Hello and welcome back to “The Backlog,” everyone’s favorite video game column. We’re still exploring games that fit the “I love it/I hate it” category, but today’s game might be skewed toward the latter more than others I’ve covered. Today, we’re looking at “League of Legends.”
“League of Legends”, or “League”, was released in 2009 by Riot Games. As an older release, “League” has become a well-known title among gamers and non-gamers alike. The design of the team-based game was influenced by “Defense of the Ancients,” a custom map — also known as a mod — for “Warcraft III.” “League” can be played on PCs running Microsoft Windows and macOS, but there are no console editions of the game.
The game heavily relies on its online multiplayer aspect. The main mode — Summoner’s Rift — sends two teams against each other in an arena. Each team consists of five players who are pitted against each other in player-vs-player combat, with each one trying to destroy the other’s base.
During the game, there are opportunities to obtain items as well as gain money and experience through each battle. Starting out, your character will be very weak, but you become stronger as you progress. This applies to your enemies as well.
The game itself is free but there are in-game purchases players can make, mostly for customization options. “League” currently contains 168 champions, but they are not always available to players. Champions are unlocked as players level up, or they can buy them using Riot Points.
What makes “League” a long-standing title is its deep connection with esports. Even 15 years after its debut, “League” continues to remain one of the most streamed video games. Teams of players have cemented themselves as legends (pun intended) and have a lot of followers. Personal feelings aside, I cannot deny the impact and weight that “League” carries.
There isn’t a coherent story within the game itself, but each champion does have their own description, backstory and connection with other champions. Players can find out more about the lore and world-building of “League” online, although it’s complicated and has a lot of moving pieces.
As much as “League” is beloved by fans, it’s generally agreed that its spinoff content is better than the game itself. A favorite among players and non-players alike is “Arcane,” an animated Netflix original. The first season is available right now, and the second season’s first act will be released on Nov. 9 later this year. The show contains elements of the game but focuses heavily on the champions, making itself one of the best television adaptations of a video game.
Other content by Riot Games includes cinematic videos and music videos on their YouTube channel. The nature of each champion allows Riot Games to be flexible and have freedom with how they portray each of them. The large number of different skins for each champion inspires both the developers and fans to remain creative in their art.
With an expansive fanbase, toxicity and issues arise. Within the game, players may engage in annoying behavior, trying to troll their enemies. These interactions can possibly ruin the experience for everyone. The risk with games that rely heavily on their online component is that, inevitably, toxic players and people will cross your path. It can be difficult for new players to jump into games like “League,” as they will be constantly squashed or will “feed” the enemy because of their inexperience. When I first started playing, I was guilty of feeding an Annie player over and over again.
Aside from other game modes that also involve player-vs-player combat, “League” doesn’t offer much else in terms of experience. People are more often fans of the shows or other content rather than the game itself, which can be disappointing for those who started playing it because they loved “Arcane.”
Even though “League” is free-to-play, the number of micro-transactions it pushes onto players can make it difficult to get better at the game, especially if you’re stuck using a champion you hate. Also, “League” can only be played on PCs, but it has crashed multiple times on my laptop, so be wary when choosing which device to use.
The graphics are also subpar, especially when compared to the polished cinematic trailers or the show. Although, the same textures and art cannot easily be recreated the same between a video game and a show.
My personal feelings aside, I do have a bit of nostalgia for “League.” It gained popularity around the time I became acquainted with the internet, and similar online team-based games were popular for pre-teens. I still remember playing “Wizard 101” and “Club Penguin.” I also appreciate how it has remained popular to this day, although the direction Riot Games takes may anger fans occasionally.
Even so, “League” hasn’t piqued my interest enough to be a consistent player, nor does it push me to grind and get all the champions. However, I can’t wait for the second season of “Arcane,” and I cannot deny how the popularity of “League” has allowed gems like “Arcane” to be made.
Rating: 2/5