The beloved MOBA Heroes of Newerth (HoN) is returning with the new Heroes of Newerth: Reborn. Announced with a brand-new trailer, the game promises a host of upgrades, including better visuals and performance, and a streamlined player experience. With over 80 heroes available at launch and more to be added over time, fans of the original title will find plenty to be excited about. The game will be released as a free-to-play title on the iGames platform.
The HoN: Reborn has been rebuilt on a new engine, allowing a complete overhaul of UI, sound effects, and visuals. Players can expect 100-tick servers, improved FPS, and a smoother overall experience.
The developers have also included new gameplay mechanics, like a new boss enemy, the Phoenix, ravens for scouting, and the iconic Kongor can now push lanes for teams. Role queue and taunts are also added, bringing modern MOBA features to the game.
Unfortunately, HoN: Reborn’s return is exclusive to the iGames platform, an online ecosystem.
iGames claims to provide tools for game design, monetisation, tournament hosting, and funding through a feature called Genesis. However, the platform has drawn criticism for its similarities to blockchain gaming models.
According to iGames’ FAQ, while the platform does not incorporate blockchain technology, each game has its own “tokens”. This has led some to question whether the system mirrors the microtransaction-heavy economies seen in blockchain-based games.
While some fans are excited for HoN’s return, others remain wary of iGames’ monetizsation structure and its potential impact on gameplay. Also launching on a platform with a minute percentage of the playerbase that Steam has, it’s unlikely the game will commercially succeed.
Heroes of Newerth: Reborn is set to launch as a free-to-play but no official release date has been announced yet. Hopefully we’ll know more soon!