SpellForce 3 is the newest addition to the long running RTS game for the PC.  Taking placing in the fantasy world of Eo the game brings back many memories of WarCraft 3 with gameplay mechanics, although with updated graphics.  Visually the game looks amazing and takes full advantage of whatever computer it is thrown at.  Although that isn’t to say that the game isn’t, itself, without flaws here and there.

Mechanically the game evokes memories of a Blizzard favorite, with hero units that can be equipped with different gear depending on job role, or healing items to use in battle – as well as a more in-depth talent tree that almost feels like it allows the players to customize the characters instead of them being just generic, and more powerful, scrub units.  Mixed in is a basic economy mechanic that is seen with this type of game, making the player build lower tier buildings and supplies first before moving onto more complex progresses later.

Graphically the game is an impressive feat, and something that almost feels like it warrants all the cash that was thrown into building a high-end gaming PC.  The best moments are experienced inside of large cities, or complex ruins; tight and complex areas that require a ton of detail in every little thing.  At those moments it is almost as if everything has the next generation shine to it.  That seems to where off when the wide and sweeping fields come into play, though, as some of them are kind of bland—as it almost feels like the same amount of effort was not put into any of the dirt textures as it was to the cobblestone.

The main problem with the game comes from the plot, as most of the time it feels that without a notebook and a detailed version of the cliff notes of past events and conversations it can kind of be difficult to keep up with whatever is happening.  This isn’t helped by the fact that some of the characters just seem to act in whatever way is convenient for the plot/gameplay at that moment.  It can be fully understandable that after a series with as many games, and lore, as this series has that the story may sometimes get lost in the weeds—it might be nice to invite the player along from time to time so they know what they are doing or why.

When it comes down to it SpellForce 3 is a fun game, and something that is impressive to show off on a brand-new computer.  Plot issues aside, there is something here to enjoy for even the casual RTS fans to get some enjoyment out of.  While it might not be a day one purchase for most people it is certain something that is worth a pick up during a steam sale, or over a long summer weekend just looking to be filled by some solid gaming.