Massively Exclusive: DK Online shows off the Shadowmage
Last time, we gazed upon the Paladin and we saw the light. Now, we delve into the darkness and shadows with an exclusive look at DK Online's Shadowmage. The final class highlighted in Aeria Games' spotlight videos, the Shadowmage proves that not all heroes are pure and innocent. By embracing shadow magic, this class is able to support comrades by debuffing opponents while simultaneously buffing allies. Like any good dark mage, some of the available skills are poison, paralyze, and bleed. However, while Shadowmages use a more sinister and subversive method of magical combat, they aren't above smashing heads with their staffs as well.
If this class sounds more your style than the Warrior, Paladin, or Sorceress, jump past the cut for a more in-depth look, including a dev blog, exclusive interview, and video.
Shadowmage dev blog
Welcome all dragon slayers,
It's that time again -- time to talk about another enigmatic DK Online class! Today we've got the Shadowmage, who has emerged to take the spotlight for our latest class reveal. Shadowmages and Sorceresses are closely related, yet they are worlds apart in their chosen arts. Though the Felynx are kin to the Elves, they turned their back on the Elven elemental magic to study forbidden dark sorcery, and thus the Shadowmage was born.
So there's definitely a stark contrast in the lore, but how about the gameplay? Shadowmages depart from their Elven cousins (and the rest of the DK Online cast, for that matter) by being a primary support class. And though the term may be thrown around a lot, we really think "jack-of-all-trades" applies perfectly to it. The Shadowmage has a ton of debuffs in its arsenal to throw on hapless enemies-and just as many buffs for allies.
Name a status effect, and the Shadowmage can probably sling it. Poison, silence, paralysis, bleeding, slow, shock, and MP loss are all nasty tricks that an opponent can suffer at the hands of a capable Shadowmage. They can also throw tons of helpful buffs out for the party, like increasing max HP, defense, evasion, regeneration, magic power, movement speed, and certain elemental resistances. When the party goes up against a debuff-happy enemy (or an opposing Shadowmage), they can even put up a buff that increases resistance to a variety of foul status effects.
So you can tell that a smart party will definitely want to bring a Shadowmage along to perform at peak effectiveness. That isn't to say that they aren't capable solo fighters either, but they have to take a more tactical approach to combat than their comrades. Shadowmages don't have much in the way of "spammable" spells, so they achieve competitive DPS by weaving their direct-damage and debuff-applying spells in tandem.
Our Favorite: One of the Shadowmage's high-level talents is Delusion, which grants a massive boost in HP and MP regeneration to all nearby allies for a short duration on a very long cooldown. It essentially gives the party a major shot in the arm, to be used only in dire situations when all else fails. We like this ability not only because of its awesome utility, but also because it highlights the dual nature of the class. Shadowmages can be just as beneficial as they are harmful-it all depends on how you want to play the class.
That wraps up the class spotlights (for now)! We hope you enjoyed learning some more about the denizens of Latos, and keep a look out for more dev blogs focusing on other aspects of DK Online as we move along toward closed beta.
Interview with Producer Vishal Aasdhir
Massively: The Shadowmage seems to be similar to Necromancers and Warlocks in other games. What sets it apart? For example, does it get pets?
Vishal Aasdhir: Currently, the Shadowmage doesn't have pets, but we're leaving that possibility open as we continue the development process. We can say that pets are not the focus of the class, as it has a plethora of distinct tools and the last thing we want is a glorified summoner.
The Shadowmage is unique in its blending of light and dark, becoming the personification of Yin and Yang. Call on your dark side to invoke crippling effects and epic damage on your foes. When you find yourself in chaos, bring out the light and become a savior by healing the wounded and enhancing your allies.
How will the Shadowmage compete in the DPS department, given that its focus is on buffs and debuffs?
To become an effective damage dealer, the Shadowmage must wield the power of the dark arts tactically. At your disposal are a wide variety of direct damage and debilitating effects. But be careful, because spamming is not a path to success. A true Shadowmage uses these abilities in unison, relying on damage at opportune intervals while strategically weakening their foes.
Caster classes are traditionally glass cannons, making them difficult for newcomers to the genre, but the Shadowmage in the video is spending a lot of time in melee. What sort of defenses will she boast?
The Shadowmage is not paper thin. If you charge into battle with only your armor, you may
leave without a head. But that's where the power of the light arts comes into play. These skills not only augment your allies but they will also serve you well in your own survival.
At your disposal are numerous abilities that heal and buff. For instance, a Shadowmage can simultaneously increase resistance to the same debuffs that they are inflicting on their foes.
Does the Shadowmage ever get pants? :)
Pants? What are pants?
Have the devs got any pro tips for players thinking about playing a Shadowmage?
Take advantage of the unique blend of offense and defense available to this class – it's not something found in your everyday MMO. This class lies at the intersection of light and dark and gives you ultimate control of your path – be it righteous or wicked.
