Demigod’s most obvious divergence is in controls. The designers saw the opportunity to create a control scheme based around a single unit (and its possible minions) with their custom engine. However, the inability to customize certain aspects of the scheme - such as the "Select Demigod" and "Select All Units" buttons - will annoy most gamers. Demigod also disposes with weapon combination, instead opting for a more direct and simplified progression through equipment. Players can also upgrade their structures and minions with excess money.

Demigod also offers a parade of additional modes and customizable options beyond Defense of the Ancients. These modes, options, and internet rankings open up far more replayability for players. Perhaps you don’t have any friends, or less depressingly, do you just want to test a new build? Just hit up the single player skirmish and select your bots. If dominating AI doesn’t stroke your ego properly, head into the Pantheon for ranked matches and tournaments.

Unfortunately, all of the multiplayer modes have been rendered nearly unplayable. Stardock is well known for their stance on piracy; believing that if a company supports their game past release, gamers will reward them by becoming customers and long-standing members of their community. Stardock does not include any intrusive DRM, relying solely on Impulse (their digital delivery software). Demigod us a multiplayer-focused title, which works fine on smal scales. However, since Gamespot broke the release date, over 100,000 illegitimate players have flooded their servers. This, coupled with a less then stellar multiplayer UI , has made the title’s multiplayer nearly unplayable for over a week. Stardock and Gas Powered Games have released daily patches and updates since release, but the problems have only partially improved.

Demigod’s gameplay is tried and true, offered from a pair of companies that have pledged long-standing support. Unfortunately, games cannot be reviewed based on potential or promise. As noted, the patches have helped the game-breaking multiplayer connection issues, but they are still present. Judging from the beta, single player since launch, and a handful of multiplayer games I’ve managed to complete, [/i]Demigod[i] is enjoyable. A gamer’s purchase will hinge on three things: confidence in Stardock and GPG to fix the issues, constant additions to the Demigod roster and item shop to keep things fresh, and $40 on a multiplayer-focused title.