xeron
ErdamonErdamonErdamon Erdamon AenainAenainAenain Aenain Haart LichHaart LichHaart LichHaart Lich Lord Haart
FiurFiurFiur Fiur GelareGelareGelare Gelare MutareMutareMutareMutare Mutare
KaltKaltKalt Kalt GrindanGrindanGrindan Grindan Mutare DrakeMutare DrakeMutare DrakeMutare Drake Mutare Drake


Artifacts


Campaigns


Miscellaneous
  • It is possible to choose between a basic unit and an upgraded unit in a town's upgraded dwelling.
  • It is possible to garrison creatures in mines.

Maps[edit | hide]

Total Players / Human Players Size Underground Scenario Name Source Victory Condition Loss Condition
8/8 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground disabled Brave New World 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
8/8 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground disabled Brave New World (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground disabled Darwin's Prize 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground disabled Darwin's Prize (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
6/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground disabled Dawn of War 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Dragon Pass 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Dragon Pass (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
2/1 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground enabled Dungeon Keeper 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Dwarven Tunnels 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Dwarven Tunnels (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
6/6 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground disabled Elbow Room 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
6/6 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground disabled Elbow Room (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
2/1 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Faeries! 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
2/1 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground enabled Fort Noxis 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose Town
3/2 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground enabled Freedom 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
5/2 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Gelea's Champions 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
5/2 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Gelea's Champions (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/3 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Hoard 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/3 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Hoard (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Holding the Middle 2 - Armageddon's Blade Upgrade Town or Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground enabled Irrational Hostility 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
7/7 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground enabled Jihad 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
5/4 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground disabled Kingdom for Sale 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
5/4 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground disabled Kingdom for Sale (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground enabled Land of Titans 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat Monster Time Expires
4/4 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground enabled Land of Titans (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat Monster Time Expires
6/4 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground disabled Loss of Innocence 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
6/4 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground disabled Loss of Innocence (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
8/6 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground disabled Meeting in Muzgob 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
8/6 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground disabled Meeting in Muzgob (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
5/5 Size 4 (144×144) - XL Underground enabled Pandora's Box 2 - Armageddon's Blade Capture Town Time Expires
3/3 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Ready or Not 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Rediscovery 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground enabled Sands of Blood 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
3/2 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground enabled South of Hell 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
3/2 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground enabled South of Hell (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
6/6 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Step by Step 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
6/6 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Step by Step (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 4 (144×144) - XL Underground enabled Tale of Two Lands 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 4 (144×144) - XL Underground enabled Tale of Two Lands (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
3/2 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground disabled The Challenge 2 - Armageddon's Blade Build a Grail Structure or Defeat All Enemies Time Expires
6/1 Size 3 (108×108) - L Underground enabled The Gauntlet 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Time Expires
4/3 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground enabled The Newcomers 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/3 Size 4 (144×144) - XL Underground disabled Thousand Islands 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat Hero or Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
7/6 Size 4 (144×144) - XL Underground disabled Thousand Islands (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat Hero or Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
7/7 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground enabled Time's Up 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
5/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Tovar's Fortress 2 - Armageddon's Blade Capture Town Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
5/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Tovar's Fortress (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Capture Town Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
3/3 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground disabled Treasure Hunt 2 - Armageddon's Blade Flag All Mines Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
2/2 Size 1 (36×36) - S Underground enabled Twins 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Time Expires
3/2 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Undead Unrest 2 - Armageddon's Blade Acquire Artifact or Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
2/2 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Unexpected Inheritance 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
4/4 Size 2 (72×72) - M Underground enabled Valleys of War 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
5/4 Size 4 (144×144) - XL Underground enabled War of the Mighty 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes
5/4 Size 4 (144×144) - XL Underground enabled War of the Mighty (Allies) 2 - Armageddon's Blade Defeat All Enemies Lose All Your Towns and Heroes

Critical Reception[edit | hide]

Armageddon's Blade was hailed with strongly positive reviews upon release, from critics and users alike. IGN's reviewer noted improvements made to the map editor and praised the amount of new content, while GameSpot focused on the addition of the Conflux alignment and subtle tweaks to the gameplay. Game Revolution's reviewer was mildly disappointed with the Conflux town and its use of neutral creatures already included in the base game but praised the campaign storyline and gameplay along with the addition of new features. Some reviews were critical of the lack of drastic changes to the base game while pointing out that the core mechanics were in no need of major improvements.

Gallery[edit | hide]

  • Early box art
    Early box art

See Also:[edit | hide]

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