I am one of the lucky few who actually got the ability to playtest Valve’s newly announced game, Deadlock, thanks to a friend of mine. I’ve played quite a few matches now at this point and I think I’m ready to give my initial impressions.
Firstly, if you’re expecting this to be the TF2 or Overwatch killer, don’t be, this is strictly a MOBA in all but camera view, think of it instead as a direct competitor to Smite if that helps. The gameplay is challenging but rewarding, giving a real tug-of-war approach to the combat and match flow, especially when all team mates are simultaneously pushing each lane and taking down minions as they come. The gunplay feels a bit spongy at times, lacking that satisfying oomph with each shot that you would expect the makers of TF2 to have, though this may be intentional given the health values of each hero that you are working with.
The sky hook system that lets you quickly get back out to your lane is an excellent system as it allows the flow of the match to keep up even when you have died, ensuring that action is always within a minute of gameplay and that back and forths between teams on each lane is near constant. I also liked the map design and large layout for everything, giving lots of movement options and additional paths to take even within a single lane. I also really enjoyed how mobile each character was, having a double jump, air dash, floor dash and all other sorts of movement options made traversing the map a treat.
Finally I also liked the setting, being a uniquely strange mix of victorian/steampunk aesthetics whilst also focusing on the supernatural with working for deities and gods, a truly odd combo that I could definitely see being fleshed out with interesting lore and cinematics. This is perhaps my favourite point about the game as it reminds me plenty of Bioshock Infinite, but with a unique twist that makes it stand out.
However, it should be said that I probably won’t be playing it on release, and that’s purely just because MOBA’s aren’t really my thing and this title didn’t really change that for me. Absolutely as a MOBA I think it’s a good time for people who enjoy those types of games, but for me it’s all a bit much and I think I’m good to give it a pass. I am glad I got to try out this very unique game, and I do think it is well made, especially at these early stages, but for non-MOBA fans maybe give this one a miss too, unless the unique setting really carries it for you.
That’s all for now, and as always. It’s not just a game, It’s a Life.