Editing Greg Fulton/Fanstratics Newsletters/12 (section)

== Behemoth Cave Interview (part 5 of 7) ==
This interview was conducted by Behemoth Cave (Webpage & Facebook) and originally published on November 10th, 2020. It’s another relatively long interview, comprised of 33 questions in 18 parts.  I’ll be posting around 5 questions per Newsletter, until we reach the end, after which we will roll into another interview.  Below are questions 9a to 10c, of 18.

'''9a.  Heroes III is not the only game in the series. Can you share with us your opinion on the Heroes’ games that came after the 3rd installment? How do you rate Heroes 4 and Ubisoft trilogy set in the world of Ashan?'''

Regarding this question, I am going to respectfully decline to respond.  Anything I say about the other HoMM game, positive or negative, will create controversy.


'''9b.  Do you think Ubisoft will continue with Heroes 8?'''

Unlikely.  After three attempts, Ubisoft has been unable to replicate the success of HoMM3.  From a business perspective, they have other franchises, in which they have more expertise, and better success (Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Rainbow Six, etc.).  Why pour resources into an underachieving franchise you don’t understand?  This is how older game franchises are put out to pasture.
* Command & Conquer?
* Dungeon Keeper?
* Everquest?
* Legacy of Kain?
* Medal of Honor?
* Prince of Persia?
* Ultima?
* Virtua Fighter?
* Wizardry?


'''10a.  This is a good moment to talk about your newest project: Fanstratics. Name of the game is composed of words: Fantasy, Strategy & Tactics and as you said yourself - it is a spiritual successor to Heroes of Might & Magic 3. Fanstratics status is currently pre-alpha and to this moment we haven’t seen any graphics or screenshots, excluding three concept artworks. In September’s newsletter you wrote that visually it will resemble Heroes 3. 3D models converted to 2D graphics, squares on adventure map, hexagonal battlegrounds and town interiors on a separate screen. Can you say a little bit more on the topic?'''

Firstly, one correction.  Fanstratics uses true 3D models with 2D interaction.  3D models are not converted into 2D sprites/graphics.  For an example, I have pointed to Ori and the Blind Forest, which is a 2D platformer, rendered in 3D.  I guess you could think of Fanstratics as a 2D TBS, rendered in 3D.


'''10b.  Will Fanstratics contain sci-fi/futuristic elements or will it be strictly set in fantasy canon?'''

While I want Fanstratics to be thought of as spiritual successor to HoMM3, I don’t want it to be viewed as a Might and Magic ‘rip off’.  For this reason, I have chosen to avoid science fiction or futuristic elements.  I have already laid the creative foundation upon which the Fanstratics world is based, I am happy with what I’ve done, and I look forward to its gradual reveal.  While it is strictly fantasy... it is not stereotypical fantasy.  Hopefully, you will like it, and enjoy it.  :-)


'''10c.  For example what factions and magic schools are planned?  Please, share with us everything you can!  We are Fanstratics news-hungry :).'''

Nine factions are planned, and starting with the December Newsletter, I plan to start a slow trickle of details.  Currently, the landing page gallery showcases concept sketches for four Troop types, each from a different faction.

A draft of Adventure and Battlefield Spells has been completed, but not finalized.  So, at this time, I would say ‘no comment’ regarding Magic Schools.

Please believe me when I say, I want to reveal everything I have designed and everything currently in development, but we have a very long way to go before launching a crowd funding effort.  Were I to divulge everything I have planned... there would be nothing to discuss for months.

I know it’s a lot to ask, but please be patient.  We’ll get there.  Hopefully, you will find it worth the wait.

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