Hello. As of 2011, DotA has become so famous around the globe that there is now a "Dota" genre in WikiPedia for video games.
For some people, this is great news, for others, they can't stand it. So because of this; the popularity and business opportunities that DotA has, a few video game companies have made and are still working on some standalone DotA games.
We'll begin with the first one chronologically:
Demigod - 2009
Developed by Gas Powered Games
When you look at Demigod's screenshots and some gameplay videos, you would never guess that this game is actually based on DotA, you cannot see resemblance too much at first.
Unfortunately, this game hasn't received too much attention from players, especially DotA fans. Most DotA fans know about this game but never bothered to try it out as it looks too different from the original DotA.
League of Legends - 2009
Developed by Riot Games
When it comes to LoL, it is the most disliked standalone DotA game by players who claim to be "hardcore old fashion dota fan". Despite the negativity LoL receives from a handful of people, this one actually has managed to break the barrier and reach at least 17 million players!
It uses free-to-play model but of course with a lot of restrictions (eg: skins, heroes, etc). You can buy a hero so that you always can play with that hero no matter what.
This might seem "elitist" in the sense that if you have more money, you're better than the rest of the players because you can always play with the imba hero.
Heroes of Newerth - 2010
Developed by S2 Games
HoN is the third standalone DotA-based game released in 2010. HoN and LoL actually share quite a few things in common, like the user interface on the main screen; statistics, reconnection, etc. Although there is one thing that attracts DotA, that is most of heroes in HoN are also based on the heroes of DotA. Unlike LoL, they have completely revamped all heroes, changed name, spells and strategies. In HoN, you will quickly understand which hero you have once you learn a spell or two from the hero.
Unfortunately, HoN was pay-to-play until July 2011, now it is free. Too late though, LoL has a whopping numbers of players up to 17 million players while HoN has around 600.000 until now. The comparison between HoN & LoL is very common among DotA fans because they seem to be very similiar.
Rise of Immortals - 2011
Developed by Petroglyph Games
Strangely, RoI seem to have the same amount of attention as Demigod had when it first launched. It is free-to-play as well but this one is different in some aspects, as you can see from the screenshot, you get to choose your hero and customize. Not much is known honestly. I blame the time since it is too early to judge the game. Let's give it some time.
DotA 2 - 2012 (TBA)
Developed by Valve (Icefrog lead designer)
Yes! This is by far the most anticipated standalone DotA game! In fact, I don't need to put in the term "standalone" because this IS DotA, just enchanted. If you didn't know, Icefrog (the guy who has taken over DotA from Guinsoo) was invited and then hired by Valve to be lead designer of a team who are developing the game; DotA 2. D2 received major attention and promotion with the International tournament a few months ago. The game was played in BETA by the best DotA teams around the world.
Recently, D2 won an IGN People's Choice Award! Although in-depths details have not yet been revealed to the public since it's too early and Valve don't want people to jump the gun.
Apparently, the game shares almost the exact same reaction times, map exploits, fog advantages/disadvantages, similiar creep AI, animation time to cast a spell, etc. This was stated by IceFrog that they are doing this in purpose so DotA players can jump right in the game and feel like they are playing en enchanted version of DotA! It is also going on Steam!
Realm of The Titans - 2011
Developed by Aeria Games
Realm of Titans is the latest free to play game inspired by the widely popular DotA. With a gameplay style similar to League of Legends and Realm of Titans should be instantly accessible to fans of the genre. Several new features like control points should shake things up and help the game stand out. Realm of the Titans will utilize a match making system to pair players with similarly skilled opponents. The game will also keep track of stats, and allow players to unlock achievements to access new content.
Avalon Heroes - 2011
Developed by Alaplaya
Avalon Heroes, called Avalon Online in Asia, is a 3D Fantasy MMO where players choose from one of over 35 playable heroes and fight it out in against their enemies in individual matches. There is no doubt that much of the game is based off the incredibly popular DotA. Like other ‘Aeon of Strife’ games, Avalon Heroes gameplay places a great deal of emphasis on teamwork and micro-management.
Smite - 2011/2012
Developed by Hi-Rez Studios
Well not much is known yet for this game other than (obviously) it's based on DotA as well. Click on the company name to get more info if you want, you can sign up for their beta coming up soon.
Blizzard DotA - 2012?
Developed by Blizzard Entertainment
Yes. A DotA being developed by Blizzard. Here's the twist though: it's a custom-scenario/mod for Starcraft 2, which means you must own Starcraft 2. (Or pirate it like most of people around the world). It is NOT a standalone game like the rest on this list, but it's good to know about such games.
Land of Chaos Online
Hosted by Alaplaya
This is a 3rd person mixed with RGP elements, mainly from DotA obviously. LOCO only has two main modes of play: Annihilation, which is your typical team deathmatch and Battlefield, where DotA elements come into play. Annihilation mode is very straight forward, so I won't go into that, but just to give you a quick idea of how DotA games work: Two teams go head to head to see who can destroy the opposing team's base. Before your team can destroy the enemy base, you'll have to kill enemy players and NPC monsters (called creeps) to level up your character and gain new skills. Along the way, you can also purchase items that can be combined with other items to create even more powerful items to use in battle. Attacking them enemy's base must be done in a specific order (such as destroying the base points first, then the healing fountains, etc.) and then the headquarters can be destroyed which will earn your team a victory.
Legendary Champions
Published by Aeria Games
Legendary Champions is an oriental themed MMORPG that combines DotA style PvP with traditional MMORPG gameplay. Players create a character, do quests, level up, explore the game world, and take part in all the usual gameplay elements. PvP options include a 5v5 DotA style match-up where players take on the role of Beowulf, King Arthur, Dracula, or one of the other 60 champions available. The game also supports PvP battlegrounds and open world PvP. Legendary Champions isn’t just a player vs player game, there are plenty of instanced dungeons and raids for groups and guilds to conquer.
Bloodline Champions
Developed by Stunlock Studios
Bloodline Champions is a Free-to-Play online PvP Arena game where players engage in short, intense battles of up to ten players divided into two teams.
I encourage all DotA fans to share and express their opinions about all that was conveyed in this post. Thank you.
- T
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by meshuggah
) Yesterday when i played few games of hon there were about 38k players online. That's really good for such a new game. If valve make dota2 f2p they gonna steal half of their players and almost all dotters. 
