Disciples III - Preview @ GameSpy

A nice preview of Disciples III is up at GameSpy.  Here's a sample:

Disciples III: Renaissance brings new graphics and some significant gameplay changes to the table while still keeping many of the core game mechanics in place. The most obvious change is the new 3D game engine. The old games were known for their brilliantly dark art direction and the third installment stays true to form. This isn't a land of bright colors and dancing elves. The land is dark, almost twisted-looking and the 3D graphics drive this home like never before. In fact, the game looks better than the latest Heroes of Might and Magic release, and while visuals and art direction are a matter of taste the atmosphere is sure to please longtime fans.

The original Disciples games used a unique combat system wherein the units never moved. This latest version allows your army to maneuver during combat but it's still abstracted. For example, all hand-to-hand units may attack each other regardless of how far apart they are. Ranged units cannot be attacked until there is an opening in the army's line. Protecting ranged units such as bowmen, healers, and mages remains a critical strategy. The battlefields are fairly good-sized. They need to be as each "leader" can recruit up to 11 different units for his or her army, which is another major change from the original.