The MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre has taken the gaming world by storm, particularly in regions like Indonesia. Two prominent games that have captured the attention of MOBA enthusiasts are Honor of Kings and Mobile Legends. While both games share the MOBA label, they have distinct differences that set them apart. In this article, we will delve into five key differences between these two popular games.
1. Hero References
One of the most noticeable differences between Honor of Kings and Mobile Legends is their approach to hero references.
Honor of Kings: This game primarily draws inspiration from Chinese history and mythology. Many heroes are modeled after legendary figures from the Three Kingdoms era, as well as other significant historical and mythological characters. Examples include Guan Yu, a famed general from the Three Kingdoms, and historical European figures like Arthur and Marco Polo.
Mobile Legends: The hero pool in this slot88 game is more diverse, featuring characters inspired by a variety of cultures and mythologies. While there are many Asian references, heroes come from all over the world, representing various mythological and historical backgrounds. Despite this diversity, there are some overlapping references between the two games, such as Zilong (Zhao Yun) and Sun (Sun Wukong).
2. Emblems vs. Arcana Systems
Both games offer systems to enhance heroes’ abilities, but they implement these systems differently.
Mobile Legends: The game uses an Emblem system based on roles. Each emblem can be leveled up and customized with talents to provide various buffs and enhance the basic stats of the heroes. Players can choose emblems that best fit their playstyle and the role they intend to play.
Honor of Kings: Instead of emblems, this game employs an Arcana system. Players place a total of 30 Arcana divided into three colors, each providing different effects. This system offers more flexibility, allowing players to tailor their heroes’ stats more precisely. Each type of Arcana also has levels that need to be increased to maximize their benefits.
3. Map Design
The map design in Honor of Kings and Mobile Legends also showcases notable differences.
Honor of Kings: The map is more complex and includes unique features such as a teleport portal located at the intersection of the Clash Lane. This portal allows players to quickly move to another lane, facilitating strategic ganks and support. The map also contains 7 Jungle Camps and smaller monsters that roam each lane, adding more elements to the gameplay.
Mobile Legends: The map design is relatively straightforward, featuring 5 Jungle Camps and 2 Hermit Crabs. While the overall layout is similar to other MOBAs, it lacks some of the intricate features found in Honor of Kings. This simpler design can make the game more accessible to newcomers.
4. Boss Monsters on the Map
Both games feature powerful Boss Monsters, but their roles and mechanics differ significantly.
Mobile Legends: The game includes the Lord and Turtle. The Turtle provides buffs, gold, and EXP, while defeating the Lord spawns a powerful ally that pushes the lane with the fewest towers.
Honor of Kings: This game features the Overlord and Tyrant. The Tyrant, similar to the Turtle, offers buffs, gold, and EXP. The Overlord, however, has a more complex role with three stages:
Early Game: Spawns 2 waves of dragon minions in each lane.
Mid Game: The player who lands the last hit can summon the mother dragon to a chosen lane.
Late Game: Known as the Tempest Dragon stage, it spawns 3 waves of stronger dragons in each lane, and players receive more powerful buffs than those provided by the Tyrant.
5. Esports Presence
Esports is a major aspect of both slot games, but their popularity and reach differ.
Mobile Legends: This game is a giant in the esports scene in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It enjoys massive viewership and participation in tournaments, with live broadcasts attracting numerous fans across various platforms.
Honor of Kings: While a newcomer to the international market, it is a colossal presence in its home country, China, where it far surpasses Mobile Legends in popularity. Despite its relatively recent international release, it is rapidly gaining traction and aiming to compete on a global scale. Both games featured prominently in the World Esports Championship, each boasting a prize pool of 3 million US dollars.
Conclusion
While Honor of Kings and Mobile Legends both belong to the MOBA genre and share some similarities, they offer distinct experiences due to their unique hero references, progression systems, map designs, boss mechanics, and esports presence. Each game brings its own flavor and appeal to the table, catering to different preferences and playstyles. Whether you are drawn to the historical depth and complexity of Honor of Kings or the accessibility and established esports scene of Mobile Legends, both games provide rich, engaging experiences for MOBA enthusiasts. So, which one will you choose to play today?
