Pay tribute or be smitten in this week's free game, Smite!

Smite is a MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) unlike any other. Where similar games such as Dota 2 and League of Legends have the top down view of the game, Smite takes it into a completely different direction with an over the shoulder style third person view. Developed by Hi-Rez Studios, Smite is not only on PC, but PS4 and Xbox One as well. Much to its namesake Smite is a battle of the gods. With 5 different game modes to choose from, they all follow the same basic directive: Destroy the “Titan,” or enemy base. In order to destroy the enemy you need gold and experience points. Gold and experience is earned in several ways; assisting or killing an enemy player or enemy minions, destroying enemy objectives such as towers, or passively earned periodically as time goes on.

Game modes

Source: Hi-Rez Studios via http://www.wwgdb.com/

As mentioned before currently there are 5 different game modes to choose from. Each of these game modes can either be done with real players or computer players.

Conquest: The typical MOBA map where two teams of 5 battle it out in a three lane style map
Joust: 3v3 map with two lanes
Siege: 4v4 map with two lanes
Assault: 5v5 map with only one lane, and an all-out battle royal
Arena: 5v5 but different from the normal modes. In this mode players battle it out for points, a minion kill is one point where as killing an enemy player grants 5 points.

Characters

Source: Hi-Rez Stuidos via http://www.kevinbargeron.com/

Players have the option to choose from several pantheons of gods and goddesses including Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and even Mayan. With 74 gods to play and master, players will be sure to spend hours on each god or goddess. Characters are later broken down into a specific role or type, each with its own unique skills, weaknesses, and greatness. The roles are

Hunters: Mostly ranged, they utilize physical power to overcome enemies.
Guardians: The support style character, utilizes spells to help the team
Mages: Utilize spells and magical power to thwart their enemies.
Warrior: Strong “tanky” characters that use raw power to overthrow enemies
Assassins: Quick and agile characters that rely on great mobility to defeat opponents

Store

Smite does offer an in-game store, in which players can purchase an assortment of items. The store uses two currencies: Gems and Favor. Gems can only be purchased with actual money. However favor can be acquired in multiple ways. The main way is by playing the game. You receive favor for each game you play. You can also complete quests (such as win 4 games, etc..) or you can spend real money. The main thing people buy at the store are the gods and goddesses. Gods and goddesses are in a free rotation but in order to keep them permanently you’ll have to purchase them. The store also offers several cosmetic items for each god and goddess, as well as ward skins and icons. The store has it all!

Overall

Whether you choose to play as a powerful mage or a cunning assassin, you’re sure to spend countless hours mastering each role and character. And if you choose to spend money, it’ll be money well worth it! So grab some friends, plan some strategies, and prepare for a fantastic time with the great free game Smite.

Written by A Play On Nerds contributor, Ben Tuchenhagen, based out of Austin, Texas.

Free Game Of The Week focuses on finding the best games for the best price of zero dollars! This week's game is Dota 2 (Defence of The Ancients). But just what is Dota 2? Originally released by Valve in July of 2013, Dota 2 has quickly become one of the most popular games in computer gaming. With over 7 MILLION players and thousands of viewers on Twitch daily, it’s clear that Dota 2 is something special. But what exactly is Dota 2?

What is Dota 2 and how do I play?

All the heroes to choose from. - Source: Valve

Dota 2 is an Action RPG (Role Playing Game), a RTS (Real Time Strategy) and a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) all rolled into one. Highly competitive and addicting, Dota 2 is both a very simple and very complex game, with two teams of five selecting characters or “Heroes” and entering the game. Once in the game the objective is simple: destroy the enemy base or “Ancient”. To do so, you must be powerful. To become powerful you must gain gold and experience. Gold is gained in three ways passively as the game progresses: by killing units or “creeps” and by killing enemy Heroes. With gold you can buy items which makes these things easier. At the end of the game, win or lose, you return to matchmaking and search for another, and the cycle repeats itself. With over 109 heroes and over 100 items to choose from Dota 2 is a unique and interesting experience every time.

Types of Heroes

From fuzzy cuddly bears, knights, and even demons Dota 2 has it all. Dota heroes are broken down into 3 categories: You have strong testosterone-driven strength heroes such as Axe; cunning agility heroes like Drow Ranger; and magical spellcasters like Crystal Maiden. Each Hero is equipped with four to six unique abilities that can be used to alter and affect the tides of battle.

What if I wanted to pay money?

In Dota you receive all the heroes and all the content for free. Everything that costs money is purely cosmetic, and the cosmetic factors have no effect on gameplay. While some cosmetics cost upwards of $300, it is purely for looks.

Is Dota 2 played professionally?

International 5 winners, "Evil Geniuses" - Source: opterown

Dota 2 is played by both professional and amateurs alike. With so many tournaments going on, it feels as if Dota 2 is always being played. As far as big tournaments go, The International 5, which is sort of a grand championship, just finished in late July, 2015. The winning team "Evil Geniuses" won just over 5 MILLION dollars.

Aside from the many hours you will put into normal Dota 2, Valve recently released workshop tools that allow its many users the ability to create games and maps, all of which are playable in the arcade menu. With infinite game modes and games, Dota 2 is sure to keep you entertained for many hours. So go out, and be sure to grab four of your friends, and get ready for a time of excitement and wonder, with Dota 2, available on Steam.

Written by A Play On Nerds contributor Ben Tuchenhagen