I waited until the demo came out four months after this game was released before buying it. I was thoroughly convinced by the demo that there was something special about Demigod, but knew that the game would need to be supported with new content if it was going to thrive. Anyone interested in this game should definitely try the free demo. Not everyone will like this blend of role-playing and real-time strategy gaming, but I found Demigod a well-conceived mix of the two.
Gameplay: The story and objectives of the game are fairly straightforward. You select 1 of 8 demigods, fight other demigods on 1 of 8 maps, and try to satisfy the win condition, whether that means destroying the enemy citadel, killing the most demigods, or capturing and holding flags. You can pick a demigod assassin or general. The only difference between the two is that generals can summon minions to help them; however, generals--with the right equipment--can be as strong as assassins. The gameplay can get pretty intense early on as your team tries to hold flags, destroy towers, and push toward the enemy headquarters, all while avoiding being killed. Much of the fun comes from customizing your demigod with abilities and various equipment, while upgrading your citadel to produce more gold, better reinforcements, and other things. The game is a classic race against time as your team tries to "level up" and gain map control before the enemy does.
The game is primarily built for multiplayer, but can be played with and against AI demigods. There is no single-player campaign beyond a tournament which consists of 8 skirmishes. It's no big loss; I really can't tell how a single-player campaign would fit into a game like this. There are hotkeys for most commands, and the user interface is pretty logical. The game has only a few shortcomings. The first (and major) one is the amount of content. Eight demigods is a decent amount to start with, but will get a bit dull after several weeks of playing. Same with the maps. Stardock is planning to release 2 free demigods shortly, along with modding tools. However, to remain fresh for the long haul, the game will need a steady trickle of demigods and maps. Modders may be able to give this game some longevity. Whatever the case, the game has a solid core; it just needs more content over the coming months (an official expansion with plenty of content would be a welcome addition).
Graphics: Beautiful games. The maps themselves are works of art. Each of the demigods is greatly detailed and has a good range of animations. Special effects are also well done.
Sound: Solid soundtrack, convincing sound effects, and appropriately over-the-top voice acting. The game has a lot of character, which is one of its strengths.
Technical issues/documentation: The game comes with a manual which explains the basics. However, it should have gone into much greater detail regarding the demigods themselves and the available items and artifacts. On a technical note, since I bought the game 4 months after release, many of the initial multiplayer connectivity problems have been fixed. There is still the occasional lag and desync error, but overall the multiplayer is fine now after the patches. Since the game is integrated with Stardock's Impulse system, you have to register it online in order to get updates. Unlike Steam, Impulse does not run in the background when you play the game. However, like Steam, Impulse does tie the game to an individual account, thus killing the game's resale value (to its credit, Stardock, unlike Steam, did allow for refunds for a while).
Replayability/Value: The game has huge replay value, but much will depend on future support and modding. Beyond the two free demigods that should become available in the next few weeks, Stardock (and the developer, Gas Powered Games) will need to continue providing bug fixes, refining the network code, and adding content. At the very least, modders will need tools so that they can step up to the plate and show the game some love. I recommend the game, but also recommend that potential buyers play the demo first.
Pros:
+Fun and innovative gameplay
+Diverse mix of demigods
+Gorgeous graphics
+Solid music, voices, and sound effects
+Huge amount of potential if supported properly
Cons:
-A bit thin on initial content
-Spotty network code at release
-Somewhat inadequate manual
-No resale value (due to online registration with Impulse)
Average Rating:
Brand: Stardock
Edition: Standard
Model: 708192010738
Release Date: 2009-04-14
Product Description:Revolutionary strategy/RPG hybrid that combines the character building of a role-playing game with the epic battles of a real-time strategy game. Choose one of nearly a dozen unique demigods each with their ownspecial skills, powers, and capabilities. Battle your way into the pantheon of the gods in a persistent singleplayer or multiplayer universe. Wage massive, earth-shattering battles across a series of awe-inspiring arenas. Seize key, strategic positions on the map and turn the tide against your enemy as you assail the enemy demigod's stronghold. Watch your demigod grow in power as they gain experience, level up, and brush aside hordes of enemy minions. One of the most eagerly anticipated games of the year with stunning graphics, seamless multiplayer, and compelling single-player experiences.
Amazon.com Product Description:For gamers who love Real-Time Strategy (RTS) and Action Role-Playing Games (RPGs),
Demigod offers a unique hybrid that brings new fun for fans of both genres. In order to become a god, you'll have to master two types of game play: building up a hero for single battles and controlling armies for an entire war.
Level up your character and gain new skills and weapons. View larger. |
Strategically command an army of allies to victory. View larger. |
The Best of Two Genres: Real-Time Strategy and Action RPG Demigod allows you to control two types of demigods -- generals and assassins. When playing as an assassin, you'll have control of a warrior who gains experience and money as he kills enemies. You'll have the ability to upgrade weapons and items, and to learn spells, just like in an action RPG.
When playing as a general, you'll control allied forces, commanding them to attack where you want, just like in an RTS game. Allied creeps and minions continually enter through reinforcement portals, and as the general you direct them into battle.
The goal is the same whether you are playing as assassin or general: capture the enemy's control points. Each different general and assassin has his own unique set of skills and powers, and you'll need to learn how to use each one effectively against another.
Zoom in and out to see individual fights or the whole war. View larger. |
Fantastic Graphics and Beautiful Art Style Demigod features a beautiful art style that has a sense of whimsy. The game takes place on different maps, each featuring unique elements. Beautiful, exotic locations include a lava mine, waterfall temple, and more.
The monsters and creatures of the game are rendered in great detail, and observing a mass of them engage in battle is a thrilling spectacle. Angels, demons, and creatures both gigantic and tiny all inhabit the world at the same time, giving it a diverse and varied look. By zooming in and out of the map, you can see just how massive everything is. From a birds-eye view, you'll barely be able to see the movements of the small creatures, yet zoom in and you'll be a part of an epic battle. Depending on whether you're playing as a general or assassin, you'll make different use of the zoom levels.
Different game play Modes Provide Replay Value
Demigod has different game play modes including single-player, skirmish, and five-on-five multiplayer. Single player mode provides a compelling story line concerning the tournament to become the newest god.
Multiplayer mode provides many options: you can jump right into a game for instant gratification, or you can join in tournaments that allow you to carefully build up a character and upgrade him to your liking. Multiplayer games have different settings for players to tweak, such as the amount of gold income and achievement items that can be reached.
| System Requirements |
| | Minimum | Recommended |
| OS | Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Vista Service Pack 1 |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz | 3.0 GHz |
| Memory | 512 MB | 1 GB |
| DirectX Version | 9.0c+ |
| Video | 128 MB gfx card (GeForce 6800/Radeon 9800 or better) | 256 MB gfx card (GeForce 7600/Radeon x800 or better) |
| Internet | Broadband connection for Online-Multiplayer |
Features:
- PC game combines elements of Real-Time Strategy and Adventure Role-Playing Game Genres
- Zoom in and out to fight individual battles or manage the war effort
- Hundreds of items and upgrades to purchase and acquire
- Choose between unique demigods that have different special skills and powers
- Multiplayer mode lets you set up quick matches or play in tournaments
Format: DVD-ROM
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 29.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 8.00
Lowest New Price: USD 13.94
Customer Reviews
Great Multiplayer Co-Op
A lot of games are good in Multiplayer, but very few offer such a great Co-Op, teaming-up style experience. I'm playing another game now in which the online multiplayer mode does not allow for computer-controlled AI opponents, it only allows for players to oppose each other, not work with each other against the computer. This game DOES have that ability.
The graphics are great, and the maps are terrific! One of the maps features the playing field actually on a large stone snake sculpture and it's great - it makes the maps of other games seem boring.
The characters are unique and the skill trees are interesting and allow you to vary the strategy different ways for the same character, so there is lots of replay value. There is also a satisfyingly-large and diverse set of weapons and equipment for purchase, which really adds to the game's depth.
A great purchase!!
If only...
This is a great game. It truly is. The gameplay is fun, strategic, and fast paced without being totally overwhelming to new players. The maps and demigods are all quite fun and varied and the battles often become truly epic clashes with frequent shifts of power and nail-biting endings.
That said, this game is really a multiplayer game. Though it does have a single player mode, it only amounts to a series of multiplayer battles with computer controlled opponents. So, while demigod is an amazing multiplayer game, it has one fatal flaw: the matchmaking service and multiplayer support are absolutely terrible. Though it has come a long way since its unplayable launch, it leaves much to be desired. Playing online in matches that are 3v3 or smaller is doable, however a single player with moderately-high ping brings the game to a painstakingly slow game of lag-tag. And playing a lag-free 5v5 match is virtually impossible. Add that to the frequent server drops and communication errors, and you've got yourself a headache.
So, while demigod's lack of multiplayer support will sometimes make you want to tear your hair out, the game is a pure joy when it woks. If you've got the patience to spend 15-20 minutes looking for a stable game every time you want to play, then I'd highly recommend this game.
