Ever since video games became widespread, comparisons have become commonplace. Mario is more fun than Sonic, but Sonic is faster than Mario. Crash Team Racing takes more skill than Mario Kart Wii, but newer players will enjoy Mario Kart Wii more. I’m sure you have heard some of these phrases before, either to state a point or to annoy a fan of a particular series. This is because we as consumers have a tendency to compare and contrast the products we are presented with.
For instance, whenever you begin to describe a game, you’ll often find yourself referencing another title or comparing genres. These inferences become the basis we use to justify playing new games. Within this article I’ll be breaking down the comparisons that have been made between Battleborn, Overwatch and Paragon. All three games are set for full release soon, following completion of their public betas. Is comparing these titles beneficial, or will the judgements we make lead us to miss potentially great games?
In case you have missed hearing about any of these titles, all can be classed as MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games, with elements inspired by titles such as DOTA and League of Legends. These games all have a large multiplayer element and include unique characters with their own skill sets. Characters within the game have different playstyles, determined by their weapons and skills. Teams will need to use these playstyles to their advantage in order to win. To get a better understanding of the core features of these games, I’ve provided a quick table below.
| BattleBorn | Overwatch | Paragon | |
| Camera Angle | First Person | First Person | Third Person |
| Story Mode? | Yes | Lore only | Lore only |
| Multiplayer modes | 5v5, 3 game modes; minion sacrifice, base destruction, control points | 6v6 2 game modes; attack/defend control points, push the payload | 5v5 1 game mode; base destruction |
| Retail model | Physical release and digital release, RRP £45 | Physical release and digital release, RRP varies between £29-99 | Early access from £15, eventually moving to free to play |
| DLC | Planned free and purchasable DLC with potential microtransactions | Planned free DLC, unsure of purchasable DLC with microtransactions | Planned hero releases however business model is not clear |
As you can see, even with the basic features outlined, it is hard to compare these games accurately. All have taken inspiration from recent trends in the MOBA genre, but with their own flair.




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