Mary Skalko, Disciples III project manager, and Marina Vashurina, .dat PR manager were kind enough to answer a few questions for us. Be sure to check out some exclusive screenshots as well.

1. Thank you for answering a few questions for our readers. First of all can you please introduce yourself, your team and your current projects you are working on?

Hi! We joined our efforts in answering your questions - Mary Skalko, Disciples III project manager, and Marina Vashurina, .dat PR manager.

Our development studio, .dat, was established in 2005. Our founders, a famous artist Andrew Ivanenko (aka Anry) and Dmitry Demianovsky, who used to be a lead programmer and a project leader of the Sea Dogs and Pirates of the Caribbean at Akella, applied their joined efforts to make what .dat is now. To date, the studio has recruited 25 professional game developers who are working on Disciples III: Renaissance - a new sequel to the legendary Disciples series.

It's true; we'll have three playable races - Empire, Legions of the Damned, and Elves. However we are considering adding the Undead in some future iteration.

As for units, main modifications refer to graphics and, owing to the new combat system - unit characteristics. All in all, we can say, Disciples being a full-fledged strategy incorporates the graphical system worth the level of modern RPGs. The Thief is a fully-featured leader and just like all the other leaders he can have and take control of a squad.

Besides, we decided not to introduce a new variant of Rodplanter - however, we've added Land Guardian. It'll be possible to buy that in the city. The Guardian will fight and level up. He will be able to use spells and summon creatures.

3. The graphics are completely reworked with the help of the new Virtual Dream engine that is developed in-house. As I've seen from the trailers it works really well on low-end systems. How powerful is it and what should we expect from the graphics, units and animations? Are there going to be two distinct display modes for battles and exploring?

The game is based on the in-house engine. The graphical requirements include a video card (Radeon 9600 or higher) and processor (2,4 GHz or more). The game works pretty well on low-end systems - however, you're going to lack some options.

Just like in the previous sequels, Disciples III will have two modes - the world map and battle arena.

4. The Disciples series was and still is one of the best turn-based strategy series, with a big fan base. Seeing all these changes to 3D and combat, aren't you afraid you are going to lose some fans? Is this the right way to go? What are the main features of Disciples 3 that will attract gamers most?

We truly believe that we've made a correct choice about the Disciples sequel development. We're going to keep all those features that attracted so many strategy fans while we're planning to add many new features. Frankly speaking, every innovation faces challenges - there are supporters and their counterparts - it's close to impossible to cater to all the gamers' needs and requirements. However we do hope that most gamers are going to like what they will see:

- considerable improvements in combat system. We omit static battles; it will be feasible to fight taking advantage of the terrain peculiarities which will enhance the player's possibilities in the game.

- New graphical system applied - Disciples III has been transformed to full 3D. The game has become much more vivid and exciting in terms of gameplay and gamer's tactical possibilities.

{pagebreak}

5. I remember back in the days of Disciples 2 I was really drawn to the music. I could stay in battles or on the mission maps for minutes just to hear the songs. The music score and sounds helped a lot in creating that unique Disciples atmosphere for the players. I was really happy when I recognized a familiar song in one of the trailers! Tell us a bit more about the music and sounds in Disciples 3...

We hope we won't disappoint the series fans with the musical ambience - it's under complete control of Strategy First. It's highly important to convey the atmosphere of the Disciples III's gloomy and somber world, its setting and spirit. We can add that it's going to be a real symphonic orchestra that will contribute the Disciples III music and sound.

6. Are you still able to play multiplayer maps with your campaign exported hero? Is there going to be a map or scenario editor?

We are working on that.

7. What are your sources of inspiration for this current installment of Disciples? What games do you like and play?

The previous sequels, for sure! Besides, we listen to Era, Lara Fabian, Jonny Holliday, Rimman, Gregory Lemarshal, Recardo Rossi. As for games, our favorites are Heroes of Might & Magic, Warcraft, Final Fantasy, Planescape Torment.

8. When is the action from Disciples 3 happening? Where on a timeline is this game situated in the Disciples universe?

The storyline takes place several decades after the events described in the Disciples II: Dark Prophecy.

9. When should we expect to play the new Disciples? Any final thoughts you would like to share with our readers?

The game is slated for Q3 2008.