Summary
One of the most influential games of the 2000s wasDefense of the Ancients. Usually abbreviated asDota, it’s akin to real-time strategy in appearance. However, it forgoes vast armies in favor of individual heroes. Players control those heroes as they assault or support various points on a map, often through a wide array of spells and other techniques. The mix of strategy and arcade-style adrenaline has drawn countless fans, virtually creating the whole MOBA genre. That said, such popularity also draws copycats.
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A plethora ofDotaclones soon arose. Most came after the game’s release and fizzled out, but a few are still around. Despite the varied reception, though, many of these clones are well-constructed. They all sport the unmistakableDotaframework, and they each come with novel additions to distinguish themselves. If possible, genre fans should find a way to uncover these valuable relics.
Developer:Gas Powered Games
Platform:PC
This is what one would expect from an early MOBA title. It includes only eight heroes. These all fall into two types of units: attack (Assassin) and support (General). They then battle it out on a handful of modest-sized arenas. The biggest mark against these aspects is that they’re incredibly basic by today’s standards. However, that’s not entirely fair.
Demigodis still perfectly playable within the realm ofDotawannabes, especially in the genre’s early days. It effectively mixes archaic action and methodical strategy. The aesthetic is also a breath of fresh air. MostDotaclones opt for a clichéd and colorful fantasy look–usually inspired byWarcraft.
On the other hand,Demigodpaints a grittier picture with Roman andGreek mythologyas the backbone. In that way, some might see it as a precursor toSMITE, albeit more closely tied to theDotaframework. The combo is unexpected, yet it’s eminently suited to the style. It would have been intriguing to see the developers flesh it out further.
Developer:WeMade Entertainment
At first glance,Avalon Heroeslooks like a genericDotaknockoff. The similarly stylized appearance doesn’t help. Of course, it has the typical MOBA gameplay and spreads it across several types of multiplayer matches. What some might not expect, though, is the single-player content.
Avalon Heroesactually has an extensive Story Mode. It mainly serves to explain the mechanics, which is enticing to those unfamiliar with the genre. After all, the sheer amount of abilities and role-playing elements in such a chaotic space can be overwhelming. That also goes for the narrative.
The game doesn’t have a preestablished property likeWarcraftat its back, sothe Story Mode is invaluable for introducing the world and characters. Once players are sufficiently invested, they naturally want to dive deeper via the multiplayer. It’s a shame that more MOBAs don’t take advantage of this opportunity. Then again, maybe they see it as an ill omen, asAvalon Heroesshut down a couple of years after its debut.
Developer:S2 Games, Frostburn Studios
Heroes of Newerthmakes no secret of being inspired byDota, as much of it feels like a logical next step. The gameplay is largely the same, albeit with minor tweaks to the characters and mechanics. A particular attack, for instance, may function differently than inDota. Sure, this adds an annoying learning curve, but it retains the core of what worked. That said, it’s not the selling point.
Rather, the game adds several quality-of-life features. These include stat tracking, matchmaking, voice chat, and much more. Players may take these aspects for granted nowadays, but they were innovative contributions at the time. Sadly, the crowded market andsteep price tagprevented the game from being recognized for these additions.
Developer:Blizzard Entertainment
Platform:PC, OS X
Considering Blizzard helped inspireDotathroughWarcraft 3, how ironic that the developers would attempt their own version. They do so with the full weight of the company’s IPs.Heroes of the Stormessentially takes theDotaformula and throws in a heap of characters from various Blizzard franchises. These includeWarcraft,Overwatch,Diablo, andStarCraft. It’s basically a deeper rendition ofBlizzard All-Stars. Therein lies the attraction, but the appeal also comes from simplified mechanics.
Heroes of the Stormismore widely digestible thanDota. That not only comes down to the fan service in the character selection but also in the way it evens out the player base. Rather than individual experience points, rewards are shared with the whole group. Plus, fans can’t buy items to get ahead. It takes game balance to an extreme.
True, this downplays some of the strategy, butit also emphasizes teamwork. The collective victory aids in accessibility and makes the gameplay loop less overwhelming. Certain fans might prefer it over the individualist approach of other MOBAs. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a friendly match with no egos.
Developer:Riot Games
Here’s the most famousDotaclone and the one that’s gotten the most traction. Running for well over a decade,League of Legendshas produced multiple seasons' worth of content. It hascountless champions, limitless loot, and a slew of spells. Fans always have something new to uncover and plenty of motivation to do so.
League of LegendsrivalsDotain complexity. Each match is equal parts strategy and spectacle, but it’s also friendly to newcomers through matchmaking. These qualities make it appealing no matter how many (or how few) hours players have invested. The game will likely go on for years to come. Granted, that’s thanks in part to the compellingArcaneseries drawing in new audiences, but that show wouldn’t have been possible without the original game and its treasure trove of content.
