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Click on the picture for specifications DemiGod (PC) RM 179 Price Updated 19 Oct 2009

GAMERS looking for a refreshing spin to realtime strategy (RTS) games may want to check out DemiGod. Played on a three-dimensional universe plane based on a custom map for WarCraft 3 called Defence of the Ancients, it is targeted at gamers who have a panache for blowout battles and PlayStation-like animation effects involving wars waged between deities and human armies.

In DemiGod, the eight avatars range from an Assassin demigod to a General demigod who controls a few minions.

For example, the Assassin demigod is an action-driven hero that focuses on the development of his abilities.

In the hero sphere are Queen of Thorns, Regulus, Rook, Unclean Beast, Torch Bearer, Oak, Lord Erebus and Sedna.

There is less micromanagement of the minions as the control in the game is driven by the artificial intelligence instead of the gamer.

Fortunately, the game has a shop where heroes can upgrade and trade their hardware such as armour and staff, depending on their opposition, or replenish their potions or health spells. The upgraded abilities are a good follow-up to keep the gamer glued until the end of the game.

While each demigod has its talent tree, with a blend of offensive, defensive and team-focused abilities, most of the demigods’ names don’t match their abilities.

For example, the Torch Bearer has the ability to cast fire and ice spells while the four-legged anteater Unclean Beast is an expert in melee warfare.

Of the avatars, the Rook deserves some credit. It resembles a behemoth that walks slowly, but can swing its brick-like arms to cause damage.

The game is bundled with space portals that let each unit to generate a large number of supporting units from the home base. Each territory has a decent amount of defensive towers to shoot arrows or magical spells to stop any advancing forces. Static defence cannot provide long-term cover, so additional forces need to be mobilised. Once control of the portals is lost, they will provide a source for enemies to come out from your backyard.

The defeated enemies and captured nodes provide the demigods with a source of gold and experience points. This lets them increase their levels and access special abilities through the respective skill tree.

And if a demigod suffers damage during battles, it can return to its base to replenish its health, or drink the health potions stored in the inventory. But drinking these potions may not help if the hits taken are faster than the rate of replenishment.

At first glance, DemiGod looks good for the first few hours. There is less micromanagement, which is good for gamers who want to milk the entertainment value. But as the game progresses, the entertainment value drops as gamers may be bored with the lack of depth and repeated single-player gameplay that focuses on tearing down towers and taking control of shops and portals.

The game can become more interesting, though, in multiplayer mode since the various online gamers offer a more varied gameplay and strategy.

Despite some initial connectivity problems, the patched-up gameplay can be quite addictive and is worth trying out for gamers who are tired of the overcrowded RTS genre.

Of course, DemiGod can be improved. For example, the developer could have added more demigods from its Web site, or allow gamers to customise their demigods apart from the default avatars or create own maps, for a more personalised gaming experience.

by Chris Chan

Published Date : 05 October 2009  

Source : Tech & U, New Straits Times