In many respects, this installment is a carbon copy of its predecessor.
Spells are familiar, as are many of the monsters.
The story begins after HOMM 3. The prize is the tiny kingdom of Harmondale, smack between Erathia and the elfin demesne of Avlee. It's a dubious honor, of course. Harmondale has fallen on hard times, and its rulers rarely survive long. Another change noticeable off the bat is the ability of town guards to fight alongside the player against invading foes.