We just played Heroes of Newerth

Though the game has some kind of story somewhere that pits two different factions against each other, Heroes of Newerth is really all about choosing a single hero character to play as, then diving into a real-time-strategy-like match against other teams of heroes to kill off their "creeps" (computer-controlled cannon fodder units that constantly stream out of your enemies' territory), and gain experience levels. You can earn points with each level to increase your hero's statistic points (strength, intelligence, and so on) or to purchase hero powers that are unique to each character. Also, like in DOTA, there's a home base where your hero spawns and where your heroes can heal themselves and replenish their "mana" supply (so they can use their powers more often) while viciously pelting any enemy heroes who get too close with withering projectile fire.

Like in DOTA, your standard game session starts when you find a game from the list of games, which are sorted by various stipulations (some games allow only certain heroes, some games are welcome for newbies, and so on), or you create your own game with your own conditions. Heroes of Newerth will launch with a handful of maps, including two-versus-two on up to five-versus-five.

There will be about 40 heroes planned for the launch of the game, each with its own unique skills and powers.

In all cases, you choose your hero and start with your teammates in friendly territory near your side's shop, where you can buy any number of different gewgaws (which consist of component items that need to be combined together), including different composite armor, weapons, magic-enhancing skills, consumable items (such as healing potions), and various miscellaneous items designed to increase your characters' offense, defense, overall health, and walking speed, among other things. Because there's a huge variety of different items to buy (and different item sets will be ideal for different heroes), it's clear that you'll get the most out of the game if you're already familiar with it, and/or with DOTA, and have an idea of which item sets will work best for your currently selected hero. The game is planned to launch with about 40 different heroes, so there will be plenty of different characters, and character-specific strategies, for you to play with.

Heroes of Newerth's beta is already under way and servers are up 24/7, and the game's beta forums also appear to have lots of activity. The game is scheduled for release later this year at a $30 price point, but beyond that, no subscription fees are planned.