Unfrozen Studio, the developers behind Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era, have unveiled further details about the intriguing Swarm faction, following an initial teaser. They've discussed the faction's design inspiration, the evolution of the concept from "Inferno" to "Swarm," and the unfolding narrative within the Jadame continent.
The Swarm's defining characteristic is its adaptability. Certain creatures possess abilities directly influenced by the opposing unit's level; the greater the disparity, the more significant the damage inflicted. Others, such as mantises, strategically select one of three abilities per round. A unique feature involves creatures like worms and locusts consuming corpses for healing and enhancement – a skill also learnable by heroes.
In Olden Era, the insectoid race, previously only briefly mentioned in Might & Magic 8, assumes the role of the demonic threat. While respecting established lore, the developers have incorporated elements of body horror and occultism, transforming the Swarm into more than just an insect colony; it's a cult devoted to a singular overlord. Each member is integrated into a vast hive mind, existing solely to execute its master's commands.
Gameplay revolves around a "mono-faction" mechanic, rewarding players who utilize exclusively Swarm units due to their synergistic enhancements. Swarm troops can summon cocoons, whose health scales with the army's overall size. Upon hatching, these larvae provide temporary reinforcements, enabling dynamic battlefield adaptation.
The Swarm's aggressive playstyle is emphasized by its corpse-devouring healing and empowerment, coupled with unique abilities that shift based on enemy strength. This fosters a direct confrontation approach, presenting players with a novel combat strategy.
