Smite is a free-to-play third-person multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Hi-Rez Studios. Officially released on March 25, 2014, the game is available on multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Amazon Luna. In Smite, players take on the roles of gods, goddesses, and mythological figures from various pantheons, engaging in team-based combat to achieve objectives and defeat opposing players.

Unlike traditional MOBA games that utilize a top-down perspective, Smite offers a unique third-person viewpoint, bringing players closer to the action and providing a more immersive experience. Each player selects a deity from a diverse roster, with over 100 characters representing pantheons such as Greek, Norse, Egyptian, Hindu, and more. Each god possesses unique abilities and playstyles, categorized into classes like Assassin, Guardian, Hunter, Mage, and Warrior.

The primary game mode, Conquest, features two teams of five players competing to destroy the opposing team's Titan, located deep within their base. The map is divided into three lanes, each protected by towers and a phoenix, with a jungle area housing neutral monsters that provide buffs and gold when defeated. Team coordination, strategic planning, and skillful execution are essential to secure victory.

Smite offers various other game modes to cater to different player preferences:

• Arena: A casual, fast-paced mode where two teams of five engage in open combat, aiming to reduce the enemy team's ticket count to zero.
• Joust: A three-versus-three mode on a single-lane map, focusing on smaller skirmishes and quicker matches.
• Assault: A five-versus-five mode where players are assigned random gods and battle on a single-lane map, emphasizing team fights and adaptability.
• Slash: Combining elements from previous Siege and Clash modes, Slash features a two-lane map with an emphasis on both lane pushing and jungle control.

Since its launch, Smite has maintained a robust player base, with over 40 million players as of April 2020. The game operates on a free-to-play model, offering in-game purchases for cosmetic items, skins, and other enhancements. Players can also acquire a "God Pack," granting immediate access to all current and future gods, providing a comprehensive gameplay experience without additional costs for new characters.

Smite's esports scene has been active since its inception, with the annual Smite World Championship attracting teams from around the globe to compete for substantial prize pools. The competitive community continues to thrive, supported by regular updates, balance changes, and new content from the developers.

In January 2024, during the Smite World Championship, Hi-Rez Studios announced a sequel, Smite 2, developed by Titan Forge Games using Unreal Engine 5. The sequel aims to build upon the original's success, offering enhanced graphics, new gameplay features, and expanded content. Smite 2 became available as a free-to-play title on January 14, 2025, after a period of paid early access. Notably, Smite 2 features full cross-play and cross-progression, allowing players to enjoy the game with friends across different platforms and carry over their progress seamlessly.

MMOTOP.ORG Review

Smite stands out in the MOBA genre by offering a distinctive third-person perspective, bringing players closer to the action and providing a fresh take on traditional gameplay mechanics. The diverse roster of gods and goddesses, each with unique abilities and playstyles, ensures a dynamic and engaging experience for both new and veteran players. The variety of game modes caters to different playstyles, from intense competitive matches to casual, fast-paced battles.

The game's free-to-play model is complemented by a fair monetization system, focusing on cosmetic items that do not impact gameplay balance. Regular updates, new character releases, and active community engagement have contributed to Smite's longevity and success in the competitive gaming scene.

With the release of Smite 2, the franchise continues to evolve, offering enhanced visuals and expanded content while maintaining the core elements that players have come to love. The introduction of full cross-play and cross-progression in the sequel further solidifies its position as a modern, accessible MOBA experience.

Overall, Smite delivers a compelling and unique approach to the MOBA genre, earning a score of 85 out of 100.

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