As the first of a projected trilogy of fantasy RTS games, Heroes of Annihilated Empires is a disappointing way to start. The game certainly captures the scale and magic of the fantasy setting very well but it’s all made up of elements we’ve seen before in countless other games. Over the course of the campaign, the player will find themselves confronting the standard conventions and cliches of the genre at nearly every turn.
We definitely like the main character. Where so many fantasy protagonists are optimistic, obedient and obliging bores, Elhant has an uncooperative attitude that’s actually quite refreshing. Hearing him argue with the folks who are relying on his services makes for a nice change of pace. The other characters are a little more predictable but the game focuses so much on Elhant that his reactions to those stock fantasy types makes them more interesting…
