Heroes of Newerth (HoN), the once-popular MOBA released in 2010 by S2 Games, is on the verge of a potential revival. After its shutdown in 2022 due to declining player numbers and competition from Dota 2 and League of Legends, a new team known as Kongor Studios has taken on the ambitious project of bringing HoN back to life.
HoN Reborn: A Second Chance for a Cult Classic
The revival project, named HoN Reborn, aims to restore the game’s classic mechanics while modernizing certain aspects to fit today’s gaming landscape. However, this initiative is met with both excitement and skepticism.
Unlike its competitors, HoN Reborn will not be launching on Steam, limiting its accessibility to new players. Moreover, the highly competitive MOBA market makes it uncertain whether HoN can reclaim a significant player base.
How HoN Changed the MOBA Genre
Despite its smaller player base, HoN introduced several groundbreaking features that left a lasting impact on the MOBA genre, influencing even its biggest competitors. Here are some of its most notable contributions:
1. First MOBA to Feature a Reconnect System
HoN was the first game in the genre to allow players to rejoin matches after disconnecting. This feature was later adopted by Dota 2 and has since become a staple in competitive online gaming.
2. Built-in Voice Chat
Unlike early versions of Dota 2 and League of Legends, HoN had integrated voice chat from the start, allowing for better team coordination without needing third-party software.
3. Advanced Matchmaking & MMR System
HoN pioneered an Elo-based matchmaking and ranking system before Dota 2 introduced its own. This set a standard for structured, competitive play in MOBAs.
4. User-Friendly UI and Spectator Mode
The game’s interface was significantly more refined than Dota 1, offering a modernized experience with advanced statistics, camera controls, and casting tools for spectators.
5. Customizable Hotkeys & Smart Casting
HoN allowed players to fully customize hotkeys and utilize smart casting, a feature that later became a standard in other MOBAs.
6. Unique Hero Mechanics & Innovations
HoN introduced several hero mechanics ahead of their time, such as Vector Targeting, which was later implemented in Dota 2. Many of today’s top Dota 2 professionals, including Johan “N0tail” Sundstein and Tal “Fly” Aizik, started their careers in HoN.
Can HoN Make a Comeback?
While the legacy of Heroes of Newerth is undeniable, its return is met with cautious optimism. Many community members are wary since the revival is being led by some of the same figures who managed and eventually shut down the original game. Additionally, without a Steam release, its ability to attract a new audience is questionable.
However, for long-time HoN fans, HoN Reborn represents a chance to relive the fast-paced, hardcore gameplay that set the title apart from other MOBAs. Whether it can carve out a new niche in today’s gaming scene remains to be seen.
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