Last week, I found myself in a rather peculiar situation—pleading with friends to reconsider the timing of their family planning in exchange for a coveted copy of the much-anticipated GTA 6, a decision I firmly believe is financially unwise. Meanwhile, I’ve been diving deep into the world of Deadlock, a game that has reignited my complicated love affair with MOBAs. Following its recent update, Old Gods, New Blood, I’ve been pulled back into the genre with an intensity that feels both exhilarating and overwhelming.
With over 2,400 hours logged in Dota 2 during my university days, I now find myself accumulating hours in Valve’s latest creation, currently sitting at 183 and counting. The experience has been nothing short of captivating; I am irresistibly drawn to this dopamine-inducing machine, unable to tear myself away, even as I encounter the colorful array of online interactions that come with the territory. In my downtime from gameplay, I’ve been voraciously consuming the game’s voice lines, lore, and intricate worldbuilding.
It’s worth noting that Deadlock is still in its developmental stages, with an incomplete roster and some character models that leave much to be desired—my poor Vyper, for instance. However, when Valve’s signature polish shines through, it results in some of the most impressive designs I’ve seen, and the game’s map is evolving into a visually stunning landscape. I can’t help but whisper a quiet “hell yeah” to myself as I traverse The Hidden King’s bass-heavy domain.
Complexity Within Constraints
Yet, there’s a bittersweet undertone to my enthusiasm. As is the nature of MOBAs, introducing a friend to this genre can feel like a moral transgression, one that may forever darken their gaming soul. The structure of Deadlock is inherently limiting, confined to three lanes and a singular map. While Valve may expand the universe through animated shorts or comics, the potential for a standalone single-player experience—be it an RPG or a first-person shooter—feels tantalizingly within reach.
[Deadlock is] an infinitesimal slice of a much more interesting world I wish we could see more of.
There’s enough depth in this universe that I would gladly subscribe to a Deadlock MMO or even embark on a tabletop RPG campaign set in this vibrant world. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t help but dream about what could be, especially while awaiting the much-anticipated Riot MMO.
These aspirations may be lofty, but they reflect the rich potential I perceive through the limited lens of Deadlock. The game boasts an ocean-deep skill ceiling and remarkable complexity, yet it also presents just a glimpse of a far more expansive world that I yearn to explore. It’s a delightful dilemma for Valve, as their talented artists and writers have crafted a universe that leaves me hungry for more.
