Now that Valve is acknowledging the presence of Deadlock’s closed playtest, we can delve into the fascinating vibes that this hero shooter MOBA exudes. One major element of Deadlock’s aesthetic is its diverse array of heroes: a colorful mix of occultists, interplanar anomalies, and, based on the incomplete character backgrounds, possibly one rather unpleasant individual.
The Dynamic World of Deadlock’s Heroes
As noted in the message accompanying Deadlock’s early-access launch, Valve considers the game to be in its early developmental stages. Thus, elements like the artwork, abilities, user interface text, and many other in-game features are subject to change before the game’s final release. Regardless, even at this rudimentary stage, the hero backgrounds offer us glimpses into the game’s evolving narrative fabric. For instance, Abrams is a half-devil detective caught in a conspiracy surrounding a mysterious tome. Dynamo, on the other hand, is a Columbia professor who fell into a spacetime hole and transformed into a tiny star residing within a robot body. Ivy, a living gargoyle-turned-vigilante, was adopted by a family from Spanish Harlem. These varied backgrounds showcase Valve’s ambition to create a rich, immersive universe, even if some elements are still rough around the edges.
funniest thing that happened to me in deadlock, lash throwing my entire team into the enemy's fountain pic.twitter.com/EbeSB0lXdw
— Liz-C 😱🤯 (@Liz_Caingcoy) August 24, 2024
The Curious Case of Lash
While most character bios in Deadlock provide a succinct summary of the tragedies and hardships that shape the heroes, one character seems to stand out for his peculiar description: Jacob Lash. His biography is astoundingly brief, simply stating, “Jacob Lash is an asshole.” It’s evident that this placeholder text is far from complete, but it offers a humorous insight into the ever-changing nature of game development. Lash, with his unsettling abilities like grappling with a whip and entangling enemies, seems to have earned a dubious reputation even among the developers.
Conclusion
Valve’s Deadlock may still be in early development, and much is likely to evolve before its actual release. However, the early character profiles give us an inkling of what to expect: a rich tapestry of intriguing heroes, each with their unique skills and backstories. While some bios, like Lash’s, may remain placeholders for now, they add a layer of charm and unpredictability that’s quintessential to the development process.
