18. League of Legends (LoL)

League of Legends (LoL)
Developed by Riot Games, 2009

Genre
Role Playing Game (RPG), Real Time Strategy (RTS)

Awards

• IGN PC Best Strategy Game: Reader's Choice (2009)
• Gamespy Gamer's Choice Award: PC Gamer's Choice (2009)
• 1st Game Developers Online Choice Awards (2010)
• Best Online Technology
• Visual Arts
• Game Design
• New Online Game
• Audience Award
• Golden Joystick Award: Online Game of the Year (2010)
• Golden Joystick Award: Best Free-To-Play Game (2011)

Review

This game offers many options for players.  First it is free-to-play, meaning that the player only needs to go to the website and download the game file, create an account, and can begin playing.  Players are called "summoners" and choose a "champion" at the beginning of each match.  Players can select from four different game types: PvP (player vs. player), Co-op vs. AI, Custom, and Tutorials.  When a player first creates an account, they go through tutorials before being able to play other types of games (can be skipped if chosen).  Players earn experience and an in-game currency called IP (Influence Points) by fighting in matches.   Summoner accounts level up the more games are played, with a cap at level 30.  IP can be used to purchase champions or runes (buffs to help during matches).  RP (Riot Points) can be purchased with real money and used to buy champions, skins (different outfits for champions), and other nick-knacks, but nothing that could "make the difference" in a game.  The most popular game type is PvP where each team is comprised of real people (either randomly added to a team from a queue or players that are in a group, usually friends).  Five people are needed for the game so if the group has less than 5 people, random players will be added from the queue.  Games vary in length depending on the skill level of the players.  Some matches can be watched (on a delay - no cheating!) to learn new skills or just for enjoyment.  There are ranked matches, animated videos depicting the fighting from champion perspectives, new champions, background lore and updates all the time, making it a new experience every time the game is played.

Opinion

This is an extremely fun game that is generally appropriate for tweens.  Since players can add "friends" and IM them, parents may want to verify who is on their tweens friend list.  Many people play with real life friends and use services like Skype or Vent to talk via microphone, as typing in the chat box during the game can be distracting.  There is a language filter that can be turned on in the settings, but no "parental controls", meaning the player will always have access to the settings menu and can change the filter setting.  I think this is a great game that actually engages the mind since players have to make strategy decisions about where to go on the map and when to use certain skills or purchase certain items.

Ideas
Players are made to think ahead in this game and strategize with their team, meaning communication is important from the beginning.  This is a great game to play with friends you know because you can all help each other become better at it.