Author: Liso1 February 11, 2025 0 Comments

Everything on Earth undergoes natural evolution, and the same applies to the units in our beloved Might and Magic universe. The first game in the Might and Magic series was released back in 1986, making these dungeon crawlers and turn-based strategy games nearly 40 years old—older than many of their players. Let’s take a look at how some of the most iconic creatures have evolved over time thanks to the excellent graphics from Eugene Xaar.

Archer

A staple unit representing the human faction in every installment. While its appearance has remained fairly consistent, switching between a bow and a crossbow seems to be the developers’ only major change. Interestingly, in Might and Magic VI, the role of the archer was given to a female character.

Bone Dragon

There wasn’t much room for change here—a skeletal dragon must, by definition, be made of bones. However, remnants of skin between its wing joints hint at its once-living form. In Heroes V and VI, it took on a dark green hue, possibly symbolizing its necromantic essence.

Cyclops

A classic figure of Greek mythology. Its name deriving from the Greek word for “circle-eyed“. Over time, its design shifted from a somewhat humanoid look in 1991 to a monstrous, fearsome brute by 2006, seemingly forged in the depths of hell.

Djinn

Always depicted in a celestial blue with Eastern-inspired attire, the djinn gained a hefty saber in Heroes V but lost its head—possibly due to an unfortunate accident. While its essence remained largely unchanged, in Heroes VI, it underwent a surprising transformation into a stunningly beautiful female form.

Elf Archer

Clearly inspired by The Lord of the Rings, the elven archer embodies the Legolas-like combination of green attire and deadly precision. In some iterations, the role was filled by a female elf. However, overall, there have been no drastic changes to its appearance.

Hydra

The hydra’s core design remains consistent across the series, though its number of heads and legs has fluctuated. In early Might and Magic titles, it bore a closer resemblance to a dragon. Notably, the Heroes III and Might and Magic VII versions are almost identical, showing a strong design link between the two games.

Lich

Originally a comically colored puppet-like figure, the lich gradually gained a more menacing aura. By the turn of the millennium, it truly earned its title as a harbinger of death, complete with a magical staff, crown, and heavy chains. Since Heroes V, its fearsome presence makes it clear that where the lich treads, life is extinguished.

Mage

The mage is the antithesis of the lich, a guardian of benevolent magic that terrifies undead creatures. Across all Heroes and Might and Magic games, the mage’s flowing robes are unmistakable—except in Heroes VI, where they took on a darker and more ominous tone.

Orc

Orcs have undergone some of the most drastic design shifts in the series. Their weapons, armor, body proportions, and even skin tone have varied wildly. However, developers have generally favored a light brown skin tone, which remained consistent in later installments.

Skeleton

There’s only so much variation possible for a skeleton. However, in Might and Magic IV, its bones took on an unusual turquoise hue. Over time, it acquired more clothing and armor. While usually wielding a sword, there have been versions equipped with bows and spears.

Titan

What started as a Godzilla-like behemoth evolved into a divine entity, ruler of the skies, and master of lightning. The titan stands as an indomitable force, feared even by the mightiest dragons.

Vampire

The vampire is a night-stalking, blood-drinking terror cloaked in a flowing cape. Throughout the series, it has retained its traditional characteristics—until Heroes V and VI, where it was given a two-handed sword, making it an even more formidable combatant.

The world of Might and Magic has seen countless transformations over the years, but its creatures remain as iconic as ever. Through shifting designs and evolving lore, these units continue to shape the battlefield and the stories we love.