Recently, the developer of FauG revealed an exciting new project—a 5v5 MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game titled GuruDharma: The Age of Bravery.
This game draws inspiration from India’s ancient characters, promising a unique blend of mythology and modern gameplay. Here is everything you want to know about the game.
Creators Behind GuruDharma
GuruDharma is the brainchild of the Indian film producer duo, Ram and Amita Madhvani, known for their critically acclaimed work on the National Award-winning film Neerja and the Emmy-nominated series Aarya.
These accomplished filmmakers have now ventured into the gaming industry with their company, Equinox Virtual, in collaboration with Indian game publisher nCore Games, the developer of FauG, and Indonesian game developer Anantarupa Studios. Together, they aim to create a gaming experience that reflects Indian culture and mythology.
Story and Gameplay
The concept of blending mythological characters into gaming is not entirely new. Popular titles like God of War, League of Legends, and Age of Empires have successfully incorporated Greek, Chinese, and Nordic characters respectively. However, these games often miss out on Indian mythological characters that Indian gamers have been craving for a long time.
GuruDharma is here to change that. It draws inspiration from Indian mythology, offering characters deeply rooted in Indian culture and history. In this game, players will take on the roles of ancient heroes in epic 5v5 battles, embarking on adventures filled with challenges and rewards.
– The first step is choosing your hero, or as the game calls them, Yoddha (Warrior). Each Yoddha has its own story and unique powers that align with it. Players must choose them wisely as each Yoddha has its own strengths and weaknesses.
– The real action begins on the battlefield, where players navigate pathways guarded by tall defense towers known as ‘Meenaars.’ The goal is to protect your towers while trying to destroy your enemy’s. It’s a test of quick thinking, where players must be ready to defend one moment and attack the next.
– But the game isn’t just about direct combat. There’s also a jungle area for players to explore, filled with hidden bonuses. These bonuses, like experience points or resources, can strengthen your Yoddha. However, the jungle is full of its own dangers, and players who venture in without a plan might find themselves in trouble, adding more excitement.
The game will be available in multiple languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English on iOS and Android.
Comparison with LOL and Arena of Valor
Following the first trailer was revealed, many users started comparing it with League of Legends: Wild Rift and Arena of Valor/Honor of Kings in the following ways:
1. Theme and Setting
- GuruDharma: Draws inspiration from Indian mythology, with characters (Yoddhas) based on ancient Indian heroes and legends.
- League of Legends: Wild Rift: Set in the fantasy world of Runeterra, it features a diverse roster of champions from various fictional backgrounds, each with its lore and backstory.
- Arena of Valor: Also set in a fantasy world, featuring characters from diverse mythologies and original creations. It includes popular characters from the Honor of Kings universe, appealing to a global audience.
2. Gameplay Mechanics
- GuruDharma: Focuses on 5v5 MOBA battles with an emphasis on Indian-style maps and weapons. The gameplay includes exploring a jungle area, defending towers (Meenaars), and using strategies that reflect the cultural and mythological aspects of India.
- League of Legends: Wild Rift: Features fast-paced 5v5 MOBA gameplay with a focus on teamwork, strategy, and individual skill. Players must destroy the enemy’s Nexus (not Meenaars) while defending their own.
- Arena of Valor: Similar to Wild Rift, Arena of Valor offers 5v5 MOBA battles, focusing on quick matches and strategic gameplay.
3. Character Design
- GuruDharma: Characters (Yoddhas) are based on Indian mythological figures, each with unique abilities that reflect their legendary stories. The game emphasizes Indian cultural aesthetics in character design, making it distinctive.
- League of Legends: Wild Rift: Features a vast roster of champions, each with unique abilities, roles, and backstories. The design varies from humanoid warriors to mythical creatures, offering a wide range of playstyles.
- Arena of Valor: Offers a variety of heroes, including warriors, mages, and assassins, each with distinct abilities. Some heroes are inspired by Western and Eastern mythologies, while others are original creations.
4. Visual and Artistic Style
- GuruDharma: The visual style is heavily influenced by Indian art and mythology, featuring vibrant colors, traditional Indian motifs, and culturally resonant designs. The maps and environments are designed to reflect ancient Indian landscapes and architecture.
- League of Legends: Wild Rift: Known for its polished and stylized art, the game features diverse and detailed environments that reflect the fantasy world of Runeterra. The champions have unique and highly detailed visual designs that cater to a global audience.
- Arena of Valor: The art style is a blend of Western and Eastern influences, with vibrant visuals and fluid animations. The game features detailed hero models and visually appealing battle arenas that are designed to be accessible to a wide audience.
5. Market and Audience
- GuruDharma: Primarily it is targeting the Indian gaming market, but it is possible for global release once it gets a positive response in the regional market.
- League of Legends: Wild Rift: Aims at a global audience, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia. The game caters to both casual and competitive players, with a well-established esports scene.
- Arena of Valor: Popular in Asia, particularly in China and Southeast Asia.
The developer hasn’t disclosed the details about microtransactions and esports functionality, but considering the comparison with League of Legends and Arena of Valor, it’s likely that these features will be included as well.
Launch Date
The developers started pre-registration for GuruDharma in October-November of the last year. However, there has been no news on the alpha or beta testing since then. It is anticipated that the developers will soon announce the game’s progress and release date.
Here is the game’s trailer:
Embrace the path of bravery with ‘#GuruDharma – The Age of Bravery.’ Join forces with iconic personas, defend towers, venture into mystical jungles, and dominate epic #5v5 battles. The legend begins! Preregistrations are live now: https://t.co/vIvm1XYptT#MobileGaming #MOBA pic.twitter.com/qgQ5klDLxB
— nCORE Games (@nCore_games) October 2, 2023
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