E3 2016: SpellForce 3 returns the series to its roots with hybrid RTS + RPG mechanics

SpellForce 3 is a return to the franchise's roots, according to Nordic Games as it aims to offer the perfect blend of real-time strategy and role-playing alongside a deep and engrossing backstory. Players will create a hero from scratch and develop them across the game's campaign via quest completion and exploration.

SpellForce 3's game map will be divided into three sectors and the player's base will grow within these sectors in a way that the Developers are calling "organic". Player will only be able to conquer sectors connected to their base or other already conquered sectors. Given that the game has no Global Economy, the distribution of resources will happen mechanically as resources will being transported via carts that are connected to each sector.

Here's a full list of features that will come with SpellForce 3 according to Nordic Games:

• RTS/RPG Mix: Unique gameplay combining RTS and Top-Down RPG genres

• RTS: the RTS part focuses on macromanagement (overall strategy, building a base/economy, conquering of zones, managing large groups of units)

• RPG: the RPG part puts emphasis on micromanaging the party of heroes (skills of ALL heroes of the party have assigned keyboard bindings) in battles

• Create & Customize: Assemble your party of heroes and choose between numerous combinations of different skill builds

• Strengthen and Command Your Army: Prepare your troops and fight the mother of all battles. Moreover, players can utilize a wide array of strategic choices (like e.g. terrain, troop formations, visibility, scouting etc.) that would make Sun Tzu proud

• Epic Storyline: Unravel a deep and sophisticated story, eventually leading up to the events that cause the world-changing convocation ritual

• Rich Universe & Lore: Explore the world Eo and discover intrigues, secrets and a lot of loot for your hero

• Extensive Single-Player Campaign: 30+ hours, even more when you manage to discover all the things Grimlore put in the world

• Multiplayer: Strong multiplayer component with various modes – Play cooperatively or in versus battles

Source: SpellForce 3 Steam Page