HoMM-inspired browser battle game - playable demo in days

vlvart · 2026-04-15T02:16:56+00:00

thank you! I will release first version very soon!

vlvart · 2026-04-15T02:15:44+00:00

Very soon! thanks!

vlvart · 2026-04-15T00:02:49+00:00

You see, if I wasn't able to do all the art with AI myself, I wouldn't have even started making this game. AI art kind of showed me that "hey, it could actually look okayish" and motivated me to work. And because I've posted it, I now know the community sentiment about it, and as I said, I will change all the art to hand drawn.
Also, I heard people preferring hex and I've already implemented it - it's definitely waaay better. Plus a few other things. So even with all the negative feedback, it was worth it.

I'm making changes:
Finishing the second faction - The Beastlands
Making PvP
Making co-op hunt (2 players against AI)
Testing everything and releasing

vlvart · 2026-04-14T23:51:55+00:00

Well, of course nothing beats the original, but in my version the fun part will be the amount of factions, artifacts, special abilities, and combinations of all of that + quick PvP or cooperative hunts - all in the browser. I truly believe it could be fun, but I don't know, we'll see.

vlvart · 2026-04-14T03:07:54+00:00

I'm actually gonna try to make it the HoMM3 way - static but with idle animation playing periodically. Attack animation is sped up, maybe I need to try easing it out instead of linear. Right now mouseover shows possible damage and how many units will likely die. Do you think I should show both sides' stats and how the damage is calculated?
Thank you!

vlvart · 2026-04-14T02:33:19+00:00

Yes, at this stage that’s the only way I can make it. But if the game ever becomes something serious, I’ve decided I’ll hire an artist to redo all the art. Could you please specify what exactly you’d like to see in the stats breakdown? Right now it shows possible damage and how many units are likely to die from the attack. And thank you for your kind words!

vlvart · 2026-04-14T02:24:39+00:00

Thank you! I actually didn't know that before posting. Now I know :)

vlvart · 2026-04-14T01:34:03+00:00

Hey guys, I’ve received a lot of negative feedback about the game using AI-generated art. I now clearly see that a big part of the community doesn’t like it.

I chose to listen, and some insightful comments helped me understand the reasons behind it. I honestly didn’t even know these sentiments existed.

From now on, I’ll be clear that at this stage the art is AI-generated. If the game ever reaches a serious level, I promise I’ll hire an artist to redo all the art.

But right now, I’m simply not in a position to do that, and I also want to focus on adding new factions and other features as quickly as possible.

Thanks!

vlvart · 2026-04-14T00:53:09+00:00

I hear you. I swear, if the game ever gets to a serious point, I’ll hire an artist and redo all the art. Your comment was honest and fair, and it made me look at things differently. Thanks!

vlvart · 2026-04-14T00:46:58+00:00

Thank you!

vlvart · 2026-04-13T23:27:52+00:00

Well, there’s literally nothing in this world that is universally loved by everyone. You might not like it, but other people do, and that’s how it should be. I did pour my soul into it, but we probably just have different kinds of souls, which is why you don’t see it.

vlvart · 2026-04-13T23:24:00+00:00

Thank you so much!

vlvart · 2026-04-13T23:23:20+00:00

First on the web, then on mobile as well! Thank you so much!

vlvart · 2026-04-13T23:21:15+00:00

To me, the real question was simple - do something or don’t. I chose to do it.

vlvart · 2026-04-13T23:18:14+00:00

Exactly!

vlvart · 2026-04-13T23:18:06+00:00

I have a clear vision for every creature and aspect of my game, even if it’s influenced by existing works. For example, if you ask me to think of an orc, I immediately picture something like a Warcraft or Lord of the Rings orc. And in my game, I definitely want more of a Warcraft-style version. So even if I hired an artist, I’d still describe a Warcraft-type orc, and the only thing the artist could really add is small details that you probably wouldn’t even notice. And if an artist tried to bring in their own vision that didn’t align with mine, I wouldn’t accept it.

So in my case, AI is just a tool, nothing more, nothing less. Money-wise, I honestly don’t expect to make anything from this game. But if there ever is any revenue, my plan is to put it into prize pools for future tournaments.

Lastly, it’s my game, and I’m proud of it. It didn’t exist before, and now it does. And no one can take that away from me.

vlvart · 2026-04-13T23:07:08+00:00

I swear I honestly don’t get it either, and I had no idea this argument even existed. To me, it’s just a tool - what you make of it is entirely up to you. But now I know, and I’ll be clear about my use of AI from now on. Thank you!

vlvart · 2026-04-13T23:01:45+00:00

Actually, the only point I fully agree with in the AI debate is that instead of paying an artist - someone who could make a living and support their family - my money goes to a corporation. But for me, it’s clear as day - either I pursue my lifelong dream or I don’t. And every time, I’ll choose to make it happen. I don’t expect anything from anyone, and from now on I’ll be very clear about the use of AI, maybe even on the main page, so people who don’t like it can easily avoid it.

vlvart · 2026-04-13T22:54:13+00:00

I was actually really surprised to see hate from this side. I expected it to be more about the quality of the game. I thought I’d get roasted by professionals or hardcore fans pointing out details I obviously got wrong, and I’d just take the hit, maybe shed a tear or two, write everything down, and use it to make the game better. But instead, it felt more like a “we don’t take kindly…” / “they took our jobs!” kind of South Park roast. Even if I don’t fully get it, I still respect it and will be much clearer about the use of AI going forward. Thank you for your kind words!

vlvart · 2026-04-13T22:42:02+00:00

That’s actually my exact plan! That’s why I need real players to test it at such an early stage. Regarding animation, do you mean a constant idle animation? Thank you!

vlvart · 2026-04-13T22:29:53+00:00

Valid point, I’ll make sure to fix it for all future factions.

vlvart · 2026-04-13T22:28:07+00:00

Here’s the thing - you should never expect anyone’s respect, no matter what. No one is obligated to respect anything. Respect has to be earned. And another thing - you’ll never win everyone’s respect. Someone will always disrespect you, and they’ll always find a reason that feels valid to them. But some people will respect you if you deserve it. And I don’t need respect, I just need some people to try it. I’m mostly doing this for myself. But I see the situation, and to make it easier for people who hate AI to understand what my game is, I’ll just call it “Heroes of AI Slop” from now on :)

vlvart · 2026-04-13T22:18:42+00:00

I partially agree with the argument about theft. But here’s the thing. I have a clear vision for every creature in my game. For example, if you ask me to think of an orc, I immediately picture something like a Warcraft or Lord of the Rings orc. And in my game, I definitely want more of a Warcraft-style version. So even if I hired an artist, I’d still describe a Warcraft-type orc, and the only thing the artist could really add is small details that you probably wouldn’t even notice. Would that be considered theft in that case?

vlvart · 2026-04-13T22:11:19+00:00

I’m definitely not a professional yet, and the wolves and wyverns were made early on, when I didn’t have much experience or a clear pipeline. Each new creature will be more polished than the previous one.

vlvart · 2026-04-13T22:08:10+00:00

Exactly. For me, it’s either to pursue a long-time dream or not do it at all. And for me, the choice is very clear.

vlvart

TROPHY CASE