Summary

Release Year: 2010
Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, MOBA
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Frostburn Studios, S2 Games
Publishers: Frostburn Studios, S2 Games

Heroes of Newerth: A Retrospective on a Legendary MOBA

Introduction

Heroes of Newerth (HoN) was a groundbreaking multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game released in 2010. Developed by S2 Games, HoN built upon the success of the Warcraft III mod Defense of the Ancients (DotA) and quickly established itself as one of the most popular and competitive MOBAs in the world.

Gameplay

HoN featured fast-paced, team-based gameplay. Two teams of five players, the Legion and the Hellbourne, competed on a map with three lanes, each defended by defensive towers. The goal of the game was to destroy the opposing team’s ancient, a powerful structure located at their base.

Players controlled powerful heroes, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Heroes could level up by killing enemy units and heroes, gaining access to stronger abilities and stats. Teamwork and coordination were crucial, as players had to work together to push lanes, defend their base, and ultimately achieve victory.

Features

HoN introduced several innovative features that set it apart from other MOBAs. These included:

Stunning graphics: HoN boasted cutting-edge graphics for its time, with detailed character models, lush environments, and impressive visual effects.
Meticulous statistical tracking: HoN provided players with detailed statistics on their performance, including kill/death ratios, gold earned, and damage dealt. This information allowed players to track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Server-client networking: HoN’s server-client networking architecture ensured smooth and responsive gameplay, minimizing lag and providing a competitive experience for players around the world.

Competitive Scene

HoN quickly gained a dedicated competitive following. The game featured a robust ranked matchmaking system and hosted numerous tournaments with large prize pools. Professional HoN teams emerged, competing in leagues and championships around the world.

The HoN competitive scene reached its peak in 2012 with the DreamHack Summer tournament. The event featured the top teams in the world and a massive prize pool of $100,000. Fnatic, a legendary European team, emerged victorious, solidifying their status as one of the greatest HoN teams of all time.

Legacy

Heroes of Newerth left a lasting legacy on the MOBA genre. Its innovative features and competitive gameplay inspired countless other MOBAs that followed in its footsteps. HoN also helped to popularize the MOBA genre in the West, introducing it to a new audience of gamers.

After 12 years of competitive release, HoN’s servers were officially shut down on June 20th, 2022. While the game may no longer be playable, its impact on the MOBA genre will continue to be felt for years to come.

Conclusion

Heroes of Newerth was a groundbreaking MOBA that pushed the genre forward with its stunning graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and competitive spirit. It inspired countless other MOBAs and helped to popularize the genre in the West. While its servers may be offline, the legacy of HoN will continue to live on through the countless players who experienced its epic battles and unforgettable moments.