π’ VALVE HAS A NEW GAME OUT! π’
Calm down, Half-Life 3. π
Whenever Valve makes a new game it's a celebration for all. One of the most renowned game developers and a giant in the video game industry. Valve is one of one, and if you follow the scene at all you will know how big of a deal this is.
The game we are talking about today is very familiar, but at the same time, unlike anything we have ever seen. It proposes to be the apex of a genre established by Valve themselves in a way. We have a lot to get to so let's not waste any more time.
And soβοΈ In this edition of Through the Lens π, we'll be taking a look at Valve's yet to be releassed third person shooter MOBA: Deadlock. βοΈ
(you know, I'm thinking of proposing a ban on using the word 'Shadow' in names, isn't it overdone?)
Roll it! π½
π· UP TOP πΆ
Usually, I put up the soundtrack for the game we are discussing. But Deadlock is yet to release so we can't do that. Instead, we'll listen to another Valve staple - the Portal soundtrack. Because why not? π€·ββ
This is a first for me. Reviewing a game yet to be released is for sure a different format than what I'm used to. But this game deserves it. Valve doesn't release often. Granted, their last release was Half-Life:Alyx - which is unarguably the best VR game ever made. And yes, Artifacts and Underlords were duds, but that was more due to corporate decisions than the quality of the game. I think this time around they have a winner on their hands. π―
I have played around 10h of Deadlock, and have watched quadruple that amount in streams and videos. I am god-awful at it. But I appreciate complex games, and this might be the most complex of them all.
π· NEXT GEN πΆ
Those who know me know I don't use this term lightly. Deadlock is truly the next-gen of MOBAs. This is my thesis statement - I will try and convince you of that fact throughout this article.
Early in its showings, people compared it to Smite, but the only similarities between the two games are that they are MOBAs and their perspectives. A closer example would be Overwatch meets Dota, or Valorant meets Dota. Regardless, Smite is more League of Legends, whereas Deadlock is a Dota shooter. And you guys know how much I love Dota. π
What makes this game unique is its Third-person shooter aspect. It has all the bells and whistles to make it a hardcore shooter - headshot5s, precision movement etc. On top of all the MOBA/Dota elements. For instance, you can deny your creeps the same as you can in Dota, only you have to be the better aim.
You stack these complexities and you've got one of deepest gaming experiences out there. There are no unique elements in Deadlock - the strategist merging of its elements is what makes it truly next-gen. π
π· MOBA-ESQUE πΆ
Deadlock is 80% MOBA and 20% shooter.
And you can quote me on that. One of the lead game designers on the game is IceFrog, a renowned Dota developer and God. Among some circles. So it is normal that all the elements are there: lanes, creeps, towers, shop, jungle. Except there are 4 lanes instead of 3, and there are 6 heroes/champions/gods instead of 5.
There are also 4 spells. 3 normal spells that go on cycle, and one ultimate. There are also usable items. Which means your fingers are gonna have to be extra fast. Not only to move around the map but also to use everything that needs to be used at the right time.
And the movement is quite something, let's discuss that in the Shooter section why don't we?
π· SHOOTER-ESQUE πΆ
If you're good at shooting you will be decent at Deadlock, but if you have knowledge of MOBAs you will be an excellent player regardless of your shooting skill. This game is a MOBA first, shooter second. But the shooting elements are still there so let's get into it.
For one thing, the movement here is akin Apex Legends more than anything else. There is a jump, a double jump, a dash, and a slide. You can combine these movement abilities any way you see fit. Combine this with the precision shooting needed to get a kill in the distance, and you have the most skillful game ever made. π
The shooting aspects of the game are most prominent in lane, where getting last hit and denies is paramount. Later on, it's more important to know when and on whom to use your abilities rather than being a good shot. But that aspect is still there, and more relevant on some heroes rather than others.
And yes, the champion roster here is vast. Witth some heroes requiring shooting skill while other map awareness. All the trappings of the ultimate MOBA are here, and I think Valve has a hit on their hands.
π· LEGACY πΆ
It's weird having this section when the game isn't out yet. For a moment I wanted to name the segment Potential, but I'm not changing my structure for any one game. I have standards!
But the potential here is immense. Deadlock has drawn in the Overwatch crowd, as well as the Apex players. Combine this with all the MOBA players checking the game out and you have instant publicity.
I don't know if it'll be a good eSport because I don't know how watchable it will be, but it certainly has the potential to be the most skillful game ever made. And I'm not over-exaggerating when I say that.
Thank you for reading, you rock! (and maybe roll) πππ
πΌοΈ Image Sources: 01, 02, 03, 04 πΌοΈ
Shout-out to the πPIZZAπ gang, π€ gang. π€
I have a couple more games in mind. Hope to be posting more often again. Wish me luck. π
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I hope you are having an amazing week! π