League of Legends

[Ashe]

So I sucked at this game when I dabbled in its beta, and I will probably forever suck at it (just not something I can get a hang of). That said, I pretty well enjoyed it (except for the whole 'once-you-lose-momentum-the-game-is-pretty-much-fucking-over-and-you-just-have-to-sit-through-it' thing). How accessible is it for newblets? Is there a matchmaking/ranking system, or is it random?

As much as matchmaking is bitched about in this game, the majority impression is that its barrier of entry, especially in regards to matchmaking, is a lot better than other competing games of the genre. You essentially start in a "noobie island" so you'll get paired with those of similar expectations (unless they are new smurfs - experienced players on brand new accounts for any of a variety of mean spirited OR well meaning reasons). I don't think they literally set you off in your own bracket, its just that you start at the bottom of a tier and the great players quickly jump out of that section due to level and ELO while you mostly stay in the same generic area till your skills improve.