Darkspore Preview
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Darkspore is nothing like Spore. In fact I would go as far as saying that only the universe and creature creation remains, and even those components have been changed. This is something very different, something that will appeal to those of us who like to build up characters, collect loot, and click with our mouses on enemies to destroy them. Darkspore is an action RPG and similar to Blizzard's Diablo, but far from just a clone it provides us with a number of clever elements of game design that helps set it apart from the pack.
There are 25 heroes or characters to play around with in Darkspore. You unlock them as you progress in the game, and you assemble a team of three that you use in each mission. Each hero has a specific type and class. Zrin for instance, is a plasma type and a sentinel class. He uses his big flaming fists to do damage up close. Another example would be Sage, a bio type whose a tempest. Sage is more of a mage type who does ranged damage and has healing powers, he also spawns little helpers who engage enemies at close range. You can switch between the three characters in your team at any time (short cool down after switching), but the real beauty lies in how each hero comes with a squad ability that can be used by all members of the group. For instance Sage has a squad attack that grows vines in an area so enemies get stuck and take damage, but he also has a passive effect of slowly regenerating health for the whole group. Picking your squad members is not just about their own abilities, but also about what squad abilities they bring to the table that all members can make use of.
