Demigod
Critic Reviews 74% add missing review
GameZone (8.7 out of 10)
The main problem with this game is that it is extremely unreliable when players try to connect to the multiplayer service. This is a shame because this is where the majority of player’s time will be spent. Hopefully this flaw will be fixed as this game is a blast to play!
Apr 20th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGame 2.0 (8.5 out of 10)
Κατά την συγγραφή της κριτικής, έτρεξα αρκετές φορές το παιχνίδι για να παρατηρήσω λεπτομέρειες που ήθελα να αναφέρω και πάντα κατέληγα να παίζω ολόκληρους τους γύρους. Ναι, το Demigod είναι απολαυστικό. Είναι και εθιστικό. Και μου αρέσει. Και ήρθε η ώρα τώρα να επιστρέψω στο παιχνίδι για να σκοτώσω κι άλλους ημίθεους!
May 14th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGamer.co.il (83 out of 100)
דמיגוד הוא בהחלט משחק שונה ומקורי, שנראה לפעמים כמו כותר אסטרטגיה בזמן-אמת, לפעמים כמו חיקוי של דיאבלו, אבל למען האמת לא מרגיש כמו אף אחד מהם. עם גרפיקה מרהיבה, משחקיות מושכת ותזזיתית והרבה גיוון בקרבות, בהחלט תמצאו פה הרבה במה לנעוץ שיניים. מאידך, קשה להתרגל לממשק ולהכנס לעניינים, אין הרבה מפות או סוגי יחידות, ובעיות החיבור לשרתים עדיין לא נפתרו לגמרי. נציין שוב שכמעט כל הכיף מרוכז בקרבות מרובי המשתתפים והשלבים לשחקן יחיד הם ממש לא סיבה לקנות את המשחק בפני עצמם, אך בכל זאת נדמה לי עתה כי החבילה בהחלט שווה את המחיר.
May 25th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewYouGamers (83 out of 100)
Demigod is an action-RTS hybrid influenced by a popular Warcraft III mod (DotA), offering a fresh and interesting twist on the RTS gameplay. Polished, visually impressive and offering a surprising amount of depth under the deceptively simple gameplay. On the downside, Demigod suffers from major multiplayer connectivity issues and lack of content at launch - a lot is riding on patches and free content updates appearing as promised.
Apr 28th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewPC Games (Germany) (80 out of 100)
Wir haben Demigod wesentlich länger getestet als ursprünglich geplant. Und nun, wo es deutlich weniger Verbindungsprobleme gibt, können wir dem Spiel auch die verdiente 80er-Wertung verleihen. Obwohl ich mir noch Nachschlag in Sachen Community-Features wünsche, gehört für mich ab sofort eine schöne Partie Demigod zum Feierabend dazu.
Jun 15th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGame Informer Magazine (8 out of 10)
Demigod is a solid implementation of a unique concept. When you find a good team online and coordinate advanced build synergies and tactics, it’s amazing. The game should have good legs in multiplayer, but I wouldn’t recommend spending the $40 if you’re not planning on taking it online.
Jun 2009 · Windows · read reviewGood Game (8 out of 10)
As the match progresses, experience and gold goes up. More items are available, more combos are possible. Certain Demigods come into their own in the late game. The measures are there to wind the game up when it starts to get long, and in these longer matches have a lot to do with making hard decisions with little info about what your enemy is doing. Compared to most strategy games though, it’s really not that micro-intensive.
May 18th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGameStar (Germany) (80 out of 100)
Solisten werden mit Demigod nur bedingt Freude haben, dafür steckt zu wenig drin. Fans von Multiplayer-Schlachten kommen dagegen voll auf ihre Kosten. Die Matches spielen sich flott, gerade im Conquest-Modus wendet sich das Blatt laufend, zumindest wenn gleich starke Kontrahenten aufeinander treffen und die Balance der Klassen mal stimmt. Die muss Gas Powered Games noch ins Lot bringen. Wenn das klappt, wird Demigod göttlich.
Apr 2009 · WindowsJeux Vidéo Network (16 out of 20)
Pensé pour le multi, Demigod est une production étonnante et séduisante, pour peu que vous ayez la patience nécessaire pour trouver une partie.
May 15th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGames TM (8 out of 10)
Demigod's initial failure in the online department is already giving way under the weight of the game's overall quality. And if it's this good when the dark clouds are only just beginning to part, we can't wait until the next few months' worth of extra content and improved networking herald clear blue skies of gaming joy all the way to the heavens.
May 14th, 2009 · WindowsPC Action (Germany) (80 out of 100)
Haben Sie zufällig dieses kleine MMO namens World of Warcraft gespielt? Das war in den Monaten nach seinem Release von üblen technischen Probleme geplagt. Und hat das irgendwen von einer hohen Wertung abgehalten? Nein. Daher gaben wir auch Demigod eine Chance, und siehe da: Keine zwei Wochen nach seiner Veröffentlichung läuft das Spiel rund genug, um eine 80er-Wertung problemlos zu rechtefertigen. Die eigentlichen Problemzonen des Spiels - kaum Community-Features, zu wenig Helden, lange Wartezeiten bei der Spielersuche, unausgegorenes Balancing - müssen die Entwickler nun aber in Angriff nehmen. Daher lautet unser Urteil bislang auch "nur" gut und nicht herausragend.
May 2009 · WindowsGamersGlobal (8 out of 10)
Nach den ersten Partien gegen den Computer waren wir skeptisch: Kann uns dieses Spiel über längere Zeit begeistern? Die Sorge wich schon bald der Überzeugung: Yes, it can! Man muss sich zwar erst ein wenig einspielen, aber dann offenbart Demigod (im Multiplayer-Modus) sein beträchtliches Potenzial.
May 2nd, 2009 · Windows · read review4Players.de (80 out of 100)
Man muss ein Team koordinieren, Hektik und Taktik unter einen Hut bringen und sich flexibel auf die Mehrfronten-Schlachten einstellen. Es gibt viel zu tun und gerade diese Komplexität dürfte es Anfängern schwer machen, sich einzufinden - zumal ein Tutorial fehlt! Zwar hilft der Solomodus beim Einstieg, allerdings hat man dort auf Befehle für die KI-Mitstreiter verzichtet. Und die vermisst man auch im Online-Gefecht, wenn ein Spieler die Partie verlässt. Außerdem gibt es nur acht Karten und relativ wenig Halbgötter. Aber hat man sich einmal warm gespielt und vor allem einen kompetenten Partner an seiner Seite, entfesseln die Mehrspieler-Duelle außerordentlich spannende Unterhaltung. Demigod ist ein angenehm anspruchsvolles Echtzeit-Strategiespiel mit einem klaren Fokus auf Teamplay und taktische Koordination. Solltet ihr DotA bereits gut gefunden haben, ist das Spiele eine gute Alternative im modernen Look. Einsteiger und Solisten sollten den Kampf lieber meiden.
May 13th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGamers.at (79 out of 100)
Irgendwie hab ich bei Demigod noch immer das Gefühl, mich mitten in einer Beta-Phase zu befinden: Nur minimaler Content, beträchtliche Balancing-Schwächen und andauernde Verbindungsprobleme - diese Dinge sollten bei einem Spiel, das bereits in den Verkaufsregalen steht, eigentlich nicht mehr vorkommen. Keine Frage, Demigod ist ein gutes Game und kann vor allem in lokalen Mehrspieler-Partien sein durchwegs vorhandenes Potential entfalten, aber besonders der dürftige Spielinhalt ist mehr als enttäuschend.
May 20th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGameplay (Benelux) (76 out of 100)
Demigod is jammer genoeg niet de Counter-Strike onder de RTS-games en wordt bovendien geplaagd door multiplayer problemen.
May 29th, 2009 · WindowsIGN (7.5 out of 10)
Now, it's safe to say that Gas Powered and Stardock will eventually get a handle on all of the networking issues plaguing the game. However, in its current state Demigod's netcode is almost like a craps shoot at times; unless you know people who are playing and can set up a custom game with them, you're not going to have a lot of luck playing multiplayer. We have to review the game in its current state, and we've given Gas Powered and Stardock time to implement some improvements. And while there has been some fixes, there's also a lot more that must be done to get the game to an acceptable level of multiplayer. That's a pity, because there's a great multiplayer experience to be found in Demigod when it works. So unless you're a glutton for punishment, you'd best wait a while for the developers to get things working before you dive into Demigod.
Apr 17th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewMultiplayer.it (7.1 out of 10)
Peccato. Dispiace non promuovere a pieni voti un titolo cosi fresco e coraggioso. Purtroppo, a parte i numerosi problemi tecnici che hanno accompagnato l'uscita del gioco e che ormai sembrano essere (quasi) del tutto risolti, esistono ancora problemi strutturali che minano seriamente il divertimento globale. Se a questo aggiungiamo anche il fatto che manca il supporto per i contenuti prodotti dalla community e che in single player il titolo appare come praticamente inutile è facile capire come, almeno al momento, ci troviamo di fronte ad un titolo decisamente di nicchia. Grandi prospettive ma anche diverse, troppe, incognite.
May 28th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGameSpot (Belgium/Netherlands) (71 out of 100)
Demigod kent een redelijk eenvoudige gameplay. Gelukkig zorgen de verschillende demigods waarmee er te spelen is, voor de nodige variatie, alsook de talrijke tactische overwegingen die gemaakt moeten worden. Jammer genoeg ontbreken er diepgaande singleplayeropties en zorgen de multiplayermodes voor frustraties vanwege connectieproblemen. Jammer, want anders zou Demigod een groot potentieel gehad hebben.
May 28th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewTotal PC Gaming (7 out of 10)
Fast-paced and handsomely presented with no two online sessions alike. The only hurdle is getting there.
May 28th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGamesVault (7 out of 10)
Logicznym jest, iż nie każdemu gra przypadnie do gustu, jednak jeśli ktoś dobrze się bawił chociażby przy scenariuszach i modach dla Warcraft III, podobnych do Defense of the Ancients i odczuwał satysfakcję – Demigod na 100% przykuje go do monitora na długie godziny.
Apr 16th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewCyber Stratege (7 out of 10)
Demigod est un excellent jeu, qui se détache de la concurrence et sait prendre des risques. Avec un gameplay un peu plus accessible, il aurait pu devenir une référence. Sans doute pas aussi fun que les grands STR mainstream, mais si vous aimez son ambiance, il vaut le coup de s’y investir.
Apr 30th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewCheat Happens (7 out of 10)
These days, it seems like every game designer wants to redefine the real time strategy genre. What they don’t get – but Stardock seemingly does – is that what it really needs is a broadening. By presenting a pitch perfect mix of traditional RTS mainstays and new school action RPG elements, Demigod is an addicting experience that will appeal to numerous gamers. Though lacking a story based narrative, as well as anything resembling a working multiplayer suite makes the package incredibly thin, one has to hope that these problems can be fixed, or at least improved upon to make Demigod truly recommendable.
Apr 28th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewEurogamer.net (UK) (7 out of 10)
The polish of the game - the truly glorious soundscape, the astonishing art of the characters and the maps, and the clear joy of the basic idea - do point to a talented crew of developers, but the endless bugs, the limited content, the badly balanced upgrades, and the half-implemented ideas feel like the game was polished before it was finished. What Demigod wants to be, if games have hopes and 8-bit dreams, is to wake apotheosised into the RTS equivalent of Left 4 Dead. But what keeps Gas-Powered crew up in the night is that this could be the twisted, limping form of the RTS Shadowrun. We know they're going to work flat-out to avoid that fate.
May 21st, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGames Finder (7 out of 10)
The real attraction to Demigod is the large number of maps and the single player gameplay which most MOBA games still lack.
2013 · Windows · read reviewGamekult (7 out of 10)
A l'heure actuelle, Demigod est certes praticable en ligne avec un peu de patience et de bonne volonté, mais l'affreux système peer to peer, les problèmes de connexions et l'infernale attente pour lancer une partie pourraient user le plus zen des joueurs. C'est d'autant plus dommage que Demigod est sans conteste un excellent jeu, beau, tactique, profond et totalement addictif une fois assimilées les mécaniques d'un gameplay conçu pour durer. Le jeu est terriblement fun à plusieurs, c'est indéniable, avec ses huit demi-dieux différents et sympas à jouer, ses bastons à petite et grande échelle qui versent dans le spectaculaire, et ses cartes qui titillent la fibre stratégique. Le jeu a assez peu d'intérêt en solo avec son I.A. qui ne sert à rien. Le bilan est donc teinté d'amertume, dépendant de la mise à jour qui résoudra enfin les principaux problèmes rencontrés aujourd'hui. Demigod méritait tellement mieux que ce que ce triste lancement...
Apr 24th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewJeuxvideo.com (14 out of 20)
Avec Demigod, le studio GPG assure le minimum, à savoir nous offrir un joli clone de DotA, qui parvient même à s'affranchir de son illustre modèle en imposant sa propre personnalité malgré une inspiration évidente. Mais tout n'est pas rose pour autant. Le nouveau bébé de Chris Taylor souffre notamment du peu de contenu en regard de son prix, et surtout d'un manque flagrant de finition en ce qui concerne l'interface dédiée aux parties multijoueurs. C'est d'autant plus rageant que cet amer constat n'empêche pas les qualités de surnager. Du coup, on se dit qu'on est passé proche de ce qui aurait pu être un grand jeu, et qu'on a juste un titre correct. Il faudra savoir s'en contenter.
Apr 17th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGood Game (7 out of 10)
Demigod is a graphically superior copy of another game, but that doesn’t change the fact that Demigod IS fun, and somehow seems to all come together nicely. Sure there are balance issues and there’s a few classes considered “unbeatable”, but among those who’ve played both DOTA and Demigod, you won’t find much criticism. 7
May 11th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGameSpot (6.5 out of 10)
In Demigod, the moment-to-moment gameplay is relatively simple. However, the varying play styles of each demigod, as well as the numerous tactical upgrades and items, offer fulfilling strategic breadth. Nevertheless, this is an overly streamlined package that doesn't hit all of the marks it should. Newcomers to this type of gameplay will bemoan its limited single-player options; competition-focused tacticians will be frustrated by crippling connection difficulties and will long for more arenas. It's a shame that these flaws are so conspicuous, because Demigod has an addictive and rewarding foundation that should have had more (and more-functional) features built upon it.
Apr 15th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewGiant Bomb ( )
This competitive-only strategy action game has some good ideas that are hindered by its laggy, inconsistent online play.
Apr 22nd, 2009 · Windows · read review1UP (C)
Which leaves me in the position of calling this a highly-recommended C game. Right now, you'll be getting a kind-of-alright single player game with the promise of a potentially great multiplayer experience at some point in the future. Personally, I'm looking forward to playing more when that shining day arrives, at which point I'll be re-reviewing the thing. If you're interested in throwing down cash for a beta and maybe getting in some practice before things get smoothed out, go ahead and bump that score up a letter grade. Anybody else should find something else to do until then.
Apr 17th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewComputer Bild Spiele (3.9 out of 6)
„Demigod“ versetzt das Duell-Thema von „Unreal Tournament“ in die Fantasy-Welt, garniert mit taktischen Elementen, Team- und Charakteraufwertungen sowie Ruhmespunkten. Schade: Nur acht Arenen- und Heldentypen mindern den Langzeitspaß. Der enttäuschende Einzelspieler-Modus hat nur Alibifunktion und bereitet lediglich auf Mehrspieler-Schlachten vor. Ärgerlich: Eine Einführung fehlt völlig. Trotz interessanter Ideen und Ansätze nur „ausreichend“.
May 19th, 2009 · Windows · read reviewPlayer Reviews
[v1.0] An undoubtedly multiplayer nightmare and that's putting it lightly
by Indra was here (20775)
The Good
Review Version: v1.0
Review Date: May 30, 2011
Review Length: 7 (seven) pages.
Game Version: v1.0.0.97
Tech Specs Used: Intel Core 2 6300 1.86 Ghz CPU, 3 GB Memory, 512 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT Video Card.
Difficulty Played: Hard, Nightmare.
Preferred Character: Lord Erebus
Best Kill Count In Single Match: Oak (Nightmare) - 18 hero kills
Finished: Yes (Single Player, Tournament) – Sedna (Hard), Unclean Beast (Nightmare), Lord Erebus (Nightmare), Oak (Nightmare)
Last time played: May, 2011.
For those of you who have experienced Defense of the Ancients (DotA), a fan-made modified map which apparently became more popular than the original game itself: Warcraft 3, will be familiar with this game variant. You'll probably also be familiar that every adult in existence playing DotA will amazingly transform into a 12 year old emo-kid that tells everyone isn't doing their job and crying every time he/she gets killed.
Man, violence in games is nothing compared to the online multiplayer experience (never rated by ESRB or else they'll all get banned :p).
I. Introduction: For those unfamiliar with DotA
Note: This section may be skipped
DotA, the game that this game inspires from, is pretty much a simple concept. A game of push and shove between two groups of heroes aiming to clobber the other group to smithereens. The unique part of DotA is that it traditionally negates any strategic elements of the game: no structures can be built, minions cannot be controlled, allowing player to fully focus on attack, defense, and the development of their own character. Despite not having strategic elements, it does have a lot of tactical elements referring to the unique capabilities of each character, which usually have a specified role: berserker, tanker, healer, ranged, etc., and variations in between.
Although the usual objective is to destroy the enemy stronghold, structures are usually strong and pack a mean ranged punch. Players are then prompted to level up by killing off enemy minions. Eventually, both parties realize that the other side's heroes are getting to be a little annoying, although the primary reason is just to get acknowledgment for killing the other guy via the you got pwned default voiceover when a hero dies.
Yes, ego is the only good enough reason. Ask any fanboi.
Thus, most of the tactical elements in practice revolves around killing enemy heroes, which usually (and should be) difficult to kill. Teamwork usually is essential in bringing enemy heroes down, since they are pretty hard to catch when they're running off. This involves abilities that slow down an enemy or high damage skills (with even higher requirements) for the hopefully killing blow. Dead heroes also are inhibited from spawning after a few seconds or minutes. Which in the mean time, allows the opposing group to level up and wreck havoc.
II. Demigod vs. DotA
Demigods more or less introduces the same concept. Players choose one of the eight available heroes (noticeably a smaller quota than the available heroes in DoTa) and play in random noticeably artistic arenas. Unlike DoTa, Demigods has more strategic elements than the old push-and-shove approach. In this game, there are a few more variations in defensive structures, such as fortresses, light towers, and archery towers.
Most noticeably different is the capturing of flags, which if captured, allows bonuses for the controlling team (e.g. +10 mana per second). Additionally, minions spawn from specific flag locations. Controlling those flags will divert the allegiance of those spawning minions to the controlling team. More differences refer to citadel upgrades, which allow players to purchase team upgrades for a price of gold. Upgrading the citadel does offer a slight noticeable difference in (e.g. making minions stronger, building auto-repair, etc.).
The arsenal of items that may be purchased remain the same, including one store near the citadel and one artifact shop placed somewhere on the map. There isn't any weapon/item sets as in DotA in case anyone's wondering.
II. Demigod Characters
Characters are divided into two categories: assassins and generals. Not entirely sure why there is a categorization since there isn't much distinction in-game. Anyway, this should give you an idea of the playable characters:
- The Assassins
- Torch Bearer
The Torch Bearer is the equivalent to an elemental mage. He comes in two different skill schools: ice and fire. Ice spells focus on lowering the speed and attack rate of enemies with lower damage. Fire spells focus more on high damage. Area and long ranged attack spells are his speciality.
Strengths:
- Strong damage with fire magic;
- Stun and weaken enemies with frost magic. - Unclean Beast
You know those zombie dogs in the Resident Evil movies? Well, this is they're daddy and then some. Makes those doggies look like poodles in comparison. The Unclean Beast is the berserker character of the game. Capable of launching quick and fast melee attacks and running off to fight another day. If you like playing the Zerg in StarCraft, this doggy might be up your alley.
Strengths:
- Fast melee attacker;
- Drains health. - Regulus
The sniper range capable of shooting anything on the map from almost anywhere on the map. Fleeing wounded demigods are prime targets for execution. Camper players in Counter-strike will probably like this character best while also annoying every other player in the game.
Strengths:
- Very long ranged attack;
- Powerful against Demigods. - The Rook
Think mobile bastion. It's big, it's big, and it's big. Probably Omega Supreme's (from the transformers) ancestor, this character is about two-thirds the size of a normal character and hard to miss. Capable of building additional light towers and eating them like health potions. Being clobbered by his special ability club would probably make you see stars from the furthest galaxy in another dimension.
Strengths:
- Very durable;
- Many independent weapons.
- Torch Bearer
- The Generals
- Oak
Somewhere between a paladin and a necromancer. Odd combination, but this character has spirits as minions and most of his abilities are support-based. Handy fellow to accompany you in battle. Probably one of the strongest demigods when he reaches high levels and his spirit minions are numerous.
Strengths (Default Description):
- Protect and enhances allies;
- Slows and weakens enemies. - Queen of Thorns
Cannot comment due to me starting at her specific body parts. Does give me new levels of understanding about the definition of siege engine though. :p
Strengths:
- Heavy siege damage
- Powerful area damage - Sedna
The healer character and posses the best boobies in the game. The few times I did die while playing this character was when I was caught of guard watching her breathing. :p The AI version of Sedna in hard-nightmare levels is almost impossible to kill for some reason.
Strengths:
- Powerful healing spells;
- Silences enemies. - Lord Erebus
The vampire of the group, starts as fastest character then later comes in second after the Unclean Beast. Could be interpreted as a rogue class character of sorts. Relies summoned minions freshly killed foes and if needed, hit and run tactics while biting foes to heal.
Strengths:
- Drains health;
- Can move quickly into and out of battle.
Finishing a tournament will allow the a short voice-over story indicating your role and reign as a god as per character.
The Bad
The first people who worked in this game that should seriously start considering a career change is the gameplay programmer, the game testers, and the bloke oversaw it all. Well, that is if the screw-ups found in this game are warranted. That, I'll leave up to the readers.
As much as I dislike the later products from Blizzard, I have to admit. They got the basics right. Unfortunately, the only way you can respect what they've done in terms of gameplay, is only when you come up with a game that did it wrong...which then you realize: dang, those Blizzard blokes actually knew what they were doing (though I still don't like Warcraft III :p).
Despite DotA being a fan-made map, that game couldn't of worked without the default gameplay mechanics introduced by Blizzard. So this section is indirectly acts as a tribute to Blizzard, who keeps creating games that end up being cloned by other developers, but amazingly those products usually end up being the worst possible garbage in the gaming universe.
A Tribute to Blizzard
Part I – I lost my character!
Now one of the first problems playing this game is during the heat of battle when there are a lot of units involved...somehow you can't find your character. Clicking on the character's portrait will center on the character...but you still can't find him/her. Why? This how to a certain extent, what Blizzard noticed and what other developers seem to lack the brilliance to notice:
- Poor Choice in Colors
Although the background arena is noticeably epic, it only lasts about three seconds, which of course by then you'll be too busy clobbering anything that moves. The only problem is, to clobber anything that moves, you'll just have to clobber the bad guys. Imagine one of those epic movies where hundreds of soldiers butchering each other on the battlefield. Now imagine if all those soldiers had the same uniform of similar color or patterns. Now imagine trying to find your mother there, where the only distinction is that she's carrying a halberd. :) Basically, that's what will happen. The colors used in this game are not distinctive enough. Sometimes one teams looks kinda orange, another kinda red. Great. Not enough color on the uniforms to distinguish the two. Imagine if you were colorblind or had partial colorblindness. This is what separates between good designers and copy-cat designers. The prior has common sense to think about the preferences of other people. There's reason why the default opposing colors in games (among others) are deep bright bright red vs. deep bright blue...and why those uniforms cover the majority the body: distinction. Even more ironic is if you are with the red team with red buildings, the map shows your team as green, and your units have green or orange uniforms, of which 80% of the body is covered in another color. Changing the team colors doesn't help either. Egad. Who oversees these decisions? Lead artist must have been busy doing something else. - Vague Character Highlight
Not exactly sure what it's called. So how do you know which is your character is Warcraft 3 and which ones are other heroes? Well, there that big massive shining circle thingy underneath all those heroes. Hard to miss. It's almost as big as the character. Now why would need something ridiculous like that I wonder? Remember you were trying to find your mother? Yep. Hi, mom. I can see that big shining circle under you, because the rest of your body is hidden behind all those units running around. In this game, that big shiny circle, high color contrast, moving patterns, that undoubtedly is used to help the player identify heroes, is replace with a small little circle, either ghostly green or light blue that just melds in the background. Easy to miss. Even more annoying is that little circle is useless in the heat of battle because of the next point. - Layer Priority Disaster
Ah, animations. Don't you just love them. Especially when they cover up everything you actually want to see. So you're still trying to find your mom, which is almost impossible to find her with all those soldiers running about, then you realize it gets worse: dust and blood are covering everything. Great, just great. Not only do you have trouble finding where the units are, dust and blood animations take priority covering everything else over. It even covers up that little vague circle that's supposed to be under your character. When there are more than 20 units moving around the place...it's chaotic view bodies and blood in the middle of a dust storm. Oh, wait. At least I can zoom in on my character...and track my character while I'm at it. That surely will help get out of this graphical nightmare. Then you realize... - Total Eclipse
There I was, trying to figure out where my character was in the midst of 30 something soldiers in mortal combat. Zoomed and tracked my character, so although I can't see him/her very well, I know at least that it's somewhere in the middle of the screen. Then something happens. The screen goes dark. What the...? The Rook just dropped in on the fun. The Rook is a basically a moving bastion of stone that is about two-thirds the size of any other character. The only thing larger than him is the Citadel...which is a dang building. He's even bigger and taller than the other buildings. So when he comes around, everything he's in front of is blocked from your view. Way to go, whoever came up with this character idea. You must be really pleased with yourself. :p Basically, sooner or later, it's easier just to avoid the Rook. Friend or foe doesn't matter. If he's there, you'll have trouble seeing squat, much less target something.
So, at this point, it's practically impossible to find where the beejesus your mother is, with all those units, blending color, dust, and finally the Rook doing his modeling routine. Might just let the AI play alone, since it's the only one that can see where anything is. :p
Part Two – Moronic Game Mechanics
Playtesting. Is it really that much of a difficult job to do? Just play. They couldn't even do that right.
Click. Click. Click. Huh? Why isn't my character moving?
For all the lousy excuses for playtesting. What did you guys do? Playtest this game for an hour and say it's done? I can't move my freaking character you dingbats!
Occasionally, the character gets stuck for god knows what reason. You'll have to click furiously all over the screen so it actually moves again. Sometimes, characters move but still get stuck, while doing a Michael Jackson routine in certain areas. Usually near towers sharp corners. Hey, look. They're moonwalking while being clobbered by enemy units.
Can't tell you how many times I died or the enemy that just needed a few hits left to kill, got away, because the character won't move. Not only can it not move, equally as often, the skills don't come out either. Some few cases involved you mistakenly clicking on a controllable minion (which is why it's a bad idea in the first place), however most cases still refer to the inability of the character moving.
The most usual case of not moving is when you use an offensive skill (which success) and for whatever reason the character just stops there instead of following the intended target. In the meanwhile, your looking at that enemy hero waiting for your character to clobber him/her, but the character never comes. Apparently your character has something better to do, like standing still.
There's also a less than a second lag, but that's one microsecond too long, too many, especially for multiplayer games. Other minor complaints are inability to click on the mini-map to move, inability to continue to move when a selected target dies (i.e. when select an enemy and it dies, your character stops moving instead of moving to that last location), inability to move in the direction of off-map selection, etc. There's also a small possibility that the game will hang during the loading screen. If that's not bad enough, restarting your PC doesn't help. You have to unplug the power supply for the CPU to start running again for some odd reason. It's happened to me three times already.
Oh, I haven't even mentioned the unbalanced characters. You can read those in other reviews. Too many, too tired.
The Bottom Line
Here I am, just playing the single player tournament. It's bound to be hit for multiplayer...filled with users that can't see squat with characters that are randomly immobile. :p
As much as I'd like to end this review with a more provocative personal insult of literature galore. I'm just stuck with one word.
Stupid.
May 31st, 2011 · Windows
Contributors to this Entry
Critic reviews added by ryanbus84, DreinIX, Solid Flamingo, CalaisianMindthief, Patrick Bregger, Zeppin, beetle120, Alsy, Tim Janssen, Sicarius, Yearman, Cantillon, Jeanne, Dariusz Sadkowski, Cavalary, Samuel Smith, Alaedrain, LordAndrew.