- The author describes spending extensive time playing Heroes of Might and Magic II during the pandemic, often exceeding their two-hour gaming rule.
- They prefer the brighter, more cartoony art style of Heroes II over the darker aesthetic of Heroes III, though circumstances may have influenced that opinion.
- The author explains their attraction to fantasy strategy games due to the lack of real-world historical or moral weight, unlike games set in historical conflicts.
- Three late-1990s turn-based fantasy strategy games are examined: Warlords III, Age of Wonders, and Disciples: Sacred Lands, as potential alternatives to the Heroes series.
- Warlords III is critiqued for its cheesy cutscenes, rudimentary graphics, and lack of tactical combat, leaving the author feeling disconnected from the game.
- Age of Wonders offers tactical battles, rich storytelling, and a Tolkienesque aesthetic, but the slow tactical combat and dungeon delving break the game's flow according to the author.
- Disciples: Sacred Lands is praised for its unique territory expansion system, simple yet engaging tactical combat, and balanced multi-player experience, making it the favorite of the three.