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Difference between revisions of "Heroes of Might and Magic II"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(changed ddraw key point to link to section with fix, removed winevdm key point (covered in that section), linked fheroes2 mentions; marked for cleanup (needs cleanup/clarification/referencing))
m
 
(61 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{stub}}
 
−
{{cleanup|reason=Mods, fheroes2, and installation instructions need cleanup/clarification (does this need both fheroes2 and the GL Wrapper?)}}
 
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
 
|cover        = Heroes of Might and Magic II cover.jpg
 
|cover        = Heroes of Might and Magic II cover.jpg
Line 7: Line 5:
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Cyberlore Studios|Expansion}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Cyberlore Studios|Expansion}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
−
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|3DO|Retail}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|3DO|1996-2003}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Ubisoft|Retail re-releases, digital}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Ubisoft|2003-present}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
Line 16: Line 15:
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|August 20, 2009|wrapper=DOSBox}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|August 20, 2009|wrapper=DOSBox}}
 
|taxonomy=
 
|taxonomy=
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | Expansion pack }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Turn-based }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Turn-based }}
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Bird's-eye view }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Bird's-eye view, Isometric }}
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Multiple select}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Point and select }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | TBS }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | TBS }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
Line 30: Line 29:
 
|steam appid  =  
 
|steam appid  =  
 
|gogcom id    = 1207658785
 
|gogcom id    = 1207658785
 +
|hltb        = 4422
 
|strategywiki = Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars
 
|strategywiki = Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars
−
|mobygames    = heroes-of-might-and-magic-ii-the-succession-wars
+
|mobygames    = 1513
 
|wikipedia    = Heroes of Might and Magic II
 
|wikipedia    = Heroes of Might and Magic II
 
|winehq      = 2402
 
|winehq      = 2402
Line 37: Line 37:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
−
{{ii}} [[#Playing the game on Windows 8 and 10|ddraw.dll]] is recommended to make the game playable on Windows 8 and 10.{{cn|date=August 2021}}
+
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  = In April 1997, the game received the '''''Price of Loyalty''''' expansion.
 +
 
 +
|current state    = The Windows-native version requires the [[#GL Wrapper by Verok|GL wrapper by Verok]] to resolve compatibility issues. Additionally, the Windows version's installer is 16-bit, requiring a [[#Installing the Windows version on 64-bit systems|workaround]] to run on 64-bit systems.
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
 
{{GOG.com links|1207658785|heroes_of_might_and_magic_series|for game series}}
 
{{GOG.com links|1207658785|heroes_of_might_and_magic_series|for game series}}
 +
{{mm}} [http://www.heroesofmightandmagic.com/heroes2/heroesofmightandmagic2ii.shtml HoMM II section on Age of Heroes]
 
{{mm}} [http://www.celestialheavens.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=7 Celestial Heavens forums] for game series
 
{{mm}} [http://www.celestialheavens.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=7 Celestial Heavens forums] for game series
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc| While the Windows version of the game is 32 bit you will still need Winevdm because the Installer is 16 bit.<br> Russian copies are bundled with [[Heroes of Might and Magic]] and [[Heroes of Might and Magic 3 Complete]]| | DOS, Windows, Mac OS }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | | | DOS, Windows, Mac OS }}
−
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | heroes_of_might_and_magic_2_gold_edition | DRM-free | Comes with multiple bonuses, including the expansion "The Price of Loyalty". Includes the native Windows version as well as the DOS version pre-packaged with [[DOSBox]].<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/general/list_of_gog_games_using_dosbox/page1 List of GOG games using DOSBox, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com]</ref> | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | heroes_of_might_and_magic_2_gold_edition | DRM-free | Gold Edition. Includes the native Windows version as well as the DOS version pre-packaged with [[DOSBox]].<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/general/list_of_gog_games_using_dosbox/page1|title=List of GOG games using DOSBox, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com|date=17 May 2023}}</ref> | | Windows }}
−
{{Availability/row| Uplay | 5902fbba88a7e3f0618b4567 | Uplay | Gold Edition is included with {{Store feature|Uplay+}}. | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Ubisoft Store | 5902fbba88a7e3f0618b4567 | Uplay | Gold Edition is included with {{Store feature|Ubisoft+}}. | | Windows }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} A free demo version is available from [https://archive.org/details/HeroesofMightandMagicIITheSuccessionWars_1020 Archive.org].
 +
 
 +
===Version differences===
 +
{{ii}} The '''Gold Edition''' / '''Deluxe''' edition includes the base game and the Price of Loyalty expansion.
 +
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|expansion pack        = The expansion pack includes campaigns and maps.
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
|subscription gaming service = Available via [[List of Ubisoft+ games|Ubisoft+]].
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
−
{{DLC/row| The Price of Loyalty | | Windows, DOS }}
+
{{DLC/row| The Price of Loyalty | Included in the Compendium edition (DOS and Windows version) and in the Gold edition (DOS and Windows) | Windows, DOS }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
−
===Mods===
+
===[https://web.archive.org/web/20220120043848/https://verokster.blogspot.com/2018/10/heroes-of-might-and-magic-i-iv-gl.html GL Wrapper by Verok]===
−
====[https://verokster.blogspot.com/2018/10/heroes-of-might-and-magic-i-iv-gl.html GL Wrapper by Verok]====
+
{{++}} Changes the graphics renderer of the original version, fixes performance on newer systems.
−
{{++}} Changes the graphics renderer, fixes performance on newer systems.
+
 
−
====[https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2]====
+
===[https://ihhub.github.io/fheroes2 fheroes2]===
−
{{ii}} Open source engine, which allows to play HoMM 2 on modern operation systems, and having improvement features like resolution change support, cross-platform and QoL gameplay changes. Requires original files.
+
{{ii}} An open-source, written from scratch recreation of the Heroes of Might and Magic II game engine.
 +
{{++}} Provides significant improvements to the gameplay, graphics and logic, including support for high-resolution graphics, improved AI, numerous fixes and user interface improvements.
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
Line 72: Line 96:
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/saves|DOS|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|DOS|{{p|game}}\GAMES}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\GAMES}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\GAMES}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}}
Line 89: Line 113:
 
|steam cloud              =  
 
|steam cloud              =  
 
|steam cloud notes        =  
 
|steam cloud notes        =  
−
|ubisoft connect          = unknown
+
|ubisoft connect          = false
−
|ubisoft connect notes    =  
+
|ubisoft connect notes    = [https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/help/article/cloud-save-support-for-games-available-on-ubisoft/000064409 List of exceptions from Cloud save support on Ubisoft+]
 
|xbox cloud                =  
 
|xbox cloud                =  
 
|xbox cloud notes          =  
 
|xbox cloud notes          =  
Line 96: Line 120:
  
 
==Video==
 
==Video==
 +
{{Image|Heroes of Might and Magic 2 settings.png|General settings menu}}
 
{{Video
 
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  =  
 
|wsgf link                  =  
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|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 
|4k ultra hd notes          = Use [https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2].
 
|4k ultra hd notes          = Use [https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2].
−
|fov                        = hackable
+
|fov                        = n/a
−
|fov notes                  = Use [https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2].
+
|fov notes                  = Uses 2D sprites with a fixed perspective.
 
|windowed                  = true
 
|windowed                  = true
 
|windowed notes            = Toggle with {{key|Alt|Enter}} (when using [[DOSBox]]). For Windows version, toggle with {{key|F4}}.
 
|windowed notes            = Toggle with {{key|Alt|Enter}} (when using [[DOSBox]]). For Windows version, toggle with {{key|F4}}.
−
|borderless windowed        = unknown
+
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
−
|anisotropic                = unknown
+
|anisotropic                = n/a
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
−
|antialiasing              = unknown
+
|antialiasing              = n/a
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
−
|vsync                      = unknown
+
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 +
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
−
|60 fps                    = unknown
+
|60 fps                    = false
−
|60 fps notes              =  
+
|60 fps notes              = Framerate fluctuates, does not reach 60 FPS.
−
|120 fps                    = unknown
+
|120 fps                    = false
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps notes              =  
−
|hdr                        = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
−
|color blind                = unknown
+
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 134: Line 162:
 
==Input==
 
==Input==
 
{{Input
 
{{Input
−
|key remap                = false
+
|key remap                = hackable
−
|key remap notes          =  
+
|key remap notes          = Use [https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2].
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option notes =  
 
|acceleration option notes =  
−
|mouse sensitivity        = unknown
+
|mouse sensitivity        = false
−
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
+
|mouse sensitivity notes  = For [[DOSBox]], set in the DOSBox configuration file
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu notes          =  
 
|mouse menu notes          =  
−
|invert mouse y-axis      = unknown
+
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
−
|touchscreen              = unknown
+
|touchscreen              = false
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support        = false
Line 198: Line 226:
 
==Audio==
 
==Audio==
 
{{Audio
 
{{Audio
−
|separate volume          = unknown
+
|separate volume          = false
−
|separate volume notes    =  
+
|separate volume notes    = Music and sound effects can be toggled on/off, but can not have volume changed.
−
|surround sound          = unknown
+
|surround sound          = false
 
|surround sound notes    =  
 
|surround sound notes    =  
−
|subtitles                = unknown
+
|subtitles                = false
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
−
|closed captions          = unknown
+
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
−
|mute on focus lost      = unknown
+
|mute on focus lost      = false
−
|mute on focus lost notes =  
+
|mute on focus lost notes = For DOSBox, use <code>priority=higher,pause</code> in the <code>[sdl]</code> section of the config file
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
|red book cd audio        = true
 
|red book cd audio        = true
 
|red book cd audio notes  =  
 
|red book cd audio notes  =  
Line 219: Line 249:
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
−
  |subtitles = unknown
+
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
Line 227: Line 257:
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
−
  |subtitles = unknown
+
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
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  |language  = German
 
  |language  = German
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = unknown
+
  |audio    = true
−
  |subtitles = unknown
+
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
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  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
−
  |subtitles = unknown
+
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
Line 249: Line 279:
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Russian
 
  |language  = Russian
−
  |interface = true
+
  |interface = hackable
−
  |audio    = true
+
  |audio    = hackable
−
  |subtitles = unknown
+
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    = [http://enpy.net/forum/files/file/104-heroes-of-might-and-magic-ii-gold Unofficial localization by «PC Boheme/Fargus»]  
 
  |notes    = [http://enpy.net/forum/files/file/104-heroes-of-might-and-magic-ii-gold Unofficial localization by «PC Boheme/Fargus»]  
 
  |fan      = true
 
  |fan      = true
Line 260: Line 290:
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
 
|local play          = true
 
|local play          = true
−
|local play players  =  
+
|local play players  = 6
 
|local play modes    = Hot seat
 
|local play modes    = Hot seat
 
|local play notes    =  
 
|local play notes    =  
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play            = true
−
|lan play players    =  
+
|lan play players    = 6
 
|lan play modes      =  
 
|lan play modes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
−
|online play          = true
+
|online play          = false
−
|online play players  =  
+
|online play players  = 6
 
|online play modes    =  
 
|online play modes    =  
−
|online play notes    =  
+
|online play notes    = The official multiplayer service has been shut down.
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
}}{{Network/Connections
 
}}{{Network/Connections
−
|matchmaking        =  
+
|matchmaking        = false
 
|matchmaking notes  =  
 
|matchmaking notes  =  
−
|p2p                =  
+
|p2p                = unknown
 
|p2p notes          =  
 
|p2p notes          =  
−
|dedicated          =  
+
|dedicated          = false
 
|dedicated notes    =  
 
|dedicated notes    =  
−
|self-hosting      =  
+
|self-hosting      = true
 
|self-hosting notes =  
 
|self-hosting notes =  
−
|direct ip          =  
+
|direct ip          = true
 
|direct ip notes    =  
 
|direct ip notes    =  
 
}}{{Network/Ports
 
}}{{Network/Ports
Line 289: Line 319:
 
|upnp =  
 
|upnp =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
−
===Installing on 64-bit versions of Windows===
+
===Installing the Windows version on 64-bit systems===
 
{{ii}} The original disc release uses a 16-bit installer.
 
{{ii}} The original disc release uses a 16-bit installer.
−
# Insert the CD
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use winevdm|ref=|fix=
−
# Download [https://github.com/otya128/winevdm/releases/download/v0.7.0/otvdm-v0.7.0.zip/ Winevdm].
+
# Insert the game disc.
−
# Extract it Somewhere
+
# Download and extract [https://github.com/otya128/winevdm/releases/ winevdm].
−
# Click on otvdmw.exe then look for SETUP.EXE
+
# Run {{file|otvdmw.exe}} use it to open {{file|SETUP.EXE}} from the disc.
−
# You may get a "SEGV" error and if that's the case just click on continue  
+
# In case of an "SEGV" error just click on continue.
−
# Follow the Prompts
+
# Follow the prompts.
 +
}}
  
−
===Playing the game on Windows 8 and 10===
+
===Playing the Windows version on modern systems===
−
# Download [https://github.com/narzoul/DDrawCompat/releases/download/experimental/ddraw.zip/ ddraw].
+
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|January 2023}}|fix=
−
# Extract it somewhere
+
# Download [https://github.com/narzoul/DDrawCompat/releases/ DDrawCompat] and extract it to {{file|{{p|game}}|folder}}.
−
# Copy ddraw.dll to your installation folder (where you installed the game at)
+
# Set {{file|HEROES2W.exe}} to run in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows 98 / ME, 16-bit color mode and as administrator.
−
# Right click on HEROES2W.exe and go to properties
+
# Run the game.
−
# On Compatibility Mode Select Windows 98 / Windows ME
+
}}
−
# Click on Reduced colour mode and set it to "16-Bit (65536) Colour"
 
−
# Also Click on "Run this Program as an Administrator
 
−
# Click Apply and OK
 
−
# Run the game
 
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
Line 331: Line 359:
 
|vulkan versions        =  
 
|vulkan versions        =  
 
|vulkan notes          =  
 
|vulkan notes          =  
−
|dos modes              = unknown
+
|dos modes              = SVGA
−
|dos modes notes        =  
+
|dos modes notes        = 256 colors mode (8-bit) for Mac OS
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
Line 340: Line 368:
 
|windows exe notes      = 64-bit requires the [https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2] source port<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2/releases/tag/0.9.5|title=version 0.9.5|date=2021-07-17}}</ref>
 
|windows exe notes      = 64-bit requires the [https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2] source port<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2/releases/tag/0.9.5|title=version 0.9.5|date=2021-07-17}}</ref>
 
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
−
|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown
+
|macos intel 32-bit app = hackable
 
|macos intel 64-bit app = hackable
 
|macos intel 64-bit app = hackable
−
|macos arm app          = unknown
+
|macos arm app          = hackable
−
|macos app notes        = Requires the [https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2] source port<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2/releases/tag/0.9.5|title=version 0.9.5|date=2021-07-17}}</ref>
+
|macos app notes        = Requires the [https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2] source port<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2/releases/tag/0.9.5|title=version 0.9.5|date=2021-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://formulae.brew.sh/formula/fheroes2|title=fheroes2 — Homebrew Formulae|date=1 March 2022}}</ref>
 
|linux powerpc app      = hackable
 
|linux powerpc app      = hackable
 
|linux 32-bit executable= hackable
 
|linux 32-bit executable= hackable
 
|linux 64-bit executable= hackable
 
|linux 64-bit executable= hackable
 
|linux arm app          = hackable
 
|linux arm app          = hackable
 +
|linux 68k app          = hackable
 
|linux executable notes = Requires the [https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2] source port<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://packages.debian.org/sid/fheroes2-pkg|title=Debian -- Details of package fheroes2-pkg in sid|date=2021-04-05}}</ref>
 
|linux executable notes = Requires the [https://github.com/ihhub/fheroes2 fheroes2] source port<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://packages.debian.org/sid/fheroes2-pkg|title=Debian -- Details of package fheroes2-pkg in sid|date=2021-04-05}}</ref>
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = true
 +
|mac os 68k app        = false
 +
|mac os executable notes= The original version supports: 68K + PPC (FAT) аrchitecture, From Mac OS 7.1 up to Mac OS 9.2
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 355: Line 387:
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 
|OSfamily = Windows
  
−
|minOS    = XP, Vista, 7, 8
+
|minOS    = 95
−
|minCPU  = 1 GHz
+
|minCPU  = 486DX2-66
−
|minRAM  = 256 MB
+
|minRAM  = 8 MB
−
|minGPU  =  
+
|minHD    = 60 MB
−
|minDX    = 7
+
|minGPU  = SVGA-compatible
 +
|minDX    =
 +
|minaudio = MIDI controller
 +
 
 +
|recOS    =
 +
|recCPU  =
 +
|recRAM  = 16 MB
 +
|recGPU  =
 +
|recDX    = 3
 +
|recaudio = 2x CD-ROM whith CD-DA format support
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = DOS
 +
 
 +
|minOS    = 5.0
 +
|minCPU  = 486DX2-66
 +
|minRAM  = 8 MB
 +
|minHD    = 60 MB
 +
|minGPU  = SVGA-compatible
 +
|minaudio = MIDI controller
 +
|minDX   =
 +
 
 +
|recOS    =
 +
|recCPU  =
 +
|recRAM  = 16 MB
 +
|recHD    =
 +
|recGPU  =
 +
|recDX    = 3
 +
|recaudio = 2x CD-ROM whith CD-DA format support
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Mac OS
 +
 
 +
|minOS   = 7.1
 +
|minCPU  = 68K + PPC (FAT)
 +
|minRAM  = 8 MB
 +
|minHD    = 60 MB
 +
|minGPU  = SVGA-compatible
 +
|minaudio = MIDI controller
  
−
|recCPU  = 1.4 GHz
+
|recOS    = 9.2.2
−
|recRAM  = 512 MB
+
|recCPU  =  
 +
|recRAM  = 16 MB
 +
|recHD    =
 
|recGPU  =  
 
|recGPU  =  
−
|recDX    = 9
+
|recaudio = 2x CD-ROM whith CD-DA format support
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
 +
{{GOG.com Enhancement Project}}

Latest revision as of 18:31, 12 August 2023

Heroes of Might and Magic II
Heroes of Might and Magic II cover
Developers
New World Computing
Expansion Cyberlore Studios
Publishers
1996-2003 3DO
2003-present Ubisoft
Re-release Sold Out Software
Release dates
DOS October 1, 1996
Windows October 1, 1996
Mac OS (Classic) October 1, 1996
Windows (DOSBox) August 20, 2009
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Turn-based
Perspectives Bird's-eye view, Isometric
Controls Point and select
Genres TBS
Themes Fantasy
Series Heroes of Might and Magic
Icon overlay.png
Heroes of Might and Magic II on HowLongToBeat
Heroes of Might and Magic II guide on StrategyWiki
Heroes of Might and Magic II on MobyGames
Heroes of Might and Magic II on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
⤏ Go to series page
Subseries of Might and Magic
Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest 1995
Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars 1996
Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia 1999
Heroes Chronicles 2000
Heroes of Might and Magic IV 2002
Heroes of Might and Magic V 2006
Heroes of Might and Magic V: Tribes of the East 2007
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes 2011
Might & Magic Heroes VI 2011
Might & Magic Heroes VI: Shades of Darkness 2013
Heroes of Might and Magic III - HD Edition 2015
Might & Magic Heroes Online 2015
Might & Magic Heroes VII 2015
Might & Magic Heroes VII: Trial by Fire 2016
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes - Definitive Edition 2023

Heroes of Might and Magic II is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and isometric TBS game in the Heroes of Might and Magic series.

In April 1997, the game received the Price of Loyalty expansion.

The Windows-native version requires the GL wrapper by Verok to resolve compatibility issues. Additionally, the Windows version's installer is 16-bit, requiring a workaround to run on 64-bit systems.

General information

GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
HoMM II section on Age of Heroes
Celestial Heavens forums for game series

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
DOS
Windows
Mac OS
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Gold Edition. Includes the native Windows version as well as the DOS version pre-packaged with DOSBox.[1]
Windows
Ubisoft Store
Icon overlay.png
 Gold Edition is included with Ubisoft+.
Windows
A free demo version is available from Archive.org.

Version differences

The Gold Edition / Deluxe edition includes the base game and the Price of Loyalty expansion.

Monetization

Type Notes
Expansion pack The expansion pack includes campaigns and maps.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
Subscription gaming service Available via Ubisoft+.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
The Price of Loyalty Included in the Compendium edition (DOS and Windows version) and in the Gold edition (DOS and Windows)
Windows
DOS

Essential improvements

GL Wrapper by Verok

Changes the graphics renderer of the original version, fixes performance on newer systems.

fheroes2

An open-source, written from scratch recreation of the Heroes of Might and Magic II game engine.
Provides significant improvements to the gameplay, graphics and logic, including support for high-resolution graphics, improved AI, numerous fixes and user interface improvements.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
DOS
Windows
Mac OS (Classic)

Save game data location

System Location
DOS <path-to-game>\GAMES
Windows <path-to-game>\GAMES[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Ubisoft Connect
List of exceptions from Cloud save support on Ubisoft+

Video

General settings menu
General settings menu

Graphics feature State Notes
Widescreen resolution
Use fheroes2.
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
4K Ultra HD
Use fheroes2.
Field of view (FOV)
Uses 2D sprites with a fixed perspective.
Windowed
Toggle with Alt+↵ Enter (when using DOSBox). For Windows version, toggle with F4.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Vertical sync (Vsync)
For DOSBox use an unofficial build (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
Framerate fluctuates, does not reach 60 FPS.
High dynamic range display (HDR)

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Use fheroes2.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
For DOSBox, set in the DOSBox configuration file
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
Controller types

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Music and sound effects can be toggled on/off, but can not have volume changed.
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
For DOSBox, use priority=higher,pause in the [sdl] section of the config file
Royalty free audio
Red Book CD audio
On Windows, CD music might not play correctly; see the troubleshooting guide for solutions.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
Polish
Russian
Unofficial localization by «PC Boheme/Fargus»

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
6 Hot seat
LAN play
6
Online play
6 The official multiplayer service has been shut down.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Issues fixed

Installing the Windows version on 64-bit systems

The original disc release uses a 16-bit installer.
Use winevdm
  1. Insert the game disc.
  2. Download and extract winevdm.
  3. Run otvdmw.exe use it to open SETUP.EXE from the disc.
  4. In case of an "SEGV" error just click on continue.
  5. Follow the prompts.

Playing the Windows version on modern systems

Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Download DDrawCompat and extract it to <path-to-game>.
  2. Set HEROES2W.exe to run in compatibility mode for Windows 98 / ME, 16-bit color mode and as administrator.
  3. Run the game.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
WinG
[6]
DOS video modes SVGA 256 colors mode (8-bit) for Mac OS
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bitARM Notes
Windows
64-bit requires the fheroes2 source port[2]
macOS (OS X)
Requires the fheroes2 source port[3][4]
Linux
Requires the fheroes2 source port[5]
Mac OS (Classic)
The original version supports: 68K + PPC (FAT) аrchitecture, From Mac OS 7.1 up to Mac OS 9.2

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95
Processor (CPU) 486DX2-66
System memory (RAM) 8 MB 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 60 MB
Video card (GPU) SVGA-compatible DirectX 3 compatible
Sound (audio device) MIDI controller 2x CD-ROM whith CD-DA format support
DOS
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 5.0
Processor (CPU) 486DX2-66
System memory (RAM) 8 MB 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 60 MB
Video card (GPU) SVGA-compatible DirectX 3 compatible
Sound (audio device) MIDI controller 2x CD-ROM whith CD-DA format support
Mac OS
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 7.1 9.2.2
Processor (CPU) 68K + PPC (FAT)
System memory (RAM) 8 MB 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 60 MB
Video card (GPU) SVGA-compatible
Sound (audio device) MIDI controller 2x CD-ROM whith CD-DA format support


Notes

  1. ↑ When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References

  1. ↑ List of GOG games using DOSBox, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on 17 May 2023
  2. ↑ version 0.9.5 - last accessed on 2021-07-17
  3. ↑ version 0.9.5 - last accessed on 2021-07-17
  4. ↑ fheroes2 — Homebrew Formulae - last accessed on 1 March 2022
  5. ↑ Debian -- Details of package fheroes2-pkg in sid - last accessed on 2021-04-05
  6. ↑ WinG - Wikipedia - last accessed on 2020-03-19