League of Legends: A Video Game First Impression/Review

Today (January 24^th 2012) is my fourth day of playing the online computer game known as League of Legends. I’ve found it a very enjoyable experience so far, and as such I’m going to give you a rundown on the game including its background, features, and community.

League of Legends is a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game developed by Riot Games and is inspired by the Warcraft 3 mod known as Defence of the Ancients or simply DotA. The premise behind League of Legends is that each player takes control of a unique hero or Champion from a constantly growing list of available characters, and works together with their team to out manoeuvre, out resource and overpower the opposing team and destroy their base. The battle map is laid out with three lanes between the two bases, with a monster inhabited jungle area around and between the three lanes. (See the map on the right). These lanes are defended with turrets and each team must labour to destroy the other team’s defences in order to advance. The Champions are not alone in their struggle; there is a relatively constant flow of weak, nameless, disposable foot soldiers known as minions from each side. These minions are slaughtered en masse and farmed for gold and experience points by the players. Gold is used to purchase equipment and items for the Champions to make them more effective in their specific role on the team, and experience points lead to levelling up which gives the champion access to a new ability and generally makes them more powerful. Victory is achieved when one team fights its way into its opponent’s base, and destroys the Summoner’s Gate.

League of Legends is free to play, but there are only certain Champions available each week depending on the weekly rotation of free champions. Alternatively you can purchase a Champion permanently and always have access to play it. This can be done in two ways, either you can purchase Riot Points (RP) with your credit card, or you can earn Influence Points (IP) by winning matches, playing well, and introducing new players to the game. IP generally takes more time and effort than spending real life money, but for someone living on a student’s budget (like yours truly) it’s really nice to be able to access the content of the game without busting your wallet. There are also Skins (alternative costumes for Champions) available for purchase, but since they are purely cosmetic and aren’t a main feature of the game they are only available with RP. This allows Riot Games to make a profit while staying free to play. I highly approve of this system, and would like to see it integrated into more games.

The community in League of Legends is an integral part of the game since it is such teamwork focused multiplayer game. As such, there is an official forum on the League website, which allows players to interact, share their stories, discuss strategies and builds, and ask for tips and tricks. So far my personal experience with community of League of Legends has been a positive one. On the other hand, I know for a fact that League of Legends has a bad reputation for being home to trolls, trash talkers, griefers, and some generally unpleasant people. To counter this, Riot Games has integrated a system into the game called the tribunal. Players who are offended by other players have the option of reporting them. When a certain number of complaints have been registered, the player will stand trial in the Tribunal before a jury of their fellow players, who can vote to either punish or forgive the accused player. Riot Games also enforces a specific code of behaviour called the Summoner’s Code. The Summoner’s Code is thus:

I.                    Support your team

II.                 Drive constructive feedback

III.               Facilitate civil discussion

IV.              Enjoy yourself, but not at anyone’s expense

V.                 Build relationships

VI.              Show humility in victory, and grace in defeat

VII.            Be resolute, not indignant

VIII.         Leave no newbie behind!

IX.              Lead by example

Playing League of Legends has been a very enjoyable experience for me so far, and I look forward to continuing to play it for quite some time, and hopefully not sucking anymore. For more information visit: http://www.leagueoflegends.com/. If you’d like to download and play League of Legends, why not use my referral link and give me an IP bonus? http://signup.leagueoflegends.com/?ref=4f1da111b4cc8201052974

Here’s a picture of my Champion of choice:

-Calum