Embark on an exploration of the pinnacle of MOBA gaming with SMITE, where a third-person perspective redefines the battlefield experience. Diverging from the conventional top-down views of popular titles like DOTA and LoL, SMITE introduces a fresh angle that immerses players in a more action-oriented gameplay. This review delves into SMITE’s unique features, ranging from its perspective shift to its dynamic combat style and diverse game modes, providing a glimpse into a gaming realm that combines innovation with the cherished traditions of the MOBA genre.
Exploring the Third-Person Perspective
One of the key differences in gameplay between SMITE and popular MOBA titles like DOTA or LoL is the perspective. Instead of the top-down view typical in other MOBA games, SMITE adopts a third-person perspective. This unique approach gives players a more action-oriented feel, deviating from the traditional MOBA style.
Players accustomed to the panoramic top-down view of traditional MOBA games may find it uncomfortable to control the entire battlefield initially when transitioning to SMITE. Many players discover this when they are attacked from behind without prior awareness, only realizing it after enduring a few enemy strikes, almost depleting their health or, in some cases, leading to defeat.
Overall Gameplay Experience
Looking at the broader picture, SMITE still retains familiar elements found in many contemporary MOBAs, featuring 5vs5 battles on a map divided into three lanes. Minions automatically spawn and move towards the enemy base in each lane. Players engage in “Last Hitting” to gain experience and gold, gradually strengthening their controlled characters.
In essence, one can argue that SMITE’s gameplay shares more similarities with LoL than with DOTA. This is not only due to SMITE’s adherence to non-target combat (no direct skill casting on opponents) but also in its gameplay elements such as creeps, hero division, resembling the style of LoL.
An average SMITE match lasts around 25 minutes, although some can extend to an hour. Players must sequentially destroy Towers to access and attack the enemy’s main base (Titan) to secure victory.
While SMITE’s map is divided into three lanes, there are specific changes in position, tower distribution, and jungle monster placements.
Action-Oriented, Non-Target Combat Style
As mentioned earlier, SMITE’s combat style leans heavily towards action, and players must adapt to the non-target combat system. They need to carefully consider factors such as speed, range, and timing to accurately execute skills for effective attacks.
This makes controlling characters in SMITE more challenging (micro), as nearly all attack skills can be dodged, and opponents can actively avoid them.
Game Modes
Apart from the standard 5vs5 mode, SMITE offers another popular game mode called Deathmatch. In this mode, players can freely attack each other without team restrictions. It serves as a useful mode for those wanting to test new characters and understand their skills’ effectiveness.
SMITE also features various other game modes besides Deathmatch.
Character Building
Character roles in SMITE are distinct, categorized into positions such as carry, tank, or assassin. Since it is an action-oriented game, most characters possess escape or blink skills, allowing them to evade enemy attacks or approach targets strategically.
Experience and gold can be acquired in a short range (though last hitting is still crucial for more gold). Jungle monsters provide buffs to characters, and these buffs don’t necessarily go to the one who last hits but drop for any character to pick up.
A notable feature in SMITE is the automatic item purchasing system that players can set up in advance. As players don’t lose money when they die in SMITE, this feature is easily understandable.
Items are divided into various types: health, mana, strength, etc. Some items have special features that players can activate.
Purchasing New Characters
Similar to LoL, SMITE implements a character purchase system where players spend in-game currency or real money to acquire new characters, skins, or voice packs.
In conclusion, SMITE stands out among MOBAs with its unique graphics and gameplay, appealing to gamers seeking a fresh experience while preserving the core values of the genre.
You can download game for free in Epic Store and Steam. and see more games in the Game recommendation section here.
