Recently, Blizzard announced version 2.0 for their MOBA game Heroes of the Storm. However, those expecting a complete overhaul of the game were mistaken. HotS 2.0 promises a lot by its name, but delivers little.
Heroes of the Storm 2.0! When I read these words in my press kit during a visit to Blizzard in Paris at the end of March, I thought, “Wow, HotS is going to be completely revamped! I can hardly wait to see what’s coming!” Then something did come, but something very different.
Heroes of the Storm 2.0 – But only for Loot!
The presentation in a studio in a fancy courtyard in Paris began with a completely revamped loot mechanic. “Great, more loot is always awesome,” I thought. Various information followed regarding the new approach to loot and game progression, then there were a few more details about later heroes and battlefields, and that was that.
Wait, was that the complete Heroes of the Storm 2.0? Under such a grandiose name as “HotS 2.0,” I, along with many of my colleagues present, expected more than just an almost 1:1 implementation of a progression and loot system taken from Overwatch.
HotS 2.0 – Wrong Label, Wrong Expectations
I probably wouldn’t have had as much of a problem if it had been called something like “Heroes of the Storm – Progression 2.0” from the start. But to promote the entire game under a name suggesting a fresh start and then only change the loot was disappointing.
I had expected something radical, something new from HotS 2.0. For example, a complete overhaul of the gameplay – away from the classic MOBA like LoL and towards an approach similar to SMITE or Paragon. That way, HotS could finally step out of the shadow of these big competitors. However, that was not the case. It remained an announcement of more loot and a bitter aftertaste, a disappointed expectation.
And yes, I was basically aware that Blizzard would not simply throw HotS completely out the window, but I just wished for a bit more than just a loot adjustment with the name “HotS 2.0”!
Loot 2.0 – Actually Awesome!
Don’t get me wrong, I think the new loot and progression system of HotS is great! With “HotS Loot 2.0,” I get many more loot and rewards as a casual player as well as an expert. Additionally, I level up faster and constantly have something new. It’s fantastic, fun, and keeps players engaged longer because they always have a reward in sight!
In my opinion, it was just poorly packaged and marketed. It’s actually a great thing, but certainly not a proper HotS 2.0 that would deserve that name.
But well, that’s my opinion. What do you think of the “new” Heroes of the Storm? Is the reward system alone also too little behind the big announcement, or do you think that loot was indeed the biggest issue with HotS? Or do you believe that the loot is just the beginning and that more significant changes are coming to HotS in 2017? Let me know in the comments!
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