Thursday, 25 Jul 2024

Awesomenauts Review: A Perfect Introduction to the MOBA Genre

Awesomenauts may look like a nostalgic 16-bit throwback, but it’s actually a 2D version of popular MOBA games like League of Legends. It offers a great introduction to the genre’s concepts in a familiar framework. From the moment you start the game, you’ll be greeted with a clever sense of humor and a lot of charm. Inspired by ’80s and ’90s cartoons, the game even features a catchy Power Rangers-style rock theme song.

A Diverse Cast of Characters

Awesomenauts boasts a diverse cast of characters, ranging from the corny hip-hop amphibian Froggy G to the Mars Attacks-inspired Voltar the Omniscient. Though the game may seem simple at first glance, it hides a tremendous amount of depth behind its cartoonish aesthetics. Each character has a unique set of abilities, allowing for diverse playstyles. While some characters have conventional movesets and various guns, others, like Voltar, focus on defensive healing. Good teamwork and planning are rewarded in Awesomenauts, making it essential to find effective character pairings and utilize blast droids and turrets strategically.

Strategic Gameplay and Character Upgrades

In Awesomenauts, offense and defense require careful coordination. Turrets automatically defend themselves with powerful mounted guns, requiring players to block gunfire from their droids or attack from higher platforms while teammates draw fire below. Strategic abilities, such as Sheriff’s stampeding bull or Leon Chameleon’s tongue grab, can be used to force enemies into turrets, maximizing damage. Each character has a jump, main attack, and two slots for equipping special attacks. Abilities can be upgraded before or during a match, providing players with customization options and unlocking new upgrades as they level up.

Mastering the Depth

Developer Ronimo Games has masterfully integrated depth into an accessible and easy-to-learn design. However, the importance of upgraded abilities can create a snowball effect during matches, with better players staying alive longer and becoming increasingly powerful. Despite this, the game never becomes frustrating. Each loss becomes an opportunity to learn and improve, ensuring an engaging multiplayer experience.

Multiplayer Focus

Awesomenauts does not offer a single-player campaign, emphasizing its focus on multiplayer gameplay. While there is a practice mode with bots available, the game truly shines when played with others. It allows online play with three players on one console, encouraging true team play. The quick matchmaking ensures minimal wait times and seamlessly replaces dropouts and rage-quitters with bots until new players can join in.

Conclusion

If you’re curious about MOBAs or looking for an enjoyable multiplayer experience, Awesomenauts is a fantastic choice. Its three-on-three battles are easier to grasp than larger-scale MOBA matches, while still offering a substantial amount of depth. With its diverse cast of characters and strategic gameplay, Awesomenauts is a standout multiplayer game worth exploring.

FAQs

  • Can I play Awesomenauts alone?
    No, Awesomenauts focuses on multiplayer gameplay and does not offer a single-player campaign. However, there is a practice mode available with bots.

  • How does matchmaking work in Awesomenauts?
    Awesomenauts features quick matchmaking, ensuring minimal wait times for players to join matches. Dropouts and rage-quitters are replaced by bots until new players can be found.

  • Are character abilities customizable in Awesomenauts?
    Yes, each character in Awesomenauts has a set of customizable abilities that can be upgraded before or during a match. As players level up, they unlock new upgrades for their characters.