14 DAY TRIAL // Developer Hi-Rez Studios has revealed another playable character for their free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena video game Smite, introducing Scylla, Horror of the Deep.
Smite offers a unique take on the MOBA genre, being a lot more action-oriented than similar titles such as Dota 2 or League of Legends. Through its use of a third-person perspective, direct controls, dodges and skill shots, it should offer a much more cutthroat environment than its competitors, at least on paper. Instead, it delivers a more relaxed experience and a rather casual environment.
The game's main inspiration lies in the many religions of the world, as the playable avatars are the embodiments of different beliefs around the world, from Hindu to Egyptian, Greek and Norse. It has of course been the subject of quite some controversy among the more devout, as having players control the lives of gods and not vice versa might seem blasphemous to some.
The new video shows the latest addition to the pantheon, Scylla, Horror of the Deep. Legends tell of enormous black tentacles with humongous hound heads taking down entire ships and throwing them into the black abyss.
Hailing from Greek mythology, Scylla has an impressive arsenal of abilities, offering her massive crowd control capacity while also dealing a considerable amount of damage. Her third ability rewards tactical players, offering both vision of an area and the option for a quick getaway or closing in and delivering the last hit.
Her ultimate ability allows her to become a veritable monster, rendering her immune to crowd control abilities while also receiving a movement speed boost, and offering her the chance to make one powerful attack against an enemy hero. Should said hero die from the attack, Scylla will be able to use the debilitating strike once again.
Hi-Rez's trailer does a good job of introducing the new god, also showing some real battle scenarios where players can see how the careful timing of her abilities can take down even the scariest of her enemies.
The developers have also announced the eight teams that have secured a spot in the upcoming SMITE Launch Tournament to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, from March 28 to March 30. The teams, selected from both North America and Europe, have been participating in weekly tournaments since January 4.
Additional details on the qualifying teams and on the schedule of the event can be located in the official announcement over on Hi-Rez Studios' website.