Dota 2
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Dota 2 is an upcoming action fantasy strategy video game being developed by Valve Corporation. It is the stand-alone sequel to the popular Warcraft III custom map Defense of the Ancients. The title was formally announced on October 13, 2010 via the Game Informer website. The game is currently under closed beta phase and is scheduled for a full release in 2012. The game will be released through both retail and download by Valve's content delivery platform Steam, which the game has been developed to exclusively run on for both game launch and update delivery. Dota 2 will operate on Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X.
The game is comprised exclusively of session-based online multiplayer activity, with the primary objective of each match being for the teams to destroy their opposing team's fortified stronghold called an Ancient Fortress. Each player assumes the role of a "hero", who is given the responsibility of participating in team combat, which generally takes place along a series of lanes that connect their opposing bases, lined with defensive towers. The gameplay elements are largely incorporated from Defense of the Ancients, with the game's lead designer (known as "IceFrog") being the longest-serving and current developer of the Warcraft III mod. Dota 2 marks Valve's first fantasy, as well as Action RTS game.
User reviews
Average user rating from: 1 user(s)
Dota 2 - Beta
I've been in the beta since there were fewer than 1000 people playing the game worldwide. From the first game I played I knew I wouldn't be going back to DotA. The graphics are as clean as you'd expect from a Valve game and the whole package has been well rounded so far. The current pace of content addition is very good, with weekly updates on Thursdays. Hotkeys have finally been standardised (although legacy keys are still available for reasons beyond my comprehension). So many new options have been added including turning off auto-attack and the ability to move every unit you own without having them selected directly.
The gameplay balance isn't complete because all the heroes aren't implemented yet, so some heroes are more powerful than they otherwise might be because all the counters aren't implemented yet. There are many more features implemented that improve the way you play and control your hero. While the game is still in closed beta, if you can get in it is a great way to spend time with friends or just random people you get slapped together with in the matchmaking.
Like almost everything Valve touches, this has already turned to gold. The most successful Action-RTS game to date and that's even before it's out of the gate. Having played Heroes of Newerth already I can safely say that Dota 2 is a far more successful interpretation of the genre if you're already a fan of DotA.
Points
Customisable suggested item build makes playing the heroes you love that little bit easier