Unfrozen Studio, the developers behind Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era, have unveiled further details about the intriguing Swarm faction, following its initial teaser. They've discussed the faction's design inspiration, its evolution from the initially conceived "Inferno" faction, and the broader narrative context within the Jadame continent.
The Swarm's defining characteristic is its adaptability. Certain creatures possess abilities directly influenced by enemy unit levels; the greater the disparity, the more potent the damage inflicted. Others, such as mantises, strategically select from three distinct abilities each round. A unique mechanic allows units like worms and locusts, and even heroes, to consume corpses for healing and enhancement.
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 infused the Swarm with elements of body horror and occultism, transforming them from a simple insect colony into a cult devoted to a singular overlord. Each member exists as part of a vast hive mind, utterly subservient to its master's will.
Gameplay revolves around a "mono-faction" mechanic, rewarding players for utilizing exclusively Swarm units due to their synergistic enhancements. Swarm units can summon cocoons, whose health scales with army size. The resulting larvae bolster the army temporarily, providing tactical flexibility on the battlefield.
The Swarm's aggressive playstyle is emphasized by its corpse-devouring healing and empowerment abilities, and unique enemy-strength-dependent attacks. This encourages direct confrontation and presents players with a novel combat strategy.
