Derrick
ლ(ಠ_ಠ )ლ
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2010
- Messages
- 5,085
- Reaction score
- 5
Every now and again, a mod (“modification”) of a game is released that proves as popular as the original game.
Every now and again, a mod (“modification”) of a game is released that proves as popular as the original game. A good example of this is Defense of the Ancients, referred to in gaming circles as DotA, which is a hugely popular mod for Warcraft III. It is very focused on adversarial play, and has even been adopted as a competitive tournament game. The basic concept behind it has inspired an entire new game by Gas Powered Games, which has developed successful games such as Dungeon Siege and Supreme Commander.
You may have noticed the rather strange listing for genre, so allow me to explain. Demigod is intensely focused on versus action; hence, I have referred to it as “deathmatch.” And RPS, you ask? That is a fairly artificial classification made up a few years ago to denote “role-play/strategy.” The idea in Demigod is that you assume the role of one of eight demigods seeking ascension to full godhood. Battles always have two sides, Light and Dark, and participants are assigned to one or the other (irrespective of their apparent goodness or evilness). Each team has a fortress, and the idea is to best the opposing team. Each team’s fortress has portals that spawn periodic waves of reinforcements, which act on their own and head off directly towards the enemy citadel – the player has no control over these, other than their composition (to a degree) and their upgrades.
Different game modes are available, each based on a different victory condition: kill a certain number of demigods, destroy the enemy citadel, control the most flags for the longest time, or destroy all enemy forts. Each demigod has unique abilities at its disposal, some can summon minions, and these are selectively unlocked by the player as he or she gains experience and levels up. Players also accumulate gold, which can be spent on items for the demigod, and on upgrades for the citadel. The latter benefit the whole team, and can include upgrades to the reinforcement waves, and additional unit types for the waves. The game is definitely very team orientated, and because of the balance between teamwork and individual effectiveness, there are many approaches to playing it. Furthermore, the variety of skills and upgrades ensures that games are always unique.
In aesthetic terms, this game also shines. The graphics are some of the prettiest I have ever seen, with artistically designed arenas to battle in. The musical score is also very well composed, and reacts to battlefield conditions, lending the experience a very cinematic feel. The only criticism I have is that there is no single-player story campaign mode, which would have been a nice addition. Its omission, however, is understandable, given the competitive emphasis of this game.
Every now and again, a mod (“modification”) of a game is released that proves as popular as the original game. A good example of this is Defense of the Ancients, referred to in gaming circles as DotA, which is a hugely popular mod for Warcraft III. It is very focused on adversarial play, and has even been adopted as a competitive tournament game. The basic concept behind it has inspired an entire new game by Gas Powered Games, which has developed successful games such as Dungeon Siege and Supreme Commander.
You may have noticed the rather strange listing for genre, so allow me to explain. Demigod is intensely focused on versus action; hence, I have referred to it as “deathmatch.” And RPS, you ask? That is a fairly artificial classification made up a few years ago to denote “role-play/strategy.” The idea in Demigod is that you assume the role of one of eight demigods seeking ascension to full godhood. Battles always have two sides, Light and Dark, and participants are assigned to one or the other (irrespective of their apparent goodness or evilness). Each team has a fortress, and the idea is to best the opposing team. Each team’s fortress has portals that spawn periodic waves of reinforcements, which act on their own and head off directly towards the enemy citadel – the player has no control over these, other than their composition (to a degree) and their upgrades.
Different game modes are available, each based on a different victory condition: kill a certain number of demigods, destroy the enemy citadel, control the most flags for the longest time, or destroy all enemy forts. Each demigod has unique abilities at its disposal, some can summon minions, and these are selectively unlocked by the player as he or she gains experience and levels up. Players also accumulate gold, which can be spent on items for the demigod, and on upgrades for the citadel. The latter benefit the whole team, and can include upgrades to the reinforcement waves, and additional unit types for the waves. The game is definitely very team orientated, and because of the balance between teamwork and individual effectiveness, there are many approaches to playing it. Furthermore, the variety of skills and upgrades ensures that games are always unique.
In aesthetic terms, this game also shines. The graphics are some of the prettiest I have ever seen, with artistically designed arenas to battle in. The musical score is also very well composed, and reacts to battlefield conditions, lending the experience a very cinematic feel. The only criticism I have is that there is no single-player story campaign mode, which would have been a nice addition. Its omission, however, is understandable, given the competitive emphasis of this game.