TQ Digital announced the closed beta for HoMM which will commence 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.

From what i saw so far from the screenshots and videos i have some doubts about the quality of this upcoming turned based MMO, but let’s hope that TQ Digital will release a product which will maintain the high standards of this great IP.

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 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, plunder resources in exhilarating missions and fortify your armies against the inevitable wars of domination that lie ahead.

Activity within HoMM Online is played out in 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 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 prove 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 on http://homm.91.com/ and write your own legacy within the expansive horizons and rich story-driven adventures promised by HoMM Online.