As previously stated, I am years behind on everything.
First impressions:
Character designs look beautiful.
Ugly as shit user interface. I mean, it looks very PS4/console (which is not a shocker really). I just expected something more ...I don't know.
The map terrain seems cool. I have not really taken the time to explore every nook and cranny. I just run around.
Gameplay:
So apparently, like pretty much all moba's the teams are suppose to have a preferred comp. Mid-lane, jungle, tc... I have just been playing Solo vs. AI, so computers fill all roles while I try out all the available champs and level up. I don't understand the jungle at all, really. It's really easy, and the buffs laners can easily go and get those themselves? Again, not really sure what the objective to jungle farming in this game is yet is -- other than gathering your... Uhh I think they are called Amber Orbs.
So the object of the game is to, like all other moba's, is to gain experience and level up to unlock and empower your abilities. You can choose from any of 4 abilities from level 1 on up, with your ultimate waiting until 6? I think. Pretty much like all other MOBA's.
So experience (kills, etc.) levels up your toon and grant you ability points.
Kills in general drop these amber orbs (basically it's the games version of GOLD)which level a separate experience bar and grant you card points--
Cards are the games answer to itemization. You get cards from opening chests and etc. Basically, you already "own" the items you need to equip, you just need to farm the orbs to be able to equip said items. I really don't know how I feel about it yet.
As far as I can tell there is no talent tree structure, and Mastery in this game I have yet to look into it. At first glance it looks like a perk that helps you unlock/find items faster and doesn't actually effect gameplay. So there's very little to build on. Boring. Very boring.
Post game-play:
There is K/D/A and card slots to show everyone's "items"
Completing games grant YOU experience, Reputation Points, and I think sometimes Reagents? I have not paid too close attention. Leveling yourself or the champion you play unlocks chests to open.
Chests - contain a variety of items. Reagents, cards, Coins, Reputation Points, more chests, etc. etc.
Reagents - a variety of metals used to UPGRADE and forge (maybe?) existing cards. Something I have not meddled with yet. It's pretty much Hextech Crafting from LoL.
Reputation Points - Basically Influence Points (LoL), Favor (Smite - am I right on that?), and I forget the other games. Can be used to purchase heroes and whatnot.
Coins - Basically Riot Points (LoL), Gems (Smite) and much like those games can be earned in the same fashion. Very slowly.
Overall I do enjoy the game, but it might be the thrill of trying something new. It's too early to determine how much I like the game. Like previously stated, the gameplay itself don't feel rewarding other than seeing a wee number on the screen. In fact, I'm not even sure what impacts the game at all. It lacks objectives completely and is very stale and straight-forward.
I hope my poor explanation skills helped anyone looking to try it, lol.
Anyways, the game is still in Open Beta so we might yet see some overhaul changes. Doubtful, but for the time being I'll just play it casually and level up to get a few chests. I'm definitely not paying the $12/hero. I'll slowly farm the 75k rep points instead.
But they do look wicked cool.
Countess is bae.