Home Gaming Heroes of the Storm alpha preview: Fast paced – but still casual

Heroes of the Storm alpha preview: Fast paced – but still casual

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HeroesOfTheStorm 2014-07-14 17-04-07-22

Did you know that the first MOBA wasn’t actually the DotA mod for Warcraft 3? It was called Aeon of Strife, a mod for the original StarCraft. Blizzard were indirectly part of the creation of an entire genre, simply because they gave gamers some tools to play with. Now, many years later, after years of renames, redesigns, as well as a certain dispute with Valve over the name Dota, we finally have Heroes of the Storm; Blizzards own take on the MOBA genre.

Blizzard can try and shy away from calling their game a MOBA as much as they want, but deep down, it still is. The core gameplay is there. There are two teams of five heroes, all with the goal of pushing down several lanes to destroy the enemies primary building. The similarity tends to end there, as there are loads of new ideas being explored. Remember, the game is still in a Technical Alpha phase, so there is the chance that anything you read here may change at some point during development.

HeroesOfTheStorm 2014-07-15 18-45-24-20

The first most noticeable differences are the absence of gold, an item shop, and independent experience. As a hardcore MOBA gamer, it really was disconcerting at first. This changes the gameplay somewhat, as there is no longer an emphasis on trying to “outfarm” the enemy team.

Instead, traditional item shopping is replaced with customisable hero abilities, and independent experience is replaced with a bar that represents the level of the entire team. The latter means that a player no longer needs to worry about becoming under levelled or useless as the game progresses, as the experience is global.

The absence of gold also makes life a little easier, especially for supports who are generally shunned and starved of gold in the typical MOBA setup. All a player has to do to net experience for the team is be present in the lane. There is no last hitting required whatsoever. Now, at first I sat and scratched my head, wondering “what’s the point?” There really is no room for it though, as the game is about gaining momentum and pushing down the enemies lanes. Newbies can rejoice, there is now nothing wrong with mindlessly right clicking down a lane!

HeroesOfTheStorm 2014-07-15 18-24-24-26

The heroes themselves are incredibly fun to play, and the game already has many familiar favourites. Thinking on all the lore packed into WarCraft, StarCraft, and Diablo, I really don’t see them running out of characters to implement anytime soon.  It’s quite something to see the likes of Diablo squaring off against Kerrigan, or Raynor taking on Valla, the Demon Hunter.

Heroes are classified according to their primary role; Warrior, Assassin, Specialist, and Support. They each have access to their three abilities right from the beginning of the game, as well as a passive or sub-ability of sorts. It changes early skirmishes somewhat, as fast paced battles can take place immediately, and they very often do.

As mentioned already, these skills are customisable to a certain extent. For example, Stitches is the abomination who can hook enemy heroes. One of his possible skill builds includes making the hook longer, or gives it the ability to hook two targets instead of one. Each hero also has the choice of one of two ultimate abilities. Stitches can choose to either emit bile that damages heroes in an AOE, or he can choose to gorge a single enemy, taking them out of the fight for a few seconds and doing some damage too. It does open some room for a player to decide exactly how they wish to play the hero.

OHGODOHGODOHGOD

The game already has several maps to cause mayhem on. All are won by destroying the enemy core, but it’s their secondary objectives that set them apart. One for example, has mines which open up periodically throughout the game. Killing the residents of the mine yields skulls, and the more a team collects, the stronger their Grave Golem will be when it spawns.

It opens up many strategic doors. A team can decide to either push a lane with their Grave Golem, or defend the push from the enemies giant monster. Between all of this chaos, there are also mercenary camps spread throughout the map. Defeating them will sway them to your cause, meaning they will push down the nearest lane.

When a team plays together, it’s amazing and loads of fun. However, all these different options may become a recipe for disaster too, as miscommunication and skewed visions of important objectives by players may lead to some minor arguments. One player may feel that pushing is best, the other may choose to defend. One may decide to farm up mercenary camps, while the other tries to collect skulls in the mine.

HeroesOfTheStorm 2014-07-28 17-14-34-41

I never experienced true rage, but I can honestly see it happening in some form in some games. Blizzard might have removed some core MOBA elements to make it beginner friendly, but adding in so many different aspects might actually end up complicating things for newcomers. The overall team experience bar is honestly a great idea too, but I’ve already been part of some games where the enemy team had an advantage of two or three levels, resulting in part of my team giving up and going AFK because they felt the game was lost.

I don’t think the game will hold the attention of “hardcore” MOBA fans either, at least not in the long run. It just lacks the depth that many may desire. The thing is, it’s not meant to be a hardcore game though, it’s meant to be something that is quick and casual. My game times varied from as little as 10 minutes through to about 28 minutes, and that particular game was really drawn out. All that being said, the game is still in Alpha, so I’m sure Blizzard will find ways or make the needed changes to make the game better as time goes.

HeroesOfTheStorm 2014-07-28 17-27-57-87

I can honestly say that I did enjoy my time with the game. Sure, I like me some Dota 2, or even League of Legends, but the way it stands at the moment, Heroes of the Storm offers a refreshing change. No stress of farming, secondary objectives to keep things going, it’s something I can really enjoy. There is so much more I could say, but I think this is sufficient for now. I look forward to playing and writing more on the game as it progresses down the development cycle. There is no set release date just just yet. I will have some video content ready for you soon so you can see exactly how the game plays in the meantime.

Last Updated: July 29, 2014

99 Comments

  1. If I say this is a MOBA would I be lying?

    Reply

    • hairyknees

      July 29, 2014 at 15:39

      Nope, as far as I’m concerned, it has MOBA written all over it ^_^

      Reply

  2. Sageville

    July 29, 2014 at 15:37

    If I say this is a MOBA would I be lying?

    Reply

    • hairyknees

      July 29, 2014 at 15:39

      Nope, as far as I’m concerned, it has MOBA written all over it ^_^

      Reply

  3. Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

    July 29, 2014 at 15:38

    “minor arguments”

    BWAHAHAHAHAHA, ok then 😛

    Reply

  4. Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

    July 29, 2014 at 15:38

    “minor arguments”

    BWAHAHAHAHAHA, ok then 😛

    Reply

  5. Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

    July 29, 2014 at 15:39

    DOTA SLUUUUUUUUUUUT MARTHA

    Reply

    • hairyknees

      July 29, 2014 at 15:39

      You might need to edit that to say MOBA SLUUUUUUUUUUUUUT 🙂

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

        July 29, 2014 at 15:43

        Indeed, so much for the regular comment. MSM (MOBA SLUT MARTHA)

        Reply

  6. Alien Emperor Trevor

    July 29, 2014 at 15:39

    So many words. Whenever people talk about MOBAs my brain does this:

    Reply

  7. Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

    July 29, 2014 at 15:39

    DOTA SLUUUUUUUUUUUT MARTHA

    Reply

    • hairyknees

      July 29, 2014 at 15:39

      You might need to edit that to say MOBA SLUUUUUUUUUUUUUT 🙂

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

        July 29, 2014 at 15:43

        Indeed, so much for the regular comment. MSM (MOBA SLUT MARTHA)

        Reply

  8. Alien Emperor Trevor

    July 29, 2014 at 15:39

    So many words. Whenever people talk about MOBAs my brain does this:

    Reply

  9. Hammersteyn

    July 29, 2014 at 15:42

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      July 29, 2014 at 15:58

      That’s how you know I don’t play MOBAs. I looked at that picture & thought, “what’s that got to do with MOBA players?” and then I saw them.

      Reply

    • Sageville

      July 29, 2014 at 16:09

      LOLZ

      Reply

  10. Hammersteyn

    July 29, 2014 at 15:42

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      July 29, 2014 at 15:58

      That’s how you know I don’t play MOBAs. I looked at that picture & thought, “what’s that got to do with MOBA players?” and then I saw them.

      Reply

    • Sageville

      July 29, 2014 at 16:09

      LOLZ

      Reply

  11. Thats_how_I_Troll

    July 29, 2014 at 15:45

    Museum Of Bad Art (MOBA) , brought to you by the power of google

    Reply

  12. Thats_how_I_Troll

    July 29, 2014 at 15:45

    Museum Of Bad Art (MOBA) , brought to you by the power of google

    Reply

  13. Rince&pop

    July 29, 2014 at 15:48

    I feel a headache coming on… 0-O

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      July 29, 2014 at 15:49

      I didn’t know MOBAs made you that excited. Wait, what are we talking about?

      Reply

  14. Rince&pop

    July 29, 2014 at 15:48

    I feel a headache coming on… 0-O

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      July 29, 2014 at 15:49

      I didn’t know MOBAs made you that excited. Wait, what are we talking about?

      Reply

  15. Viking Of Science

    July 29, 2014 at 15:50

    Is it Just me, or do ALL MoBA’s have the same Art Style? o_O strip the UI, and most people wont be able to tell the difference between Heroes of The Storm, DotA 2 or LoL….

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      July 29, 2014 at 15:50

      I thought they all ran the Warcraft 3 engine

      Reply

      • Rince&pop

        July 29, 2014 at 15:51

        Which runs on the Starcraft engine?

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          July 29, 2014 at 15:51

          South Koreans.

          Reply

          • hairyknees

            July 29, 2014 at 15:52

            ^ what he said

          • Rince&pop

            July 29, 2014 at 15:54

            Is that a type of battery?

          • Sith JJ

            July 29, 2014 at 16:03

            Does this imply that your (and my) car runs on a Starcraft engine?
            That would be quite cool.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            July 29, 2014 at 16:07

            If only I drove a Siege Tank.

          • Sith JJ

            July 29, 2014 at 16:08

            I personally like the Viking, but nothing beats a battalion of Space Marines.
            Except maybe one well-placed Siege Tank (deployed)

    • hairyknees

      July 29, 2014 at 15:52

      Na they are pretty distinct hey (to me anyway). I bet you I could tell the difference between all of them 😛

      Reply

      • Rince&pop

        July 29, 2014 at 15:55

        Yeah, and there are probably people out there who can tell you the different glues used on different stamps too… Probably participate in @disqus_DoEH3TsffU:disqus’s stamp competitions…

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          July 29, 2014 at 15:56

          Pro-tip – hair gel is the best.

          Reply

          • Rince&pop

            July 29, 2014 at 15:59

            That is why you are a winner buddy!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            July 29, 2014 at 16:04

            Thank buddy…

      • Viking Of Science

        July 29, 2014 at 16:03

        Which one is this then… (Don’t bother checking the URL) or hovering for the tooltip… 😛

        Reply

        • hairyknees

          July 29, 2014 at 16:16

          This is clearly Heroes of Newerth!

          Reply

        • hairyknees

          July 29, 2014 at 16:24

          WAIT, I never saw the image. It is League of Legends 🙂

          Reply

          • Viking Of Science

            July 29, 2014 at 16:25

            Oh sure. back out now…. I caught you out! 😛

  16. Viking Of Science

    July 29, 2014 at 15:50

    Is it Just me, or do ALL MoBA’s have the same Art Style? o_O strip the UI, and most people wont be able to tell the difference between Heroes of The Storm, DotA 2 or LoL….

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      July 29, 2014 at 15:50

      I thought they all ran the Warcraft 3 engine

      Reply

      • Rince&pop

        July 29, 2014 at 15:51

        Which runs on the Starcraft engine?

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          July 29, 2014 at 15:51

          South Koreans.

          Reply

          • hairyknees

            July 29, 2014 at 15:52

            ^ what he said

          • Rince&pop

            July 29, 2014 at 15:54

            Is that a type of battery?

          • Sith JJ

            July 29, 2014 at 16:03

            Does this imply that your (and my) car runs on a Starcraft engine?

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            July 29, 2014 at 16:07

            If only I drove a Siege Tank.

          • Sith JJ

            July 29, 2014 at 16:08

            I personally like the Viking, but nothing beats a battalion of Space Marines.
            Except maybe one well-placed Siege Tank (deployed)

    • hairyknees

      July 29, 2014 at 15:52

      Na they are pretty distinct hey (to me anyway). I bet you I could tell the difference between all of them 😛

      Reply

      • Rince&pop

        July 29, 2014 at 15:55

        Yeah, and there are probably people out there who can tell you the different glues used on different stamps too… Probably participate in @disqus_DoEH3TsffU:disqus’s stamp competitions…

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          July 29, 2014 at 15:56

          Pro-tip – hair gel is the best.

          Reply

          • Rince&pop

            July 29, 2014 at 15:59

            That is why you are a winner buddy!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            July 29, 2014 at 16:04

            Thank buddy…

      • Viking Of Science

        July 29, 2014 at 16:03

        Which one is this then… (Don’t bother checking the URL) or hovering for the tooltip… 😛

        Reply

        • hairyknees

          July 29, 2014 at 16:16

          This is clearly Heroes of Newerth!

          Reply

        • hairyknees

          July 29, 2014 at 16:24

          WAIT, I never saw the image. It is League of Legends 🙂

          Reply

          • Viking Of Science

            July 29, 2014 at 16:25

            Oh sure. back out now…. I caught you out! 😛

  17. Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

    July 29, 2014 at 15:54

    Raynor and Nova, they will be seeing some love from me!

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      July 29, 2014 at 15:58

      Well I have no problems loving Nova, but Raynor….. esih!

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

        July 29, 2014 at 16:00

        What is esih precious?

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          July 29, 2014 at 16:01

          It’s the sound I make when Raynor asks for some loving

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

            July 29, 2014 at 16:01

            Riiight

            😛

          • Hammersteyn

            July 29, 2014 at 16:07

            XD

      • Sith JJ

        July 29, 2014 at 16:00

        It’s going to sound like hitting two pans together with all that armour.

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          July 29, 2014 at 16:04

          Don’t get all jelly now Pan Girl.

          Reply

          • Sith JJ

            July 29, 2014 at 16:04

            Hahaha. I actually completely forgot about that. Good times.

      • Matewis Jubilai

        July 29, 2014 at 16:02

        naturally 🙂 Hopefully one day blizzard will surprise us with a Ghost announcement (sigh…)

        Reply

  18. Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

    July 29, 2014 at 15:54

    Raynor and Nova, they will be seeing some love from me!

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      July 29, 2014 at 15:58

      Well I have no problems loving Nova, but Raynor….. esih!

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

        July 29, 2014 at 16:00

        What is esih precious?

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          July 29, 2014 at 16:01

          It’s the sound I make when Raynor asks for some loving

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief Dovahkiin

            July 29, 2014 at 16:01

            Riiight

            😛

          • Hammersteyn

            July 29, 2014 at 16:07

            XD

      • Sith JJ

        July 29, 2014 at 16:00

        It’s going to sound like hitting two pans together with all that armour.

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          July 29, 2014 at 16:04

          Don’t get all jelly now Pan Girl.

          Reply

          • Sith JJ

            July 29, 2014 at 16:04

            Hahaha. I actually completely forgot about that. Good times.

      • Matewis Jubilai

        July 29, 2014 at 16:02

        naturally 🙂

        Reply

  19. Praise Lord GabeN

    July 29, 2014 at 16:13

    “Stitches is the abomination who can hook enemy heroes.”

    “Stitches can choose to either emit bile that damages heroes in an AOE, or he can choose to gorge a single enemy, taking them out of the fight for a few seconds and doing some damage too.”

    Pudge, is that you?

    Reply

    • hairyknees

      July 29, 2014 at 16:16

      Well, Pudge was actually the abomination in the original DotA 😛 so yeah!

      Reply

  20. Praise Lord GabeN

    July 29, 2014 at 16:13

    “Stitches is the abomination who can hook enemy heroes.”

    “Stitches can choose to either emit bile that damages heroes in an AOE, or he can choose to gorge a single enemy, taking them out of the fight for a few seconds and doing some damage too.”

    Pudge, is that you?

    Reply

    • hairyknees

      July 29, 2014 at 16:16

      Well, Pudge was actually the abomination in the original DotA 😛 so yeah!

      Reply

  21. I AM THE LAW!!!

    July 29, 2014 at 18:53

    This looks good. But HoN still sucks!!!

    Reply

  22. I AM THE LAW!!!

    July 29, 2014 at 18:53

    This looks good. But HoN still sucks!!!

    Reply

  23. Markfigs

    July 29, 2014 at 22:53

    ‘there is now nothing wrong with mindlessly right clicking down a lane!’ now fork that is my kinda game ????

    Reply

  24. Markfigs

    July 29, 2014 at 22:53

    ‘there is now nothing wrong with mindlessly right clicking down a lane!’ now fork that is my kinda game ????

    Reply

  25. UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy

    July 30, 2014 at 10:01

    Like with every MOBA people will say you can play it casual and then find out you really can’t xD

    Reply

  26. UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy

    July 30, 2014 at 10:01

    Like with every MOBA people will say you can play it casual and then find out you really can’t xD

    Reply

    • hairyknees

      July 30, 2014 at 14:47

      Well I honestly thing this may be the best entry point to MOBAs for those who are new to the genre 😛

      Reply

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