Heroes of Might and Magic Online Closed Beta Testing in May

TQ Digital sent us a press release this morning that not only confirms development of a Heroes of Might and Magic Online (not to be confused with Might and Magic Heroes Kingdoms), but also announces the start of a closed beta testing period next month. Stop by the official website while you read through the following:
TQ Digital confirm closed beta for epic fantasy-themed turn-based MMORPG, Heroes of Might and Magic Online

Hull, UK / Chinese-based online games developer, TQ Digital confirm closed beta for visually striking, turn-based, fantasy-themed MMORPG, Heroes of Might and Magic Online to start in early May 2010.

Licensed by Ubisoft and developed by established China-based online games developer, TQ Digital, Heroes of Might and Magic Online (HoMM Online) weaves all the classic gameplay elements from a previous iteration of the franchise, Heroes of Might and Magic III, with the stunning updated graphics of Heroes of Might and Magic V, into a 2.5D turn-based massively multiplayer version worthy of its place in the esteemed Heroes of Might and Magic dynasty. The closed beta will commence in early May 2010.

Chose from a variety of 8 unique factions with two additions Conflux and Empire, still in development by TQ Digital - develop elaborate castles that dominate the skyline of bustling metropolis, Harmondale epicenter of trade in the sweeping Antagarichean continent - plunder resources in exhilarating missions and fortify your armies against the inevitable wars of domination that lie ahead as you carve out your own legacy like the legions of plucky adventurers before you.

Activity within HoMM Online is played out in a mouth-watering, gorgeous 2.5D fantasy world with randomly generated combat maps. The combat maps have been designed with strategic gameplay in mind, so players will be encouraged to think studiously about unit formations and tactics, although every faction has their own spheres of influence with neutral zones up for grabs.

HoMM Online differentiates itself from the other MMORPG's in the marketplace by offering in excess of hundreds of unique campaigns, each with epic storylines and goals including 10 chapters of battlefield missions, all guaranteed to keep the gameplay refreshing. Quell a rebellion, visit ancient runs or slay a heinous dragon either solo or with friends to unlock treasure boxes spilling over with mysterious goodies.

Form guilds, gather resources, and prove your valiant leadership in the bloody-thirsty Challenging Arena. TQ Digital will be hosting a slew of PK events: Team PK and Extreme PK are only the tip of the iceberg. These PK events will provide invaluable opportunities to gain priceless honor points and increase faction reputation.

HoMM Online invites players to develop towns of different races with its unique Town Prestige System, an unprecedented feature to the MMORPG genre. Expand outside the borders of the trade capital, Harmondale with the official paperwork and corresponding reputation level and faction. Be careful though: while these castles will provide a steady source of income, they are open to attack and even buyouts from opportunistic rivals.

Experience magic based on an innovative in-game star system. Cast a new spell to increase your proficiency or perfect spells through a dynamic online training center. Once proficiency for a spell reaches the cap, then you may learn the higher star version of that spell. The more stars a spell has, the greater its power and area of effect.

Summary of HoMM Online game features:
'¢ First Persistent World Turn-Based Strategy MMO
'¢ 8 towns, 16 classes and 56 creatures
'¢ Hundreds of campaigns with epic storylines
'¢ Unique Anima and Dragon Scale Forge System
'¢ Glorious Guild Building & Exciting Guild Wars
'¢ Challenging Arena and PK Tournaments
'¢ Heroes can build towns of different factions

Register for the closed beta, which is scheduled to commence early May 2010, today: https://account.91.com/common/signup.aspx and write your own legacy within the expansive horizons of Antagarichean, and the rich story-driven adventures promised by HoMM Online.

About HoMM Online:
Heroes of Might and Magic Online (HoMM Online) is an MMORPG licensed by Ubisoft and developed by established Chinese-based TQ digital.

HoMM Online combines the classic elements of HoMM III with the updated graphics of HoMM V to present a unique gameplay. HoMM Online is also a turn based online game that puts the emphasis on strategic planning and tactical skill while allowing players to socialize and create their own stories.

http://homm.91.com

About Thirteen1:
Thirteen1 - www.thirteen1.com is an independent free-to-read web-based games magazine. Each new issue is released on the 13th of every month at 13.00 GMT. Thirteen1 have published 25 issues to date, as well as 2 supplements.

Thirteen1 is read in 151 territories, with the majority of the readership coming from North America, UK and growing hot spots in Europe: Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.

Thirteen1 is currently pushed out to an International audience of 28,000. This is a 28% growth over the first quarter of 2010.

Thirteen1 can be viewed in all browsers and is also available as a PDF which generates thousands of additional monthly reads.

Thirteen1 enables its clients to achieve successful launch campaigns of new games and products by offering tailored marketing campaigns and dedicated public relations that meet objectives and match budgets.