League of Legends is one of the first multiplayer online battle arena games to come out, and it has been widely successful since. Even almost 10 years later, it still holds as an example of what a great MOBA game is. It has an amazing variety of champions (almost 150) and each and every one has their own unique lore, backstory, quotes, and special abilities. Game-play-wise, it has an extremely fast paced, tension packed feel where everyone on the team must contribute to win the game. Not only that, it is completely free, and the only money you can spend on it is to buy skins (cosmetics) for your characters to support the developers; however, these do not affect the actual game-play. You can buy champions/characters with real money, but it is still very possible to not pay any money and play competitively. It is played in a traditional 5 vs 5 style, so if you want to grab some friends and play, it will make it a lot more fun and immersive.
The game is played on a huge map called Summoner’s Rift. The map has many brushes, rivers, jungle areas, and lanes to fight and skirmish with other players. Each different area has a different environment and objects which you can use to your advantage. This adds an element of surprise and strategy to the game.
Each character is full of personality and interesting powersets. They feel like they are real and often shout out one of their unique quotes or battle cries, which greatly adds to the immersive aspect of the game. All champions have a passive effect and 4 other abilities, all of which are completely different. These passive effects can give them a quick edge over their opponents, and their flashy abilities can turn huge fights easily and make the characters memorable. From simple slows to enormous nukes that shake the map, every ability has their own use, whether it is for a small cause or it is game-changing. Aiming precise skillshots to destroy your enemy while dodging all of theirs is another one of League of Legends’ many thrills – the best players in the world are known for being able to dodge numerous skillshots at once.
Ingame, in the shop, there are hundreds and hundreds of items that your champion can purchase to enhance their fighting abilities. These come in all shapes and sizes and all give different stats and unique passives. Each character has an infinite amount of different builds and play styles that you can associate with it.
All in all, League of Legends is a popular game due to its free-to-play structure and competitive, intense game-play. It has lasted for almost 10 years and is now the most played game in the world. The community is immense, and having a friend join you in some games can amplify the fun even further.
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