The network test for The Duskbloods allows players to control Bloodsworn characters, who act as classes with unique abilities and skills. Each Bloodsworn brings something different to the table, including interesting designs for the gotchic setting of the game. Although many of the characters fit archetypes you might expect from developer FromSoftware’s history, one stands out as something truly inspired that I expect everyone will be playing when the game eventually releases.
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Currently, the initial playtests for The Duskbloods have six playable Bloodsworn, from the onsie-wearing Bloodhand Jan to the mysterious and deadly Sniper Layla. Although part of the network test has been cancelled as of this time of writing, some player previews have painted a good picture of the game’s cast, including how they play. One character in particular has captured fan attention the most, drawing comparisons to FromSoft’s Armored Core series surprisingly enough.
The Duskbloods Adds The Ridiculous Character Zork To Its Roster Of Playable Bloodsworn
Zork is only Bloodsworn in The Duskbloods that doesn’t quite match the theme of noble vampires or decrepit warriors, instead sporting a rusted green dive suit that covers their body. The loose collection of armor culminates into an almost googly-eyed helmet with a spike coming out of the mouth, drawing comparisons to a pigeon or other type of bird. Meanwhile, Zork wields a broken drain pipe weapon like a heavy whip, with a diver’s spear or harpoon gun for ranged attacks.
Almost acting like a Big Daddy from BioShock, Zork is easily the most distinct character class in The Duskbloods by a wide margin. This Bloodsworn is extremely slow, but acts like a tank, sometimes using hyper armor to prevent his attacks from being interrupted. In the PvP environments during a match, Zork can easily be a force to be reckoned with if you aren’t careful. On its own, a chunky tank build isn’t too surprising in a FromSoft game, but it’s the wacky abilities Zork has that help put him in the position of a “joke” character within The Duskbloods.
The Bloodsworn skills of Zork include an ability that activates a jetpack of sorts in the back of his armor, where the character is lifted off the ground in a comical pose. After this ability charges up, Zork flies forward like a human rocket, slamming into whatever you decide to target. This attack knocks back rival Bloodsworn and other enemies, dealing heavy damage and stagger to whoever gets hit. Considering that The Duskbloods‘ aesthetic is less steampunk and more Victorian, perform this maneuver is funny almost every time, especially since the ability is great to traverse a Dusk Battle map.
Almost in a call back to other FromSoft games like the Armored Core series, Zork can also activate an ability called Missile during combat. Doing this move sees the character adopt another stance, before unleashing a barrage of mini-torpedoes from a launcher in their suit’s back. The missiles are fired into the air before crashing down in a vertical volley, dealing a collection of damage for each one that hits a target. This Armored Core mech style of attack is unlike anything else in the game, only making Zork more endearing as a result.
Zork Combines Design Elements From Other Fan-Favorite Characters From Past FromSoft Games
There’s a reason why Zork feels so familiar to those who’ve enjoyed FromSoft character design from the past, as the character’s look is close to some beloved NPCs. The “Onion Knight,” or Siegmeyer of Catarina from Dark Souls is a lovable adventurer you run into near Sen’s Fortress, also sporting a heavy armor design. Similarly in that game, characters like Havel the Rock, who exclusively uses an unorthodox Colossal weapon and heavy armor, also bear resemblance to Zork in a variety of ways.
Even in Dark Souls 3, Siegward of Catarina has an appearance close to Zork’s, making The Duskbloods character design somewhat nostalgic. In fact, I would even say that Zork is almost like if the Knights of Catarina were in something like Bloodborne, with some inspirations from Armored Core creating the ultimate FromSoft homage. The only way Zork could truly embody the studio’s history is if he had some sort of power related to the Moonlight Greatsword, which has been featured in all of FromSoft’s games in some way.
That being said, Zork has an undeniable charm in his goofiness, just like the other characters fans have loved from Dark Souls and similar games. Controlling a steampunk war machine vampire with a flexible drain pipe to bonk enemies is perfect for this game, acting as a much needed contrast to the title’s somber and gothic tone. I know Zork is the first Bloodsworn I want to try in the network test for The Duskbloods, and I’m sure that fact is one shared by many eager to jump into the PvEvP experience for the first time.
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Courtesy of Wizards of the Coast
