When I read “Hey Riot, I Know Where You Can Stick Your Mystery Skin (AKA: Why I Finally Quit League of Legends)”, written by a fellow COG staffer, I knew I had to write about my experience as I had just started playing League of Legends myself. Having a newbie perspective is much different than that of a “grizzled veteran” and while he was done with his experience I felt as if my journey into the game was only just beginning.
League of Legends is easily one of the most popular online multiplayer battle area style games. It was recently recognized as the most played video game in the world, averaging 67 million plays every month. Naturally, I saw the game everywhere. My social media feeds were filled with memes, cosplays and debates about the game, and there I was, on the outside looking in. I knew the game was popular (I even visited the huge Riot Games booth at FanExpo in Toronto last year), but I was extremely intimidated. With so many people playing, the game style, and the characters, just about everything seemed so overwhelming. I just didn’t know if I should actually try to play this behemoth of a game.
Finally, one day I just decided to just jump right into the unknown. I downloaded the free-to-play game and created an account. I found it fairly easy to figure out what to do and how to navigate around the menu system. What I LOVE is the fact that you can play with others based on your skill level, which of course mine was very low. I feared that I would jump into a game with players who already knew what they were doing and who were a much higher level than me, making for an unpleasant experience, but this is not the case. In addition, you are able to chat and ask questions, and to my surprise, most players were extremely helpful with explaining abbreviations and what certain things meant in real time.
So why do I continue to play so far? Here are my top 5 “noob” reasons why:
1 – Easy to Learn Gameplay
You are able to select the type of match you want to play, the skill level of the team members, and if you want to play against AI or real players. This makes getting the feel of the gameplay quite easy. I was able to get into a game and learn the basics with fellow newbies without feeling like I was an outsider. Not only that, I felt like I was able to game as if I had some kind of knowledge, and skill, of the game itself and not mindlessly wander the in-game landscape.
2 – CHAMPIONS!
This has to be my favorite part of the game. With around 123 different character s(Champions) to choose from, I was able to try and find “the one”. It is fun experimenting with different characters and their abilities. Plus, you can customize each champion with a variety of skins. If I was able to find a character to enjoy, surely other “noobs” out there can too.
3 – No Two Games are the Same
With the huge variety of champions and maps, I realized that no game is really the same. And, with new ones coming up all the time, it makes for a unique experience each time you play. Sure, I am new to the whole experience, but after talking to others who have played for some time, they too say how the game can continue to provide a non-repetitive experience, even more so for new players.
4 – Riot Games to the Rescue
Riot Games has quickly realized the importance of monitoring the game. Troublesome players are quickly removed or penalized. This means the game rarely runs into any issues which results in a smooth experience. Having such great support from a developer is awesome as your chance to run into “griefers” is a lot lower than I had expected.
5 – IT’S FREE
Yes, you can purchase upgrades and skins for your champions, which you will gladly do once you have found your favorite champions, but the upfront cost is nothing, and system requirements allow most people the ability to play. How can one not want to try it?
I am by no means an expert but after finally diving into the world of League of Legends, I can honestly say that I am glad that I did. There are many reasons why the game is one of the most popular online games and has such a loyal fan base. And I can officially say that I have drank the League of Legends kool-aid.
Enough about me, what about you? Do you play? What are your thoughts?