Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Well, the overall concept is fairly simple to understand, and beginners have a set of recommended items, to understand the idea of an inventory build at least at a basic level. Then there's the tutorial that will further explain the gameplay mechanics, which you can go through entirely or selectively, depending on how much you already know about the game.
  2. The only real compelling argument for getting into the game now comes from that group of friends who spend hours a day playing, telling you how great it is until you finally give in and join the madness with them.
  3. If you're looking for something competitive to sink some serious time into then Heroes of Newerth is one of the best options out there.
  4. Heroes of Newerth is a multiplayer RTS based on the classic DotA scenario for Warcraft 3, so it comes with a classic gameplay, a great number of characters and hundreds of items that you have to know and try in order to win a match. It can be a very though experience for all newcomers, as they need to play several matches only to know how to use some heroes.
  5. Another clone of Defense of the Ancients and another good one. The huge team battles are very addictive and the game offers a lot of maps and heroes.
  6. Heroes of Newerth makes a lot of fun. The heroes are cool, you have the typical DotA atmosphere and the matchmaking system ensure fair play. Nevertheless HoN is mainly a game for DotA veterans.
  7. For anyone who is a super advanced DotA player, Newerth is a must buy, if only to keep up with the tournaments. Everyone else really should stay away due to the terrible community.
  8. Heroes of Newerth is an intriguing mix of frenetic action and tactical gameplay, showcasing some of the very best aspects of it's still-evolving genre.
  9. A fairly arcane design and an unfriendly community make for difficult entry barriers. [July 2010, p.98]
  10. Curious gamers will be pleased to possess what can be called the ultimate version of the legendary dota mod for Warcraft 3.
  11. The issue is not with the game's creators, who haven't made a bad game at all. It's with the community that they have catered for with it. Words like 'PWNING' popping up when you're on a killing spree, however tongue and cheek, still add to the vibe that these overly-aggressive, humiliating or just downright internetty behaviours are encouraged.
  12. Heroes of Newerth is definitely a good game, programmed to ensure players the same appeal already tried with Defense of the Ancients but with graphic, polygonal models and sounds completely renewed. A must for old fans but probably Hon isn't the most suitable game for players approaching this genre for the first time.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 199 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 53
  2. Negative: 14 out of 53
  1. Sep 8, 2012
    Sports the worst community of any game bar none. This coming from a player that has played on and off for 2 years and stabilized around 1750 MMR post-normalization. The game has glaring design-flaws that contributes to the indescribably awful community, which serves to alienate rather than invite new players. Don't even bother to play HoN if you're out of puberty; the community is a disgrace. Full Review »
  2. Nov 10, 2011
    A very decent DOTA clone, miles ahead of LoL and should probably the market leader in the MOBA genre. Not going F2P from day 1 hurt them. Needs some better support for guild. Has in-game VOIP, great spectator system and a lot of re-playability. Definitely worth checking out if your waiting for DOTA 2. Full Review »
  3. Jul 11, 2011
    Heroes of Newerth wasn't a completely terrible game, but it tried way too hard to be DotA. It's steep learning curve and is in no way friendly to newer users. One of the more annoying quirks about the game was that it offered no range indicators for spells other than AoEs. It also has one of the worst communities I have ever seen and is totally unforgiving. Members of S2 Games' staff have also blatantly insulted users for berating the game, without any repercussions. I can say that it's graphics are well done. At it's price, this game isn't worth it. I'd recommend sticking to DotA, looking into League of Legends, and/or saving your money for Dota 2. Full Review »