Wulfstand said:
So, how is the game? Is it any fun, compared to HoN and LoL? (I am aware that the answers to this question are going to be really biased, but I want to hear them regardless) Does it make you feel as if you're playing dota/does it give you that good ol' dota vibe?
I've heard that the game leavers are a real issue to this game, and that valve hasn't really incorporated any real punishment in this regard, is it true? Also no ward, because 'lol it's only the beta, who gives a fuck?'
First of all, I haven't played LoL nor HoN. I am dota1 fan through and through. Here are the main features, which differ, are improved from dota1 or are worth mentioning (IMHO). (disclaimer: may not include ones I've forgot)
Simplicity of finding a game
If you have any friends added in steam, you can see what they are doing, f.e. if they are playing dota2: friend is playing as Earthshaker Lvl 14. In the same "Friends" frame you can quickly invite them to party (or from various channels, like in bnet), which will guarantee you will be matched in the same team. Also, I have to mention that if you see your friend is playing you can watch their game. You can join/leave observers any time you want (there's built in >1min delay to avoid ghosting).
After you've formed desired party you can just press "Find a game" and soon you will be matched will similarly skilled players (I have no complaints yet). Takes up to 2-3 minutes max? Currently there are always around 10k people online.
Servers
I've experienced brief lag only on a few occasions in one game. There's minimal delay (50ms?), which is perfectly understandable. I live in Baltic country, so I am matched with players from different countries from Russia to Scandinavia without any problems.
Leavers
Leavers were the issue in the first dota, but in dota2 I've heard there a different pool for leavers who abandon the game. As a result, if you abandon several games there's quite a chance you'll be matched with the same ones as you.
It has to be mentioned that if one player has abandoned the game, there's a system message informing that others players are safe to leave without any repercussions. Although most game I've played finished with 4 players on side. I have yet to abandon the game so I very rarely encounter leavers.
Also, I've almost forgot to mention, there are commend/report buttons to, obviously, report violators/abusers and so on.
Leaving, reconnecting and rejoining
Major improvement. If you crash/leave/disconnect from the game you have 5 minute window to reconnect and continue playing. If don't reconnect or abandon the game yourself, other players will be able to leave the game safely as mentioned beforehand. (Other players continue playing while you reconnect. They can control the hero, but can't sell your items).
Minor in-game features, which spring to mind
Voice chat - useful (there's a squelch option too).
Drawing on the map (yes, you can draw dicks) to show path one should take (addition to pinging the map).
Rebinding keys including skills and items. All skills default on QWER, but you can use original one like in dota1.
Shopping system
You can setup quick buy list, what you are going to buy. Also, if you press to buy Mekansm for instance and have enough gold - the whole item will appear in your inventory. You no longer need to buy ingredients and combine them separately alone.
Another example - if you have 3 branches in your inventory and would like to buy Magic Wand, you press to buy the whole Magic Wand recipe, but the game knows that you already have 3 branches, so it will only buy Magic Stick and the recipe.
Also, the shopping system has a different layout so it takes time to transition from dota1 shopping system.
Graphics
Like in any other gamers it takes time to adjust, remember and recognize various spell effects to know which are which.
Mechanics
Mechanics are totally the same as in dota1 (or atleast very close to). It seems like a dota1, yet it is still different feel, but I have no complaints to be honest.
To sum up (I run out of steam writing), I enjoy playing 2-3 games everyday after I get back from work with my friends
Would you like to know more?
