New spells => There are essence spells for all paths, I presume, but I didn't try them out a lot. They are combo spells. E.G. lvl 2 on death/curse/necromancy => I have the Black essence spell and can cause damage. Didn't try this out a lot because I still love my old death spells. So far I found Essence 8 already, but I'm on lvl 6, so I can't say what the dam. will be.
No towers => means, no towers. No tower plans, Womble. I can't build towers <wail>. I'm lvl 12 now and still found no stupid tower plan for any race. And about the enemies => they HAVE towers. So... I've been in real trouble in one mission. Heavens, these towers gave cover to one another - until I had destroyed them I died a lot of times.
Harder => difficult for me to judge, as I'm no great strategy crack and am playing in RPG atm. Yes, I find the missions difficult. Why? Well... no towers <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> - and I run in single mode or with my heroes if I find a monument.
The thing I love most is the "sort" button - and this time you have certain coins (keep them) - you can ask for a goodie at a statue. Though, I could only do it 4 times (?), then it seemed to be deactivated. I'm not sure these coins are important for later on.
Enemies are cleverer now - I can't simply poison them and wait until they die - they notice it <sniff>.
Beta testers? I can't say so. Maybe for the multi player part? I'm very satisfied so far - except for the mouse, but I'm accustomed to it, and I can use the arrows <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />
It's just a matter of taste, but I like the missions -e.g. you have to escort refugees - over 3 maps! And in one I had a time limit - not easy for a panicky gamer as I am.
