Home Gaming Blizzcon 2013 – Hands on with Heroes of the Storm

Blizzcon 2013 – Hands on with Heroes of the Storm

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storm heroes

MOBA games began with Blizzard. Or at least, the tools that Blizzard provided with their games. That genre has grown massively over the years, resulting in massive tournaments with even bigger prizes on the line. Blizzard has seen this, and they’re bringing their own long-in-development MOBA game to free-to-play battlegrounds. Prepare yourselves for the Heroes of the Storm.

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Heroes of the Storm will be familiar to anyone who has played a MOBA game at least once. It has all the usual gameplay features associated with the genre. A tilted overhead map, resources to gather, buildings to destroy in order to dominate maps and minions to send into battle.

The hook here though, is that Heroes of the Storm will allow you to step into the shoes of your favourite Blizzard characters and use some real teamwork to emerge victorious from matches.

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I got hands on time with the game, using several of the characters on offer in the build that was being shown off at Blizzcon.

What struck me though, was that while Heroes of the Storm was undoubtedly a MOBA game, it differed in several ways from trending titles such as DOTA 2 and League of Legends. Those current games are faster, intense and unfriendly to beginners. Heroes of the Storm however, is a simpler version that strips the unnecessary fluff out of the genre and focuses more on making the overall experience tighter, fluid and actually fun.

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I’ll be honest here: I am not a MOBA fan. I find the environment toxic, the rules arbitrary and the entire atmosphere of these games to be boring to a point where I’m reduced to tears. Heroes of the Storm, could sway me over to these games.

It’s just fantastic to take part in a game that wants you to have a good time, whether it be on a quick 20 minute map or on a competitive level. It’s going to be impossible for Heroes of the Storm to not be picked up on the eSports stage, but it’s also going to have some casual love.

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Going in, I chose Starcraft’s Nova as my first character. Physically weaker than the rest, she made up for that drawback with long-range skills and a cloaking ability that left her invisible when inactive, until she could attack again. And I freakin’ won my very first MOBA game. Sure, the AI may have been set to a pathetically easy level when it was my turn to play, but if I can win a game, that shows just how accessible Heroes of the Storm will be to anyone.

With that first taste done, I played another game using Diablo, who is less about crowd control and more about killing heroes. He’s slightly rubbish when confronted with multiple minions, but his charge attack allows him to rush an opposing hero out of their protective circle, leaving said foe open to follow-up attacks.

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Each character comes with three special attacks in the game, a passive ability and several perks that become available when they level up. Characters can also ride mounts into battle in order to get back into action quicker, and seeing the lord of terror on his own cute hellmount was just adorable. Health boosts, regen, extra mana and other character-specific bonuses are part of the package, but they won’t make you unstoppable.

The Heroes on offer all feel different from one another, even with long-range characters such as Jim Raynor and Nova, who despite sharing the same universe, are completely different characters in their own right. These heroes also represent differing levels of skills needed to master them, something that will come into play in the long-term game plan.

Heroes of the Storm is not a game for lone wolves. You’ll need to use teamwork, protect your fellow heroes and evolve a quick strategy for the various obstacles in your way. This is going to manifest itself in the character you pick, as you’re all gears in a greater engine of death and destruction.

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I checked the game downstairs as well in a match with actual people, playing another map as Uther. Despite walking softly and carrying a big hammer, Uther is your perfect medic, able to keep your heroes fighting and the enemy at a disadvantage. The game was also in no way toxic, something that I despise in the MOBA community, although it’s to be expected considering the enthusiastic Blizzcon attendees by my side.

Storm (1)

It’s still too soon to tell whether or not the MOBA community at large will pick up Heroes of the Storm, but it’s a game designed for Blizzard fans and newcomers. It’s easy to learn, not too deep and fun with friends. And, like League of Legends and Dota 2, it’ll be completely free to play when it launches.

Last Updated: November 13, 2013

No Comments

  1. Looks like Dota..

    Reply

    • Ultimo_Cleric N7

      November 14, 2013 at 09:37

      Yup. Then again, look where DOTA came from……

      Reply

    • annalisedyy264

      November 14, 2013 at 17:43

      ?? ??-??????’? ????-?????? ????? $65/?? ?? ??? ????????. ??? ??? ???? ?????????? ??? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ??? ??? ??? $14274 ???? ??????? ?? ??? ???????? ??? ? ??? ?????. ??????? ???? fox200&#46com

      Reply

    • aardvarked

      November 15, 2013 at 18:21

      That’s a fantastic observation there, sir. Who would have thought?!

      Reply

  2. FoxOneZA

    November 13, 2013 at 15:03

    Did the game start up with Enrque’s Hero in the background?

    Reply

  3. ToshZA

    November 13, 2013 at 15:07

    So they’ve done to the MOBA genre what they did to the CCG genre with Hearthstone.

    I’m amped to try this out, because I actually enjoy DOTA2. And I love Blizz (I don’t share the hate people have for them), and their respective characters. It looks awesome, thanks for the write-up. Blizz needs to give me a beta key for this. Now. Already signed up for one.

    Reply

    • Captain GUZ

      November 13, 2013 at 15:28

      LAGZ should have a beta key competition!

      Reply

      • ToshZA

        November 13, 2013 at 15:30

        They’d need the keys from Blizz first. So that needs to happen. It really does. Also, random.org needs to love the name “ToshZA” a lot when it does.

        Reply

  4. Admiral Chief Wang

    November 13, 2013 at 15:08

    RAYNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

    Reply

    • John's (JJ's) ????

      November 13, 2013 at 15:30

      Dat Nova

      Reply

  5. hairyknees

    November 13, 2013 at 15:08

    Sorry to say, but every community has a level of toxicity 😛 I will agree though that some are worse than others! This game looks interesting, can’t wait to try it out!

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Wang

      November 13, 2013 at 15:10

      SHADDAP YOU DOTA SLUT MATTYFEEEG

      😛

      So when are we jamming HotS?

      Reply

      • hairyknees

        November 13, 2013 at 15:12

        Hey hey you’re gonna have to start calling me a MOBA slut xD I’ve been giving League of Legends a go, and I will be playing HotS to when it comes out 😛

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Wang

          November 13, 2013 at 15:21

          Ok fair enough MOBA SLUUUUUT MATTYFEEEEG.

          I’ll jam this with you!

          Reply

          • hairyknees

            November 13, 2013 at 15:23

            <3

    • Matthew Holliday

      November 13, 2013 at 15:45

      people around here love to remind people how toxic the dota community is.
      its a phase, this time last year they were all complaining about how CoD players are all cancerous, but half of them just bought Ghosts.

      Reply

      • ToshZA

        November 13, 2013 at 15:50

        • Admiral Chief Wang

          November 13, 2013 at 15:52

          No WAY I’m clicking on anything that starts with “mariahcareycollection”

          Reply

          • ToshZA

            November 13, 2013 at 15:55

            Press F5, its just an image.

          • Admiral Chief Wang

            November 13, 2013 at 16:02

            na ah 😛

          • ToshZA

            November 13, 2013 at 16:05

            Scout’s honour.

        • Matthew Holliday

          November 13, 2013 at 15:53

          that song was always embarassingly catchy.
          nice music video though

          Reply

  6. TiMsTeR1033

    November 13, 2013 at 15:08

    Think they should rather make Warcraft 4… been waiting a LONG time.

    Reply

    • ToshZA

      November 13, 2013 at 15:12

      Is that really going to work with WoW still in full steam ahead mode? Can you imagine playing an RTS with 9 races to choose from?

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        November 13, 2013 at 15:15

        What is wrong with that man? would be kickass, and add so much more to the game.

        Reply

        • ToshZA

          November 13, 2013 at 15:16

          Yeah but trying to balance 4 races isn’t easy, imagine 9. And competitive multiplayer? What a development nightmare. Not to mention the single player story (which has always been epic) – how would that tie into the continuously evolving WoW storyline – one that was borne of the RTS games?

          I don’t see it happening. Not soon, anyways.

          Reply

          • xterain

            November 14, 2013 at 23:38

            Wow have never looked like a continue story of warcarft 3, in warcraft 2 deathwing attacked stormwind, and you find so much alikeness in wow and warcraft 3, like story was repeated..

      • Matthew Holliday

        November 13, 2013 at 15:17

        oh yes, yes i could definitely imagine warcraft 4 with 9 races to choose from.

        Reply

        • ToshZA

          November 13, 2013 at 15:20

          Such heavy and unrealistic expectations. And then people hate Blizz. *sigh*

          Don’t get me wrong, it might be cool. But also remember SC2 has an entire, full-priced game PER RACE. They already milk WoW with subs and ex pacs, so spending time on doing that for WC4? No. Just another reason (to add to those I mention below)

          Reply

          • Matthew Holliday

            November 13, 2013 at 15:37

            Oh, you misunderstand, I dont expect them to ever make warcraft 4, regardless of how much Id like them to.
            11 years since Frozen Throne, we get the message.
            But I could definitely see myself playing all 9 races.

            even if they did make warcraft 4, theyd never have 9 races, we’d get the same 4 as from warcraft 3.

          • ToshZA

            November 13, 2013 at 15:39

            Hahahaha. Ok, fair play

    • Matthew Holliday

      November 13, 2013 at 15:17

      this has a very warcrafty feel to it though, which is good, but yeah, really makes me wish for warcraft 4

      Reply

  7. Gerhard Davids

    November 13, 2013 at 15:11

    Awesome write-up. Looks like great fun. Is it still built with the Galaxy Editor or is it standalone now?

    Reply

    • Major Commodore 64 Darryn B

      November 13, 2013 at 15:20

      Both actually. Built with that editor, made to be a standalone game. Beta kicks off soon for it as well.

      Reply

      • ToshZA

        November 13, 2013 at 15:25

        In Other News, please ensure we get a decent ION today. The last 2 days have been rough going, with Geoff and Zoe trolling us. Because you’re the ION picker we deserve, and the one we need right now. 😛

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          November 13, 2013 at 15:28

          What’s wrong with yesterdays ION? He’s a good looking guy.

          Reply

          • ToshZA

            November 13, 2013 at 15:28

            You would say that. 😉

          • Admiral Chief Wang

            November 13, 2013 at 15:36

            lol

        • Major Commodore 64 Darryn B

          November 13, 2013 at 15:28

          Don’t worry, your ION messiah and naughty boy has returned.

          Reply

          • ToshZA

            November 13, 2013 at 15:29

            For what we are about to receive, we are eternally grateful. Amen. 😀

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            November 13, 2013 at 15:37

            Seeing is believing.

          • Admiral Chief Wang

            November 13, 2013 at 15:40

            He is gonna troll us all with him in BlizzCon underpaaaaants

          • ToshZA

            November 13, 2013 at 15:42

            Or worse, no underpants. Just a batman mask, a black cape, a sunny California, and some wind.

          • Admiral Chief Wang

            November 13, 2013 at 15:43

            I don’t sit THAT close to my monitor to be shocked luckily

          • ToshZA

            November 13, 2013 at 15:44

            LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

            Emperor Trevor would approve though. 😉

  8. Devourer of Small Bunnies

    November 13, 2013 at 15:25

    Ive read up a lot on HOTS but I havent seen what the structure nor maps look like. Also heard about new/alternate game modes, character development and a million other things. I just wish beta would come out so I can see what its actually all about. Yeah I get that its a moba but DOTA and Demigod are also MOBA’s but shre nearly no resemblance, at either character or map level.

    Actually on that note, I really wished Demigod did better. Was such a fun concept.

    Reply

  9. UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy

    November 13, 2013 at 15:26

    They need to make a new IP or at least give us some news on Project Titan. Recycling old IPs is just becoming irritating now.

    Reply

    • ToshZA

      November 13, 2013 at 15:27

      They’re doing something new with their IP’s AND the MOBA genre at the same time. That’s plenty dude.

      Reply

      • UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy

        November 13, 2013 at 15:32

        The only thing I am excited about is Diablo 3’s Exp.

        Heartstone – Yeah it’s kind of fun, but it is a waterdown Magic The Gathering to me.
        Heroes of the Storm – MOBA market that everyone is entering into. Same heroes I have seen for years.
        WoW – That exp just doesn’t look like anything exciting to me. Meh

        I want a new IP like Project Titan to come out. Something new with new characters and a new story. New being the main theme here.

        I will give Heroes OTS some play and I am already playing Hearthstone, but they don’t get me excited in mah pants.

        Reply

        • ToshZA

          November 13, 2013 at 15:36

          Alright, fair enough man. IDK, I think Blizz (besides WoW) are doing some exciting things atm. Hearthstone, HotS, D3 Exp. Its all looking good. And everyone seems to forget the Protoss SC2 game (that they didn’t say anything about at Blizzcon, wtf)

          Reply

          • UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy

            November 13, 2013 at 15:41

            I was hoping for news about Titan really… WoW exp was inevitable, but no new class or new race? No thx.

            I want the D3 Exp Collectors Ed IN MAH FACE! Can’t wait for that…

            Something from Blizzard would just be amazing though. They do everything so well. Just imagine a whole new world with new lore and people and mechanics and stuff! THE STUFF! This is probably the only thing where I go SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY without even checking up on anything.

          • ToshZA

            November 13, 2013 at 15:43

            That’s 100% true man. A new IP from them would just get my money, no questions asked. They create such rich and vibrant worlds & lore & stuff. 😛

  10. John's (JJ's) ????

    November 13, 2013 at 15:30

    That video of this gave me goosebumps. For the moment though, I still prefer Dawn of War.

    Reply

  11. Vampyre Squirrel

    November 13, 2013 at 15:30

    I got an email from EA to register for the Dawngate MOBA Beta… dunno if I’ll sign up for it… I’m not really a MOBA player, prefer MMORPG’s

    Reply

  12. Hammersteyn

    November 13, 2013 at 15:30

    Blizzard and free to play, what’s the catch?

    Reply

    • ToshZA

      November 13, 2013 at 15:31

      Same concept as DOTA2, cosmetic items you pay for – they don’t affect anything but the looks. Works perfectly.

      Reply

    • Vampyre Squirrel

      November 13, 2013 at 15:31

      Micro transactions

      Reply

    • Deano

      November 13, 2013 at 15:32

      Same as league of legends free but you pay for outfits ect, and they make a ton of $$$$

      Reply

  13. Matthew Holliday

    November 13, 2013 at 15:34

    Its very definitely catering to casual gamers, providing something easier for people to get into. (I thought that was what LoL was for?)
    No last hitting, no items and shared experience.
    i wouldnt call it simpler, id call it easier.

    From what Ive seen of it, it doesnt cater to moba players, theres only one element in play, and thats team fight.
    less mechanics to master, less skill needed.
    needs more if it wants to be a long running title, but it will be good for some fun with friends.

    Reply

    • ToshZA

      November 13, 2013 at 15:38

      Nono, they dumbed WoW down over the years and its still successful. Dumbing down works. Look at CoD even.

      However, I think the strategy wrt the maps and how they are dynamic, map control is a much bigger factor, teamwork is as big a deal as the rest (And this is usually how a MOBA game is won or lost). They’ve taken out certain elements, but added others in. Aiming for fun rather than competition, and needless research.

      Don’t get me wrong, I love DOTA. Its nice however to see a MOBA that isn’t another clone.

      Reply

      • Matthew Holliday

        November 13, 2013 at 15:49

        Yeah Purge brought up the whole “not a clone” point in an interview, said theres no point in a rehash.
        but he also said that without added mechanics, he doesnt see it as a lasting game with professional play.

        Reply

        • ToshZA

          November 13, 2013 at 15:52

          Well, to be fair, the professional market is a LOT smaller than the casual one. I think there’s more money in the casual market, and if they make it fun, it can be a nice break for pro MOBA players too.

          Reply

  14. CodeName Tailgunner

    November 13, 2013 at 15:47

    Maybe they can use this as a platform to legitimize some other warcraft 3 custom maps that were also popular like 10 hero siege and castle defense and things like that. Probably a bigger market for that than just another Dota

    Reply

  15. Caden

    November 13, 2013 at 15:51

    I am not sure that this will quite make the competitive scene. Other reviews I have seen mentioned no last hitting and shared team xp which are one of the key factors in competitive e-sports scenes. Quite frankly it seems that they have removed a lot of the skill element. Taking that part aside all of the reviews I have seen did say that it was a lot of fun so maybe aimed at a more casual fun market than the uber competitive die noob fest that is most MOBA’s?

    Reply

  16. Wyzak

    November 14, 2013 at 09:03

    Does the game have free-speech like dota/lol or does it have limited things to say like Hearthstone? I’m really hoping for the latter.

    Reply

  17. Jason

    November 15, 2013 at 12:20

    Really Darryn? “The game was also in no way toxic, something that I despise in the MOBA community”

    The game has not been released yet, the arrogant SAfricans and the rude Russians haven’t had time to infect it yet.

    Reply

  18. Gabe

    November 16, 2013 at 23:51

    How can you tell that a game isn’t “toxic” from playing a demo in a controlled environment? Unless we’ve got different understanding of what “toxic” means in this context.

    Reply

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