Introduction to Gigantic
Gigantic, a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Motiga and published by Perfect World Entertainment, was a unique entry into the genre with its distinctive mix of gameplay elements. Released in 2017, it aimed to capture the hearts of MOBA fans with its engaging mechanics and visually striking art style. This article delves into the core aspects of Gigantic, evaluating its gameplay, visuals, characters, and overall impact on the MOBA genre.
Gigantic Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Core Gameplay Elements of Gigantic
Gigantic’s gameplay revolves around team-based battles, featuring two teams of five players each. The primary objective is to destroy the opposing team’s “Guardian” while defending your own. Here’s a closer look at the core gameplay elements:
- Guardian Battles: Central to Gigantic’s gameplay are the Guardians, massive, powerful creatures that each team must protect while attempting to bring down the enemy’s Guardian. This unique feature sets Gigantic apart from other MOBAs.
- Hero Abilities and Roles: Players select from a diverse roster of heroes, each with unique abilities and roles. Heroes are classified into different categories such as tanks, damage dealers, and support, allowing for varied team compositions and strategies.
- Map Objectives: The game features several map objectives, such as capturing control points and slaying neutral monsters, which provide advantages and resources to the team.
Unique Features of Gigantic
Gigantic offered several unique features that distinguished it from other MOBAs:
- Art Style: The game is renowned for its vibrant, colorful art style and cartoonish character designs, creating a visually appealing experience.
- Character Designs: Each hero in Gigantic is intricately designed with a distinct personality and backstory, enhancing the immersive experience.
- Dynamic Maps: The maps in Gigantic are designed to be dynamic and interactive, offering various tactical opportunities and challenges.
Gigantic Graphics and Visuals
Art Direction and Design
Gigantic’s art direction is one of its standout features. The game employs a cartoonish and fantastical art style that makes the game visually distinct from other MOBAs. The character designs are imaginative and varied, contributing to a visually rich gameplay experience.
- Character Models: The hero models are detailed and expressive, with animations that enhance their personalities and roles within the game.
- Environmental Design: The game’s environments are lush and varied, with each map featuring unique visual themes and interactive elements.
Performance and Optimization
Gigantic runs smoothly on a range of hardware, thanks to its optimized graphics engine. The game is designed to be accessible to players with different system specifications, ensuring a broad player base.
- System Requirements: The game’s system requirements are modest, making it accessible to players with mid-range gaming PCs.
- Performance: Players generally report stable performance with minimal issues, contributing to a positive overall experience.
Gigantic Characters and Heroes
Overview of Hero Classes
Gigantic features a diverse roster of heroes, each with their unique abilities and playstyles. Here’s a breakdown of the main hero classes:
- Tanks: These heroes are designed to absorb damage and protect their teammates. They often have abilities that enhance their survivability and crowd control.
- Damage Dealers: Also known as DPS (damage per second) heroes, they focus on dealing high amounts of damage to enemies. They typically have abilities that enhance their offensive capabilities.
- Support Heroes: Support heroes provide healing, buffs, and other beneficial effects to their teammates. They play a crucial role in team sustainability and strategy.
Notable Heroes in Gigantic
Some of the standout heroes in Gigantic include:
- Tripp: A support hero known for her healing abilities and crowd control skills.
- Vadasi: A tank hero with powerful defensive abilities and crowd control.
- Xander: A damage dealer with high burst damage potential and mobility.
Gigantic Game Modes and Maps
Game Modes Available in Gigantic
Gigantic offers several game modes to keep gameplay fresh and engaging:
- Standard Matches: The primary mode where teams battle to destroy the enemy’s Guardian while defending their own.
- Special Events: Periodic events that introduce new objectives and challenges, offering unique rewards and gameplay experiences.
Map Variety and Design
Gigantic features several distinct maps, each with its unique layout and objectives:
- The Molten Crater: A map with lava-filled areas and dangerous environmental hazards.
- The Broken Sky: A floating map with shifting platforms and strategic vantage points.
Gigantic Community and Support
Community Engagement
Gigantic’s community was known for its passionate and engaged players. The game had a dedicated fanbase that actively participated in forums, social media, and in-game events.
- Community Events: Regular events and updates were organized to keep the community engaged and to provide new content.
- Feedback and Support: The developers actively listened to player feedback and made adjustments based on community input.
Developer Support
The developers of Gigantic provided consistent updates and patches to address issues and improve the game. However, as of 2018, the game was officially shut down, ending its development and support.
Gigantic Pros and Cons
Advantages of Playing Gigantic
- Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The focus on Guardian battles and dynamic maps offered a fresh take on the MOBA genre.
- Distinctive Art Style: The game’s vibrant and colorful art direction made it visually appealing.
- Diverse Hero Roster: A wide variety of heroes and roles allowed for varied and strategic gameplay.
Disadvantages and Criticisms
- Server Issues: Players occasionally experienced server instability and connectivity issues.
- Limited Longevity: The game struggled with maintaining a long-term player base, leading to its eventual shutdown.
- Balance Issues: Some players reported imbalances between certain heroes and teams, affecting gameplay fairness.
Conclusion
Gigantic was an ambitious MOBA that offered a unique blend of gameplay elements, art style, and hero mechanics. While it faced challenges and was eventually shut down, its innovative approach and distinct features left a mark on the genre. For fans of MOBA games, Gigantic remains a noteworthy example of creativity and experimentation within the genre.
FAQ: Gigantic Game Review
What is Gigantic?
Gigantic was a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Motiga and published by Perfect World Entertainment. It featured team-based battles, unique gameplay mechanics, and a distinctive art style.
What were the main gameplay features of Gigantic?
The main features of Gigantic included Guardian battles, diverse hero classes, dynamic maps, and various game modes. Players worked to destroy the enemy’s Guardian while defending their own.
How did Gigantic’s art style differ from other MOBAs?
Gigantic’s art style was characterized by vibrant colors and cartoonish designs, setting it apart from the more realistic or traditional art styles seen in other MOBAs.
What were the notable heroes in Gigantic?
Notable heroes in Gigantic included Tripp (a support hero), Vadasi (a tank hero), and Xander (a damage dealer). Each hero had unique abilities and roles.
Why was Gigantic shut down?
Gigantic was shut down in 2018 due to various factors, including challenges with maintaining a stable player base and financial difficulties. Despite its innovative approach, it struggled to achieve long-term success.
Was Gigantic well-received by players?
Gigantic received praise for its unique gameplay mechanics and art style, but it also faced criticism for server issues and balance problems. The game had a dedicated community but ultimately could not sustain long-term player engagement.
What are some alternatives to Gigantic?
For players looking for alternatives to Gigantic, other popular MOBAs include “League of Legends,” “Dota 2,” and “Heroes of the Storm.” These games offer different styles of gameplay and varied hero rosters.
