Let me preface this with, I haven't played DOTA or DOTA 2. I have played Warcraft 3, so, I understand the mechanics, and, can see the inspiration for heroes in DOTA 2's universe. With that stated, let's get down to Brass Tax. LoL or DOTA? One of the most Highly Debated topics in geekdom outside Kirk or Picard, Wars or Trek, or Who shot First. (Picard, Wars[before the prequels], and, Han. for the Record) I have recently come across 2 videos about this too, and this will be my 2 cents on the matter.
(Links for the vids mentioned above/below LoL vs Dota MrRepzion
Deadlock Dota vs LoL)
Now that those are out of the way, In the cited videos they admit that DOTA's learning curve is very steep, and, the game is very unforgiving with death and stuns. It seems that DOTA 2 isn't really interested in expanding it's fan base. It knows what it is, and it loves it. There's nothing wrong with this approach. You just have to own it, and from what I've seen. They do.
League on the other hand, while inspired by DOTA, has taken that original concept and updated it, streamlined it, and, gave it a new paint job. Think D&D 5 to D&D 3, or, the new Cameros. Faster more Sleek, and, meant for the masses. It wants as many people playing as it can get, because that means more money. Once again, there's nothing wrong with this approach, but, the company making the game has to cater more toward the fans! (Give us Replay and new ZAC Skins Rito!)
Now, the Pro Scene. League of Legends matches and DOTA matches are of similar length, but, which are more entertaining? Not many people take this one into account, DOTA is not very fun to watch at the highest levels. It's WAY too complex, to take the chess analysis from MrRepzion's video, this is Shogi, a very intracate form of chess. One that requires intimate knowledge of the board, pieces, opponent and abilities of ALL pieces involved, Yomi is a HUGE part of DOTA because it is a pretty balanced meta. (A side note, it's also VERY hard to find if you don't know where to look. I still have trouble finding Good quality footage from TI4. IGN is the best I got, and they suck with sound...)
League you live in the moment, and it takes a deceptive amount of skill to it, but, it is FAR more interesting to watch at the highest levels, partially because of the imbalance of so many champions, but, also, because that's the way the game is built. It's built to be understood. The abilities are clear, the items are simple, even the spectator HUD is streamlined for ease of use and understanding. It is just a masterpiece in it's simplicity. (It's Checkers in this analogy of chess. Fun easy to understand but, hard as balls and fast between people who know top strategies, with a clear layout and masterful craft behind how it is built)
All that said, which one is better? My Opinion, the simpler one is, though, I also like the other options to summoners rift and the colorful cast. I also prefer the fast nature of the game, and the nuance of the abilities. (I also LOVE fighting games so take that as you will.) Even with it's imbalance and rage inducing moments of... Well Riot being Rito...
All that doesn't mean that League is superior however. It's Not. DOTA is. DOTA 2 is the better crafted game with its balance and depth. Dota will always be the better game, just as Shogi will always be a better experience then checkers. You can have fun with both, but, at the end of the day you're going to treasure the accomplishment of winning in the harder game more. (Even if it is easier to find a game of the simple one. Thalimon is my summoner name. See you on the Rift.)
(Links for the vids mentioned above/below LoL vs Dota MrRepzion
Deadlock Dota vs LoL)
Now that those are out of the way, In the cited videos they admit that DOTA's learning curve is very steep, and, the game is very unforgiving with death and stuns. It seems that DOTA 2 isn't really interested in expanding it's fan base. It knows what it is, and it loves it. There's nothing wrong with this approach. You just have to own it, and from what I've seen. They do.
League on the other hand, while inspired by DOTA, has taken that original concept and updated it, streamlined it, and, gave it a new paint job. Think D&D 5 to D&D 3, or, the new Cameros. Faster more Sleek, and, meant for the masses. It wants as many people playing as it can get, because that means more money. Once again, there's nothing wrong with this approach, but, the company making the game has to cater more toward the fans! (Give us Replay and new ZAC Skins Rito!)
Now, the Pro Scene. League of Legends matches and DOTA matches are of similar length, but, which are more entertaining? Not many people take this one into account, DOTA is not very fun to watch at the highest levels. It's WAY too complex, to take the chess analysis from MrRepzion's video, this is Shogi, a very intracate form of chess. One that requires intimate knowledge of the board, pieces, opponent and abilities of ALL pieces involved, Yomi is a HUGE part of DOTA because it is a pretty balanced meta. (A side note, it's also VERY hard to find if you don't know where to look. I still have trouble finding Good quality footage from TI4. IGN is the best I got, and they suck with sound...)
League you live in the moment, and it takes a deceptive amount of skill to it, but, it is FAR more interesting to watch at the highest levels, partially because of the imbalance of so many champions, but, also, because that's the way the game is built. It's built to be understood. The abilities are clear, the items are simple, even the spectator HUD is streamlined for ease of use and understanding. It is just a masterpiece in it's simplicity. (It's Checkers in this analogy of chess. Fun easy to understand but, hard as balls and fast between people who know top strategies, with a clear layout and masterful craft behind how it is built)
All that said, which one is better? My Opinion, the simpler one is, though, I also like the other options to summoners rift and the colorful cast. I also prefer the fast nature of the game, and the nuance of the abilities. (I also LOVE fighting games so take that as you will.) Even with it's imbalance and rage inducing moments of... Well Riot being Rito...
All that doesn't mean that League is superior however. It's Not. DOTA is. DOTA 2 is the better crafted game with its balance and depth. Dota will always be the better game, just as Shogi will always be a better experience then checkers. You can have fun with both, but, at the end of the day you're going to treasure the accomplishment of winning in the harder game more. (Even if it is easier to find a game of the simple one. Thalimon is my summoner name. See you on the Rift.)
Comments
Post a Comment