Valve's upcoming MOBA, Deadlock, is currently in beta, and its latest update, "City Never Sleeps," has significantly enhanced its setting, the Cursed Apple map. This update introduces a vibrant, detailed reimagining of a 1950s occult New York, making it a standout element of the game.
The Cursed Apple map has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, introducing new neutral monsters and a deeply textured remake of its existing areas. Rather than a simple replacement, the update deepens the existing environments. The central Broadway lane has been transformed into a neon-lit metropolis reminiscent of a 1950s Times Square, complete with buzzing signs and advertisements. Greenwich now presents a spooky, occult-themed version of Central Park, featuring a university and an arboreal garden. York's industrial hints have been expanded to include a stock exchange and factory grounds within its walker arenas.
Beyond the lanes, the "districts"—midway points on the map—have been reinvented with distinct themes and unique neutral monsters. The theater district features creepy dolls piloted by phantom hands, while Chinatown is populated by floating festival spirits and haunted cabbage pots. Another area showcases a plaza with a demonic Atlas figure, possibly an Ixian embassy, surrounded by decrepit souls and gutter ghouls. The library district is inhabited by "past dues," small book goblins that attack with late return stamps, and a haunted lot contains barrel mimics.
This reimagined Cursed Apple effectively establishes Deadlock's unique take on occult-infused 1950s New York. The map, despite its relatively small size, feels sprawling and varied due to its creative and inventive design. This atmosphere is further enhanced by new characters and an abundance of new dialogue.
Deadlock's roster of heroes has seen significant additions, featuring what is described as some of Valve's best character design work. Violet, an art student, is noted for her charming aesthetic, while Deadman Danny serves as a skeletal crash test dummy and salesman. Nurse Harrow is depicted as a mysterious, possibly Lovecraftian or angelic figure, and the Rat King boasts over 100 unique voice lines dedicated to his attacks. Among the most celebrated designs are Solomon, an elderly chess player with supernatural abilities, and Baba, a reimagining of the Baba Yaga myth as a pigeon-feeding grandmother who rides a bird-legged park bench.
In addition to new characters, the existing cast has also been expanded with numerous new conversations and voice lines. These additions flesh out character relationships and hint at new lore, with some interactions noted for their emotional depth.
Collectively, these updates have transformed Deadlock's Cursed Apple into a highly appealing and interesting videogame setting. The game, though still in beta and within the MOBA genre, offers a rich atmosphere and inventive design that makes it worth experiencing even for those not deeply invested in the genre.