DOTA 2

DOTA 2 (Defense Of The Ancients 2) is the sequel to a popular mod named DotA for Warcraft III Reign of Chaos and Warcraft III Frozen Throne. The mod created a whole new sub-genre for the Real Time Strategy game called Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA). DotA has helped create popular standalone MOBA's such as League of Legends(LoL), SMITE, Heroes of Newerth, Rise Of The Immortals and Monday Night Combat.



The difference in this sub-genre from actual RTS is that there is no building units or structures instead you are controlling one unit. The hero,champion,summoner,immortal,or god which ever theme the MOBA takes on, your goal is to destroy the opposite sides main structure. In DOTA2's case it would be the ancient. Sounds simple right? Well there are units called creeps, towers and the opposite teams champions standing in your way. I could sit here and type up a whole explanation of the game but, I found a great video that breaks down the game in just four minutes.



DOTA2 is still in beta. So giving a review on a product that really isn't finished doesn't make sense. I guess what I was trying to put down is how much fun DOTA2 really is. I never played the mod for the WarcraftIII games but I have dabbled in League of Legends over the past couple of years. I'm not good at the game either. There is a bit of a learning curve for this game but once you know the general mechanics and in-game jargon you'll be good to go. There are plenty of champions to choose from and they are free. Other MOBA's will have heros,champions,summoners,immortals,or gods you can select but but choices are low. Many characters are rotated bi-weekly/bi-montly for you to try out. Every MOBA has its form of a cash shop that will offer more champions, skins for your favorite champions. DOTA2 does this but the majority of it is centered around keys from chests you get from matches played. There are package deals for cosmetic items you can get for your champions to make them stand out on the battle field. If your lucky during a public match or public bot match you can get a piece of cosmetic gear from the game for a random champion.

DOTA2 is a free game. VALVE's steam service does offer a pay option that will allow you early access to the game and give you a few in-game goodies (Skins for the Courier, Sven & Juggernaut). There is also the survey and free route to get DOTA2. Who doesn't like free? Click on this link (Steam Required) answer the questions and you will get an e-mail from VALVE with access to the game.


DOTA2 is a fun experience and look forward to see the new updates. If you are interested, go find a beginners guide on what champions to start out with and practice on bots or play bots with friends. After a few games under your belt try the public match and test your skills. Take note on what you did well and what you need to work on. Soon you will be spending way too much time making new friends and getting better at DOTA 2.