League of Legends

[Cry Havoc]

In the past week, one title has completely taken over my time spent gaming.

It's League of Legends, currently a beta game based closely on the Defense of the Ancients Warcraft 3 mod. The people responsible for DotA are the ones who have created and developed LoL.

To put it simply, it's fantastic. It's one of the most compelling, tactically rich, deepest games I've played. There is a very sharp learning curve, but it is totally worth it when you start really working with your team.

The best part? It's free. And I don't just mean the beta version. The entire game will be free at launch for anyone to play.

ZAM.com is giving away free beta keys right now.

http://www.zam.com/coupon-lol.html

1. Sign up for ZAM.
2. Get the key from the above link.
3. Click the link under the key on the ZAM site.
4. It will take you to the LoL page.
5. Create a LoL account with the key provided.
6. Download the game.
7. Rock out to one of the coolest games I've played in a long time.

[Cry Havoc]

Seriously guys. Play this game. If you like RTS, it's just phenomenal.

[balli]

Ughhhhhhhhhh... Making it work with WINE or my weak ass xp machine is already giving me a headache. Maybe it's time for that WIN 7 install. Anyone know how long the RC is slated to remain stable?

[DarkReign]

I'll check it out tonight...wasnt a huge fan of DotA, or at least I should say, I didnt give it much of a chance.

[Cry Havoc]

Ughhhhhhhhhh... Making it work with WINE or my weak ass xp machine is already giving me a headache. Maybe it's time for that WIN 7 install. Anyone know how long the RC is slated to remain stable?

March, I believe.


I'll check it out tonight...wasnt a huge fan of DotA, or at least I should say, I didnt give it much of a chance.

Yeah, it definitely has a daunting learning curve. But if you put the time into it, it's a very rewarding game.

[Cry Havoc]

Just FYI, still in love with this game. I now probably have about 40 hours invested in it.

[Cry Havoc]

League of Legends is now open for free downloading from their main site.

I can't express how much I love this game. I have over 150+ hours into it at this point, and it continues to amaze and challenge me.

[Shaolin-Style]

I enjoyed Heroes of Newerth more than this. Plays smoother than LoL imo.

[MiamiHeat]

I loved playing DoTA on WC3 battle.net

until I got kicked from every single game for having to download the new map versions, which made me a 'noob' and thus nobody wanted me on their team

or until I joined a game, and took even 10 seconds longer than eveyrone else to pick a character and buy stuff, I see the "OMG team sux, noob on our team, remake" sort of shit

so yeah, I don't play DOTA or games like DOTA anymore.

[Shaolin-Style]

A lot of the problems you saw with DOTA are addressed in both versions, and there are plenty of rooms labeled for noobs.

People simply view your stats, and you're usually assessed a skill rating also. This helps to decide whether or not they play with you usually. They give you a timer to pick your heroes, and in hon you have different modes in which to select heroes such as random, pick from 3 randoms ect.

Worth a try if you can play either, my preference is hon though since it's more of an advanced dota clone, though they altered some heroes and added a few ne ones but ported most allstars completely.

[Cry Havoc]

I enjoyed Heroes of Newerth more than this. Plays smoother than LoL imo.

From what I've read, HoN is simply a skinned version of DotA.

LoL is designed by the creators of DotA, only they're trying to make it better by adding new characters and a focus less on carries and more on teamplay and cohesion.

[Shaolin-Style]

From what I've read, HoN is simply a skinned version of DotA.

LoL is designed by the creators of DotA, only they're trying to make it better by adding new characters and a focus less on carries and more on teamplay and cohesion.

It is pretty much is a copy of dota in most ways. Theres a few differences in a few heroes they altered/combined and they've added a few original ones, but they copy/pasted most of them. The main thing going for it is the juiced up graphics and the numerous useful features such as rejoining off disconnects ect.

[MiamiHeat]

what are the CPU requirements for these games?

i would play it if my CPU can handle it.

[Cry Havoc]

what are the CPU requirements for these games?

i would play it if my CPU can handle it.

It's pretty light on reqs.

PC Requirements
CPU 2 GHz CPU
RAM 1024 meg memory
Hard Drive approximately 1.3 gig of hard drive space
Video Card must support shader model 2.0
- nvidia: GeForce 5 or better
- ati: any 9xxx after and not including the 9250, any Xxxx after and including the X300
Broadband internet required

[Cry Havoc]

Still addicted to this game. :tu Freaking amazing.

[Cry Havoc]

Bump for LnG. I've been extremely busy lately, so I haven't been playing as much, but I just hit the 250 win plateau. :tu

[LnGrrrR]

In the past week, one title has completely taken over my time spent gaming.

It's League of Legends, currently a beta game based closely on the Defense of the Ancients Warcraft 3 mod. The people responsible for DotA are the ones who have created and developed LoL.

To put it simply, it's fantastic. It's one of the most compelling, tactically rich, deepest games I've played. There is a very sharp learning curve, but it is totally worth it when you start really working with your team.

The best part? It's free. And I don't just mean the beta version. The entire game will be free at launch for anyone to play.

ZAM.com is giving away free beta keys right now.

http://www.zam.com/coupon-lol.html

1. Sign up for ZAM.
2. Get the key from the above link.
3. Click the link under the key on the ZAM site.
4. It will take you to the LoL page.
5. Create a LoL account with the key provided.
6. Download the game.
7. Rock out to one of the coolest games I've played in a long time.

Didn't see this post first time. Add me on there Cry Havoc... name's Kiften.

[LnGrrrR]

Bump for LnG. I've been extremely busy lately, so I haven't been playing as much, but I just hit the 250 win plateau. :tu

I got addicted to DOTA when I went a deployment in '05. A friend had a copy and put it on all the computers, and we had LAN parties all the time. Been hooked ever since. Stopped playing because I lost my WC3 key, sadly, so I'm stoked that this game is here.

[Cry Havoc]

I got addicted to DOTA when I went a deployment in '05. A friend had a copy and put it on all the computers, and we had LAN parties all the time. Been hooked ever since. Stopped playing because I lost my WC3 key, sadly, so I'm stoked that this game is here.

What do you think of LoL in comparison? I didn't play much DotA, but I have a friend who was a pretty elite player, and he thinks LoL blows DotA away.

From what I've seen/read of DotA, I'm inclined to agree with him. It really is a phenomenal game, and the fact that it's free is just mind-blowing.

[Cry Havoc]

It's official! League play has begun in LoL. The game is STILL free to download and play.

The champions of the tournament will earn a cool $100,000.

This game is still amazing.

[sabar]

I completely forgot that I ended up getting into the game from a referal link off SpursTalk. I've put in 400 games so far and now I'm hovering around 1420 rating in season 1.

I'm sabarjp if anyone wants to play or learn the game or whatever. It is addicting and lacks the elitism of dota.

[Cry Havoc]

Just played a game with LnGrrrR. Was a good time. We raped faces and the other team surrendered around the 30 minute mark.

http://www.mmog-welt.de/bilder/Anivia.jpg

Anivia ftw.

[BadOdor]

Cry, can you expand a bit more about the game? I'm basically someone who has no idea what DOTA is(a mode of warcraft 3?), and it's been a long while since I've played any type of strategy games.

But I'm at home right now working on my resume and shit so I got some time. How demanding is this game? can my laptop with the shitty graphics card run it?

[LnGrrrR]

Bad,

It's like a tower defense game... somewhat. You've got two sides, and both those sides issue creeps (low level baddies) along three paths. Along those three paths, both sides have towers that must be defeated, en route to getting to the base. To take these towers down, both sides have five heroes with various strengths and abilities.

The key to the game is to take towers down. Since they're quite strong, you usually have to wait for a bunch of creeps to surround it (making them cannon fodder) and then attack the tower. Of course, the other person in your lane will try to be doing the same thing.

It's an awesome game, and it's free! No harm in giving it a try. And if you add me on there (name's Kiften on there) I'll show you the ropes if I'm on.

[MiamiHeat]

buahahaha

my new pc will run this , meet you guys on there

[Cry Havoc]

Bad,

It's like a tower defense game... somewhat. You've got two sides, and both those sides issue creeps (low level baddies) along three paths. Along those three paths, both sides have towers that must be defeated, en route to getting to the base. To take these towers down, both sides have five heroes with various strengths and abilities.

The key to the game is to take towers down. Since they're quite strong, you usually have to wait for a bunch of creeps to surround it (making them cannon fodder) and then attack the tower. Of course, the other person in your lane will try to be doing the same thing.

It's an awesome game, and it's free! No harm in giving it a try. And if you add me on there (name's Kiften on there) I'll show you the ropes if I'm on.

Bad,

To add to what he's saying, LoL is a 5 vs 5 or 3 vs 3 multiplayer game. Think of it as a multiplayer deathmatch cross between Diablo II and World of Warcraft. You pick one of 56 different champions that all have their own unique skills, and attempt to kill the other team's champions. When you get a kill, you can put pressure on that lane. Since your champion can easily kill minions quickly, you allow your minions to walk up to the tower and then you can attack it until all your minions are gone, then you retreat and wait for the next wave.

http://s4.hubimg.com/u/2211651_f520.jpg

This is a small version of the main map of LoL. Obviously it's a LOT bigger in game, but this can be used to see the lanes (paths) at top, middle, and bottom. The towers are a little harder to see here, but you can readily notice them in-game. Each of the areas in the center where the grass ends is usually where champions initially meet to skirmish and try to get early kills. Early game, you will respawn from death in 20 seconds, but late game it might take as many as 70 seconds to respawn, depending on the length of the game.

Killing a champ (or a minion) also yields gold that you can use to upgrade your champion in-game. You always start a new game with no equipment and gold to buy one small item. As the game progresses (an average game usually lasts 35-40 minutes) you gain better gear by acquiring gold, and your champion gains more special abilities by leveling up. Through the course of a game you can go from level 1 to 18, at which point you are usually very strong (though of course so are the enemy champs). If you know much about MMORPGs, the classes here are very similar. You have the tank (a large, boorish individual that doesn't deal much damage but absorbs a LOT before dying), the melee DPS (Damage Per Second, the guy that gets in the other team's face and proceeds to go crazy), and the ranged caster/magician (massive damage dealer but often has the survivability of a gnat in a hurricane).

The game ends when one team has pushed through the enemy team's 1st (outer), 2nd (inner), 3rd (inhibitor) and 4th/5th (nexus) turrets, and then destroyed the Nexus of the other team. At the 20 minute mark (about 8 minutes in high ELO matches), teams usually get together with each other and attempt to push a lane with all 5 players. This results in large team fights that usually determine the outcome of the game.

It's a lot to take in, and the best way to get an idea of things is to play, but this is a pretty brief synopsis.

[MiamiHeat]

I was playing Storm of the Imperial Sanctuary last night on SC2, i like it better than DoTA on WC3 and Aeon Strife on SC1

i have LoL now, so post your names so i can add u

[Cry Havoc]

I was playing Storm of the Imperial Sanctuary last night on SC2, i like it better than DoTA on WC3 and Aeon Strife on SC1

i have LoL now, so post your names so i can add u

Same as it is here. Cry Havoc.

Just as a forewarning, LoL has a VERY steep learning curve, and it's extremely different than Starcraft. You don't build a base or spawn units, and there is very little micromanaging in comparison to a massive RTS like SC. The main similarity there is that you will need map awareness across the three lanes to know when your teammates are in trouble so you can help them if need be, and when to move through the jungled areas of the map to attack.

The flip side to the lack of micromanaging is the fact that it allows for some very intense back and forth battles between champions, since even someone who's been dominating the whole game can be brought down if he makes a bad move and gets stunned with 3 or 4 enemy champs nearby.

There are a few things that need constant attention. Map awareness, positional superiority against the other champ, and mana and health remaining for both you and the one or two champs you're laning against.

All in all, it's addictive, incredibly challenging, and FREE. How can you beat that? :tu

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Interesting, I'm gonna go check it out

[MiamiHeat]

Same as it is here. Cry Havoc.

Just as a forewarning, LoL has a VERY steep learning curve, and it's extremely different than Starcraft. You don't build a base or spawn units, and there is very little micromanaging in comparison to a massive RTS like SC. The main similarity there is that you will need map awareness across the three lanes to know when your teammates are in trouble so you can help them if need be, and when to move through the jungled areas of the map to attack.

The flip side to the lack of micromanaging is the fact that it allows for some very intense back and forth battles between champions, since even someone who's been dominating the whole game can be brought down if he makes a bad move and gets stunned with 3 or 4 enemy champs nearby.

There are a few things that need constant attention. Map awareness, positional superiority against the other champ, and mana and health remaining for both you and the one or two champs you're laning against.

All in all, it's addictive, incredibly challenging, and FREE. How can you beat that? :tu

Storm of the Imperial Sanctum is basically DoTA for SC2

and i played lots of Dota on wc3 also so i know what im doing

[Cry Havoc]

Storm of the Imperial Sanctum is basically DoTA for SC2

and i played lots of Dota on wc3 also so i know what im doing

Awesome. LoL is much more team-focused and a little more forgiving to noobs, but against elite players it's every bit as hard as DotA is. You'll just have to learn the unique abilities for all the champs and then you'll be good to go.

[sabar]

Way too addicting. Too bad I never have time to play.

[LnGrrrR]

My name is Kiften on there. Usually try to get one at least once a night for the IP win bonus.

[LnGrrrR]

Oh, and if you join, use either Cry or I's gamertag as a "My friend signed me up" thing if you can.

[MiamiHeat]

i played last night and its pretty good

I like JAX the most so far

my name on there is Chenzhen

[BadOdor]

Fuck I can't wait....my laptop arrives tomorrow.

You bitches are going down.









































I'm gonna get owned:(

[LnGrrrR]

i played last night and its pretty good

I like JAX the most so far

my name on there is Chenzhen

My fave by far is Blitz... I stomp with him. Heimer, Warwick, Zilean and Twisted Fate are all pretty damn good for me too.

I suck with Ryze, Mundo and a few others though.

[LnGrrrR]

Added Miamiheat and Saber to my friends list. I really wish they had a creep-based hero though, like Prophet, the Void, or that Brood-something spider queen from DotA. I loved creep-based heroes on Dota.

[LnGrrrR]

Sabar, BadOdor, added you guys too. I usually game late here in Hawaii (which means it's 3 in the morning or so for you guys) but I try to get on early Saturday/Sunday.

[BadOdor]

Haven't played much yet, only did the tutorial and a game with bots. Hopefully I'll catch one of you guys later.

[MiamiHeat]

tried to play with LnGrrR a week ago, but the internet died on me at the start of the game

my net was down all week till today :)

[Cry Havoc]

I have been waxing people with Anivia lately.

Haven't been winning many games, because my teams have tended to suck, and Anivia is more of a support-caster than anything else, but my K-D ratios are getting much better, and I'm constantly pushing teamfights. Usually it's me and 1 other decent player vs. 4 decent players on the other team, and it's just too much to overcome when I have a noob that feeds, even intermittently.

A word to those of you who are just getting into this game -- Be VERY aware of your champion at all times. Dying a few times can absolutely destroy your team's chances of winning. If you're low on health, either blue pill (teleport) back to base or hug your turret and hope you can lure one of the other champs into hitting you while under the turret, and then stun them for an easy kill. It won't work on higher ELOs, but at the beginning tiers it should net you some kills.

Oh, and never undestimate the importance of health pots, especially if you're playing a champ with low health. I buy 1 or 2 pots with Anivia every time I go back to base until around level 10-11, if I can afford it. They basically cover you if you make mistakes and allow you to get back in the fight.

[MiamiHeat]

i really like Udyr hero, gonna end up buying him

my stats past few games in 5v5

31-7
11-2
9-3
20-3
23-2

[sabar]

I have been waxing people with Anivia lately.

Haven't been winning many games, because my teams have tended to suck, and Anivia is more of a support-caster than anything else, but my K-D ratios are getting much better, and I'm constantly pushing teamfights. Usually it's me and 1 other decent player vs. 4 decent players on the other team, and it's just too much to overcome when I have a noob that feeds, even intermittently.

A word to those of you who are just getting into this game -- Be VERY aware of your champion at all times. Dying a few times can absolutely destroy your team's chances of winning. If you're low on health, either blue pill (teleport) back to base or hug your turret and hope you can lure one of the other champs into hitting you while under the turret, and then stun them for an easy kill. It won't work on higher ELOs, but at the beginning tiers it should net you some kills.

Oh, and never undestimate the importance of health pots, especially if you're playing a champ with low health. I buy 1 or 2 pots with Anivia every time I go back to base until around level 10-11, if I can afford it. They basically cover you if you make mistakes and allow you to get back in the fight.

I went 4/6/24 in a ranked win on Anivia. I don't really like her, but she is easily one of the highest burst mages in the game aside from Annie or Ryze. She is actually the only one I don't get potions on since I can just egg when I'm low.


My pro-tips:



Don't build malady
Don't build berserker greaves unless you are twitch
Don't build philosopher's stone
When in doubt, make merc treads
Don't build phantom dancer
Rush madred's on farmers
Kill dragon every spawn
Ward the river brush
DONT STACK ATTACK SPEED (xin zhao exception)
Mid must gank sides
Call missing players
Stay together
Rush brutalizer on physical attackers
Rush catalyst or tear of the goddess on most mages
Snowball items aren't worth the gamble
Shen is not a damage dealer
Don't stack unique passives
Life leech somewhat sucks
Attack speed sucks
DONT RUSH TO ATTACK SPEED (xin zhao exception)

[Cry Havoc]

I went 4/6/24 in a ranked win on Anivia. I don't really like her, but she is easily one of the highest burst mages in the game aside from Annie or Ryze. She is actually the only one I don't get potions on since I can just egg when I'm low.


My pro-tips:



Don't build malady
Don't build berserker greaves unless you are twitch
Don't build philosopher's stone
When in doubt, make merc treads

Agree, although some DPS champs benefit from zerkers.



Don't build phantom dancer
Rush madred's on farmers
Kill dragon every spawn

Agree, although I still don't know if I like Madred's. It just doesn't pack enough of a punch in early game teamfights.


Ward the river brush

YES YES YES. Also, if you have a jungler, go 1-1-2 with the two at bottom so they can be closer to the dragon for ganking chances and just killing it in general.


DONT STACK ATTACK SPEED (xin zhao exception)
Mid must gank sides
Call missing players
Stay together

Yup, although AS is still good on certain champs.


Rush brutalizer on physical attackers

Gotta disagree here. I like Infinity Edge. If you can get a couple of early game ganks, the 1850 for the BF Sword comes really quickly, and after that your champ becomes very hard to slow down.


Rush catalyst or tear of the goddess on most mages
Snowball items aren't worth the gamble

Catalyst is typically much better than Tear. Getting the Rod early is essential for almost any mage. You could make a convincing argument for MAYBE Anivia or Veigar to get the Tear, no one else, IMO.


Shen is not a damage dealer
Don't stack unique passives
Life leech somewhat sucks

Yep. Shen is a phenomenal tank because of his taunt.


Attack speed sucks
DONT RUSH TO ATTACK SPEED (xin zhao exception)


:lol

[MiamiHeat]

also, the avarice blade >> philosopher stone

i use Udyr and I go Infinity Edge --> Phantom Dancer --> BloodThirster. if game is still going on really late, then another BF Sword. the amount of damage Udyr does in Bear-Tiger stance is ridiculous. i got a 800 critical in a game recently by just autoattacking with tiger stance

attack speed doesn't suck ;/

with that build, I kill any champion 1v1 except for tanks and xin zhao, but i mainly go for the ganks and backdoors, and then the insane DPS makes udyr one of the best tower pushers

[MiamiHeat]

also, i use Boots of Swiftness

that + quintessences of movement speed + bear stance, and almost nobody ever escapes me once they try to run.

[LnGrrrR]

Phantom Dancer/atk speed can be decent with WW, as his lifesteal stacks with each hit. Madred's is a good build for him too.

The tear can be beastly with Zilean. With Zilean's W reducing his cooldowns, he uses alot of spells fast as the game goes longer. I've had a guy hit me with a Time Bomb for 745 damage. That hurts alot.

[LnGrrrR]

i really like Udyr hero, gonna end up buying him

my stats past few games in 5v5

31-7
11-2
9-3
20-3
23-2

Harder when you get to my level, eh? :D

[Cry Havoc]

Harder when you get to my level, eh? :D

Psh. I pwned there. :hat

[MiamiHeat]

Harder when you get to my level, eh? :D

yup, but its not really fair cuz im only lvl 11 or 12 vs 20 somethins

more mastery points and runes

[LnGrrrR]

Psh. I pwned there. :hat

Only due to my sterling teamwork. :D

[LnGrrrR]

yup, but its not really fair cuz im only lvl 11 or 12 vs 20 somethins

more mastery points and runes

Yeah, the mastery points and runes are the only thing I DON'T like about LoL. I'd rather it be about skill than slotting the right runes. They just take up valuable IP space, and they benefit those who play one champion religiously much more than someone like me, who plays a bunch of different champs.

[MiamiHeat]

ok i got tired of udyr cause he has no nukes. i always had like 100000000000000000000 damage dealt, but 3 kills.

so i bought Amumu and i love it

been owning with mumu. merc or ninja tabi for boots, philosopher stone, sunfire cape, sunfire cape, guardian angel

and if need be, 1 more sunfire cape.

amumu's powers are so fun to use and they easily decide a battle in team fights

[Cry Havoc]

Yeah, the mastery points and runes are the only thing I DON'T like about LoL. I'd rather it be about skill than slotting the right runes. They just take up valuable IP space, and they benefit those who play one champion religiously much more than someone like me, who plays a bunch of different champs.

The reason I like runes and masteries is that it allows for a lot more flexibility when building a character. Without them, you'd basically be limited to one or two item builds, especially for tanks or nukers. With the addition, though, you can build a tank for CDR and pump out his taunts/stuns like crazy, etc.

I'd argue that using runes is a vital part of the skill of LoL. It requires of you a meta-game awareness for how each champ functions and what would be best on him or her.

You're right that it benefits people who play one champ, but that's only to a point. Afterward, the experience of playing as many champs will always win out, IMO, because it allows you to think more strategically in terms of what to do in combat situations, as well as what the enemy heroes are thinking and what they are capable of.

[LnGrrrR]

ok i got tired of udyr cause he has no nukes. i always had like 100000000000000000000 damage dealt, but 3 kills.

so i bought Amumu and i love it

been owning with mumu. merc or ninja tabi for boots, philosopher stone, sunfire cape, sunfire cape, guardian angel

and if need be, 1 more sunfire cape.

amumu's powers are so fun to use and they easily decide a battle in team fights

Sunfire capes + Amumu = awesome... as long as the other team isn't stacking magic res. Against a Galio you won't be quite as strong :lol

And yes, any AOE stuns/disables are gamechanging. Even AOE slows like Planks/Panths can make a huge difference.

[Cry Havoc]

Had one of my best games ever last night, as Anivia.

I only finished something like 7-5-14 (NOT best K-D wise by any means) but I was a close 2nd in total damage on my team, and the other team was VERY good, and VERY well balanced. It was extremely difficult, and every 45 to 50 seconds there were skirmishes which both teams would play very smart and immediately retreat if things got bad, usually only losing one player.

We won an early team battle pretty handily and it allowed us to keep pressure/pushing the entire game, but the team deaths were always within 3 kills of each other.

By the end of the game, I had Rod of Ages, Sorc Boots (I go Merc Treads if the other team is super heavy on AP), Zhonya's, Void Staff, Guardian Angel (after which I was pretty much unstoppable), and was almost to an Abyssal Scepter before we got Baron the 2nd time and ended it.

End game I was dealing CRAZY damage, my flash frost alone would take 2/5ths of Ryze's life, I was dropping Anivia's AoE ult in the middle of their team and it would literally shift the entire battle. My teammate was Heimer (he was 1st in damage) and finished with 600 AP. Even so, a couple of our teammates were pretty lackluster, and the other team's Sion was awful, apart from that it was one of the closest games I've ever seen, tense throughout.

Just an example of how LoL can shine as quite candidly one of the best games I've ever played, with the right situation.

[sabar]

attack speed doesn't suck ;/

Yeah it does, the game has too much crowd control. Auto attackers will get locked down which means they can't attack back-to-back and utilize their speed. There are very few exceptions such as twitch, that's just a general rule.


Gotta disagree here. I like Infinity Edge. If you can get a couple of early game ganks, the 1850 for the BF Sword comes really quickly, and after that your champ becomes very hard to slow down.

But if you don't get early game ganks then your damage output sucks while you are crawling to a BF sword. Brutalizer is cheap and gives armor pen plus damage. The other thing is that the ranged attackers tend to have the worst damage early game, making early ganks difficult against any moderately skilled players. Ashe, Ezreal, Teemo, etc shouldn't be able to farm a BF sword because of their crappy damage early. Infinity edge is one of the most expensive items in the game, brutalizer is one of the most cost efficient.

Early infinity edge, rod of ages, and snowball items are risky because if you get a laning phase mismatch that can decide the game right there if you went and starting making something expensive. The latent period before the completion of final item puts the balance of power to the team that opted to not get the item (assuming equal skill).

This all leads to my big point: the best skill you can have in LoL is SITUATIONAL AWARENESS. You need to be able to see when you can rush that infinity edge and which team is mismatching the other in what lanes. You have to be aware of locations, jungle buffs, wards, and everything to win later on. Skill does not win games at level 30 and beyond; the team with better map awareness, planning, and leadership does nine times out of ten. Its one of the most important parts of LoL -- how to coach a team with no designated coach.


been owning with mumu. merc or ninja tabi for boots, philosopher stone, sunfire cape, sunfire cape, guardian angel

Sunfire stacking is extremely effective during the early levels. Later as you get to level 30 their damage output sucks as people rune/mastery for health and/or magic resist.



The reason I like runes and masteries is that it allows for a lot more flexibility when building a character. Without them, you'd basically be limited to one or two item builds, especially for tanks or nukers. With the addition, though, you can build a tank for CDR and pump out his taunts/stuns like crazy, etc.

I'd argue that using runes is a vital part of the skill of LoL. It requires of you a meta-game awareness for how each champ functions and what would be best on him or her.

You're right that it benefits people who play one champ, but that's only to a point. Afterward, the experience of playing as many champs will always win out, IMO, because it allows you to think more strategically in terms of what to do in combat situations, as well as what the enemy heroes are thinking and what they are capable of.

I find runes way too expensive to provide any real flexibility. I run health quints regardless, mp/5, then either armor pen or resists as filler depending if I am feeling offensive or defense. In my opinion the runes are way too imbalanced right now. Health, armor pen, and magic pen are almost universally run somewhere on a rune page while many other runes are never used. It also puts a massive bias in games while leveling up. A level 20 against a level 30 will get from runes alone.


Yeah, the mastery points and runes are the only thing I DON'T like about LoL. I'd rather it be about skill than slotting the right runes. They just take up valuable IP space, and they benefit those who play one champion religiously much more than someone like me, who plays a bunch of different champs.

Actually pretty much my thoughts. You buy skill indirectly because to be the best you need to spend the IP on runes, not champs, which leaves RP for the champions. A cheap guy like me wont drop $20 each time a champ pops up and then theres no IP for runes.


Just an example of how LoL can shine as quite candidly one of the best games I've ever played, with the right situation.

There's two types of games, lopsides ones and even matches. An even match can be intense and some of the best gaming. The lopsides ones are the exact opposite.

As a last note, this is probably the best free-to-play game I have yet to play. There are a TON of free-to-play optional to pay games that are complete and utter suckage. I've played League more than I have most of by bought games.

[Cry Havoc]

There's two types of games, lopsides ones and even matches. An even match can be intense and some of the best gaming. The lopsides ones are the exact opposite.

Sigh.

I had to open my mouth.

Tonight: 3 games. 2 leavers, and one intentional feeder.

Unbelievable. What a wash of time. Oh well... Malthazar is cool. :tu

[LnGrrrR]

I just played a game where I got called a noob... and was the only one positive. These idiots are wondering why I don't try to hit a jump into a gang of 4 ganksquadders. Idiots.

[Sense]

I played this game like twice... bored the hell out of me, I really don't understand why anyone would play it.

[LnGrrrR]

I played this game like twice... bored the hell out of me, I really don't understand why anyone would play it.

Eh, depends on who you got as teammates. If they sucked bad, I could see why you'd think it was boring. But hey, to each their own.

[Cry Havoc]

I played this game like twice... bored the hell out of me, I really don't understand why anyone would play it.

There is a definite curve to gaining enjoyment out of lol. It is not a game like left 4 dead where you simply pick it up and start shooting zombies. the progression and goals are much more abstract than that. I liken it to chess or poker. The enjoyment comes from developing and utilizing the nuance of strategy and tactics, and the overall feel of the game that only comes after you can gain an understanding of the flow of battle.

Chess is considered by many to be the king of strategy games, but you wouldnt (typically) just sit someone at a board and expect them to love it the first few times they play.

That said, the long-term rewards that come when you become adept with a champion, when you get your first double-kill, etc, are simply amazing.

[LnGrrrR]

Is it just me, or has LoL been lagging like crazy lately?

[MiamiHeat]

so yeah, they have a new Summoner's Rift map version out for Halloween, it's cool ;p

i still play this game, lvl 30 now

[Cry Havoc]

I haven't been playing LoL nearly as much now that I'm hooked on Starcraft. LoL's biggest problem is usually I get paired with teammates who don't know WTF they're doing, and the other team roflstomps me because I have no support.

Still an amazing game, but I just got frustrated with it.

[Halberto]

anyone still playing? My handle is Geohalbert if anyone is wanting to team up

[Cry Havoc]

Yep, I've been playing a lot lately Hal.

[LnGrrrR]

I'm still playing, this game's got a firm grip on me :D

[Cry Havoc]

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/i-CV2d9W4/0/L/i-CV2d9W4-L.jpg

[Cry Havoc]

Season 3 just started. Who's still playing? I'm currently 6-3 in ranked play, one more and I'll be rated. :tu Hoping for gold but who knows.

[leemajors]

Cry Havoc http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/13/4520188/us-citizenship-immigrations-to-give-league-of-legends-players-sports-visas

[z0sa]

^ SC2 is next IMHO