showdown [show-down]
noun
1. The laying down of one's cards, face upward, in a card game, especially poker.
2. A conclusive settlement of an issue, difference, etc., in which all resources, power, or the like, are used; decisive confrontation.EX. In Part 2, we discuss the 1 V 1/2 V 2 battles that take place in the new mode for Howling Abyss (prolly for a very limited time), Showdown!
Like any mode, you begin by queuing up. In this case, you queue up alone or with a partner and then draft ban three champs each. You then proceed to the Howling Abyss, pick some items, an ability, and make your way to the middle. The deciding factors on who wins Showdown are as follows:
1. First blood or first team to two kills.
2. First enemy tower destroyed.
3. First individual or team to 100 minion last hits.
And that's pretty much it. So how does it stack up?
The biggest issue with this mode is that Howling Abyss is designed in such a linear way that certain champs have the advantage-- control-heavy champs with lots of range that can keep enemies at a distance are always at an advantage on this map because the weakness of those sorts of champs is sneak attacks and being flanked. Since you can't get the jump on your opponents on Howling Abyss (or it's difficult), these champs will always be at an advantage. Especially if they already start out strong at low levels since matches on this map, especially in this mode, take place at early levels. But that's just the challenging nature of this sort of map that is so different than the standard map of Summoner's Rift.
Don't be a sad and lonely Poro.
Bonus: Dictionary for n00bs HERE.
