1. Similarities between KB and HoMMV.
1.1. First of all, there are genetical ones. KB was here before HoMM series ... bla-bla-bla ... Everyone now knows that.
1.2. Also, "fairy-tale" graphics and design. I consider them superior to HoMMV. But what is more important for me, they're very similar in spirit. Again, everyone saw these screenshots.
1.3. Now to the real stuff you guys do not know that much about. Battles.
Battles are ALMOST identical to HoMMV.
You also have a Hero and 5 stack of units. Hero cast spells, units hit the enemy stacks. Hero has spellbook and various abilities.
It is easier to explain minor differences from HoMMV. Here they are:
1. KB is hex-based.
2. You've got 5 stacks instead of 7 in HoMMV.
3. Number of units in one stack is limited by Hero's "Leadership".
4. However Computer may have any number of stacks/units per stack.
5. Initiative thing works like it was (I believe) in earlier HoMM games. There are Rounds. Every stack acts exactly once per round. Units with higher initiative may choose whether to act now or wait and act later in the round.
That is, if there are units with initiative 3,4,5 then first #5 acts or waits, then #4 acts or waits, then #3 acts. Then waited units act in reverse order. That is, #4 acts if it choosed to wait, and then #5 acts if it choosed to wait.
The system has interesting property, that units with highest initiative can act twice in a row. Very useful, hit and run away
I personally like this "new-old" system more than HoMMV style. It is more predictable. So I can plan my Tactics for two-three rounds ahead !
6. Hero can cast his spells anytime, but only once per round. Or twice per round if he has certain skills. Also certain skills allow Hero to receive a little bit of extra Mana per Round.
7. The RAGE Box thing. Well, it is a MAJOR innovation that I will write about later. Maybe. Shortly, it is a kind of RAGE-based magic, as opposed to Mana-based Magic.