Dota 2
Defense of the Ancients 2
Release Date: July 9, 2013
Action, fantasy, MOBA, RTS, free-to-play, co-op, games as a service, multiplayer, internet
Steam
A fantasy MOBA game (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) that combines elements of real-time strategy, action RPG, and action adventure game. This title was produced by Valve Software as a follow up to the popular Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos modification, Defense of the Ancients. Just like the original mod, Dota 2 focuses on clashes of two teams made up of up to 5 people, each one controlling one hero.
Dota 2 is a sequel of a popular Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos mode named Defense of the Ancients. The game was created by Valve Studios, in close collaboration with co-author of the original modification - IceFrog.
Like its predecessor, DotA 2 pits two teams of players (up to five people) against each other. Each participant controls one hero. During every game, the hero gradually earns experience, gains new levels, and collects gold that can be used to buy equipment. The gameplay in DotA 2 is almost identical to that in the original game, i.e. the idea in every battle is to destroy the enemy base located at the opposite end of the map and at the same time to protect your own base. The heroes controlled by players are accompanied with AI-controlled units, commonly called the creeps.
The developers decided, however, to introduce a few key changes into Dota 2. There is a so-called mentoring system in the game, which is an attempt to liven the gaming community. Thanks to this, DotA veterans may take on the role of teachers for the novice by suggesting various strategies and items. Such coaches may observe their student’s progress thanks to the option of spectating an ongoing battle. The activity outside the game, which includes creating and editing guides or participating in game forum discussions, is awarded too. For their activity helpful players receive additional outfits for their characters, titles, and various other bonuses.
Starting your own adventure with DotA 2 is quite easy, thanks to the introduction of a new matchmaking system that is based on players’ experience. The beginners can also make use of interactive guides and take part in non-ranked training skirmishes against AI. Cooperation between players is enhanced by in-game voice chat, which enables communication without any external applications.
The visuals of Dota 2 slightly resemble DotA-Allstars with its distinctive cartoon style. As far as graphics is concerned though, Dota 2 looks much better than its predecessor, as the game uses Source engine. The developers also introduced several important improvements, such as advanced lighting and cloth fabric. Each character has a unique set of animations. There are also some minor changes in audio. The most important of these is a set of completely new characters voices. It is common for heroes to have short dialogues with one another on such occasions as, for example, after a kill or finding an ally.
Another noteworthy thing is the replay system implemented in the latest installment of Dota. It allows you not only to view the game, but also gain access to all the key information and statistics concerning it. A spectator has access to such info as the amount of gold earned, experience gained, kills and deaths, the summary value of the equipment purchased, and many others. For larger tournaments, there is also a space for commentator, who recounts live games.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
Last Update: January 29, 2019
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Videos and Screens
[1:08] Dota 2 The Dueling Fates
[1:15] Dota 2 E3 2015 - trailer
The main pros of the game
- Addictive Gameplay: Many players find the game highly engaging and capable of consuming hours of their time, indicating a strong gameplay loop.
- Regular Updates: Users appreciate the frequent updates that keep the game fresh and relevant.
- Diverse Hero Selection: The game features a wide variety of heroes, allowing for different playstyles and strategies.
- Skill Development: Players note that there is always something new to learn, even after many hours of play, which can be rewarding for those who enjoy mastering complex mechanics.
- Visual Appeal: Several reviews mention the game's graphics and details positively, indicating a well-designed visual experience.
- Competitive Scene: For those who enjoy competitive play, the game offers various modes suitable for both casual and veteran players.
The main cons of the game
- Toxic Community: A significant number of reviews highlight the game's toxic player base, with rampant insults and negative behavior that can detract from the overall experience.
- Matchmaking Issues: Users frequently complain about poor matchmaking, leading to unbalanced games and frustrating experiences.
- Heavy Resource Usage: Some players express frustration over the large size of updates that take up significant storage space on their devices.
- Frustrating Gameplay Dynamics: Many reviews mention issues with team dynamics, such as teammates not fulfilling their roles, leading to chaotic and uncoordinated matches.
- Steep Learning Curve: New players may find it challenging to grasp the game's mechanics and strategies, which can lead to negative experiences.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Improved Communication Tools: Players suggest that better communication options would enhance teamwork and reduce misunderstandings during matches.
- Better Matchmaking Systems: Users express a desire for a more refined matchmaking system that could help pair players of similar skill levels.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Some reviews mention the need for adjustments to the game interface and mechanics to make it more user-friendly, especially for newcomers.
- Localization Issues: There are comments about the lack of full translations in various languages, which could make the game more accessible to a broader audience.
- Hero Balancing: Players often call for more consistent balancing of heroes to ensure fair competition and reduce frustration related to overpowering characters.
Summary
- Overall, while Dota 2 is praised for its depth, engagement, and competitive nature, it faces significant criticism regarding its community dynamics and matchmaking, which can overshadow its positive attributes.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 2141 votes. 1174 players anticipated the game.
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Dota 2 Summary
Game Series: Dota
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Valve Corporation
Publisher: Valve Corporation
Age restrictions: 12+
Dota 2 System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 256 MB (GeForce 7600 or better), 2.5 GB HDD, Windows XP/Vista/7
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