Prague-based Oxymoron Games is bringing a new turn-based strategy title to the market with Heroes of Science and Fiction. The game draws inspiration from the long-running Heroes of Might and Magic series, aiming to recreate the tactical and strategic depth that made the franchise a staple of the 4X genre. Led by Jan Beneš, Jiří Urbanec, and Martin Pítr, the studio has grown from a small group of friends into a team of nine developers, all focused on building a modern take on classic strategy gameplay.
The game’s design adheres to the 4X principles of explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate. Players can select from five distinct factions and lead a commander across a strategic, board-like map. Gameplay involves recruiting units, upgrading bases, gathering resources such as coins, fuel, and alloys, and engaging in turn-based battles when armies meet on the map. While nostalgia plays a central role, the team has implemented mechanics intended to improve balance and modernize the experience for contemporary audiences.
A Sci-Fi Universe with Character-Driven Campaigns
Heroes of Science and Fiction is set in the Siren system, a distant region where several factions compete for control. The game’s narrative emphasizes character-driven stories that often diverge from the general goals of their factions. One example is the United Nations of the Solar System (UNSS), whose campaign follows investigators working to uncover the perpetrators of a terrorist attack on one of their starships, even as the broader factional goal focuses on consolidating power over colonies.
Other factions include the Sovereign, a group of space pirates and smugglers; the Tumori, humanoid fungal creatures; the Source, cybernetic insect-like entities; and the Fossorians, a militaristic species of space moles equipped with advanced weaponry. The narrative combines classic sci-fi tropes with elements of fantasy and whimsy, influenced by tabletop RPGs, science fiction literature, and Czech author Vilma Kadlečková’s Mycelium series, which explores fungal-based civilizations and societal transformation.
Strategic Depth and Combat Mechanics
Combat in Heroes of Science and Fiction takes place on hexagonal battlefields, transitioning from the strategic map when armies engage. Units have access to melee and ranged attacks, artillery, and special abilities, including psionic spells. Commander progression is central to gameplay, with each level providing players options to enhance movement, recruit enemy units, or strengthen psionic abilities. One notable ability, Chess Master, allows players to reposition units at the start of combat, enabling tactical adjustments before the battle begins.
Factions are designed with unique strategic approaches. The Fossorians emphasize raw destructive power, while the Children of the Source rely on technological advantages and support abilities such as cloning and healing. Ranged units vary in range and impact, and some attacks affect the entire battlefield, creating complex layers of strategy that players must navigate to succeed.
Modernizing Classic Mechanics
While the game draws heavily on the Heroes of Might and Magic series, the development team focused on refining and updating core mechanics. For example, the fog of war in Heroes of Science and Fiction is based on the current line of sight of commanders and buildings, while the map retains areas that have already been explored. This approach improves tactical visibility without sacrificing strategic planning.
Balancing combat, exploration, and abilities is a continuous challenge. Oxymoron Games has experience with complex simulations from their previous title, Project Hospital, but 4X strategy introduces different technical considerations. Skills, items, and AI interactions all require careful testing, especially with multiplayer modes planned, to ensure fair and competitive gameplay.
Development Philosophy and Audience
The team has aimed to create a game that appeals to two primary audiences: veterans of the Heroes of Might and Magic series and players seeking modern turn-based strategy experiences. Expos and conferences have provided early feedback, helping the developers adjust mechanics, balance factions, and refine progression systems. By blending nostalgic elements with updated systems, Heroes of Science and Fiction seeks to offer a familiar yet refreshed experience in the 4X strategy space.
The game is currently available for wishlisting on the Epic Games Store, with Oxymoron Games continuing to refine balance, AI, and multiplayer features ahead of its full release.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Heroes of Science and Fiction?
Heroes of Science and Fiction is a turn-based 4X strategy game developed by Oxymoron Games. Players lead commanders across a strategic map, recruit units, manage resources, and engage in tactical battles.
Which platforms will the game be available on?
The game is currently available for wishlisting on the Epic Games Store. Platform availability may expand closer to release.
What factions are included in the game?
The game features five factions, including the UNSS, the Sovereign, the Tumori, the Source, and the Fossorians, each with unique strategies and abilities.
How does combat work?
Combat occurs on hexagonal battlefields, with units performing melee, ranged, artillery, and special attacks. Commanders gain skills that affect movement, recruitment, and abilities during battles.
Does the game include multiplayer?
Yes, Oxymoron Games plans to include multiplayer modes, with balancing adjustments made to ensure fair and competitive gameplay.
What inspired the game’s design?
The team drew inspiration from Heroes of Might and Magic, tabletop RPGs, science fiction literature, and Czech author Vilma Kadlečková’s Mycelium series to create a mix of tactical strategy and narrative-driven campaigns.
Can you pre-order or wishlist the game?
Players can currently wishlist Heroes of Science and Fiction on the Epic Games Store.
