Dota 2 is an online multiplayer combat arena game. Its name comes from the original DotA which was nothing more than a custom map in Warcraft 3. Although the game is called Dota 2 it is not a sequel, rather a modernization of the original DotA map. The graphical engine is new and delivers outstanding graphics, and the sound effects are even funnier than in the original.
The main point of the game is really simple. You control one hero, in a team which totals five heroes. Each hero looks different, has unique abilities and has to be played in a certain way in order to achieve the victory. There are many types of heroes such as support, ganker, carry, initiators, nukers and more. All of them have a main attribute which can be strength, agility or intelligence. The game is still in a beta phase and not all of the heroes are ported to Dota 2, however in the end there will be more than 100 heroes.
The gameplay is easy to learn but it is quite complicated to master. A near perfect synchronization of every hero in the team is needed in order to defeat the enemy team and this means that everyone in the team has to be highly skilled. The map is divided into 3 lanes, and on each lane a number of creeps will spawn from the base and attempt to destroy the enemy on their own. The creeps are the main source of income in the game since they give both gold and experience, killing enemy heroes also gives gold and experience however it is much harder to defeat a hero. Another source of income could be to kill the creatures in the forest near the lanes, some heroes are actually specialized in this and are called "junglers" .
With the experience gained, the hero will level up and he can choose a new skill. Each hero has 4 skills: 3 moderate ones and an ultimate. Most skills require mana to cast them, while others give a passive benefit. The correct usage of skills can win the game, since there are a lot of combinations between 5 heroes each with different skills.
With the gold you can buy new items which will make the hero stronger. Some items have a certain activating effect while most will just give passive benefits. Not all items are good on any given hero. Each item can benefit some heroes more than others.
Valve definitely improved the original DotA with their sequel. The inventory can be customized within the game's options menu, there is also a built in VOIP and of course the possibility to reconnect into a game if you left by mistake. The matchmaking system is also very well done. It is an overall improvement over the original and in my opinion it is the best game of this genre.
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