An In-depth Look At The Subclasses Of Aion

In Aion, NCsoft's MMORPG that was imported to Europe and North America at the end of September, there are four classes to pick from that will dictate a character's strengths and abilities for the rest of the game. These classes are Warrior, Mage, Scout and Priest. However, the choices don't stop there. At level ten, players are forced to choose between two subclasses within each class that will further distinguish and specify the characters. Each subclass is distinct with their own specialized set of strengths.

Warriors:

Warriors are divided into two groups: Guardians and Templars. Guardians are the more straight-forward option. These characters depend strictly on their physical attacks and are skilled in a variety of weapons as well as fighting techniques. Templars are a slightly more complex selection, wielding both a sword and a shield. As a more defensive subclass, these warriors can also use chants and incantations in order to heal or protect themselves and allies. However, they are primarily fighters.

Mages:

Mages choose between two categories: Sorcerers and Spirit Masters. A Sorcerer will develop a very diverse amount of magic as game play progresses. They come to master the elements of water, fire, air and earth. The Spirit Master will also come to master the elements of water, fire, air and earth, but they will do so by summoning spirits. According to the game's official site, this class is one of the hardest in the game to master.

Scouts:

Scouts are the silent killers of Aion, and the divide between the two subclasses only comes when the player decides how he or she wants to utilize the character's stealth. The two subclasses are: Ranger and Assassin. A Ranger is an expert archer. While primarily using a bow, a Ranger may also use daggers and swords. With the selection of a ranger, a character will gain the statistic of health. An Assassin is gifted with stealth and while not primary bow-users like their Ranger cousins, their attacks can be just as unsuspected. They are deadly, unpredictable, and retain the statistic of strength.

Priests:

Priests, while they conjure up peaceful images of healers, are arguably the most complex characters in the game, and they are divided into Clerics and Chanters. Clerics are primarily healers. Not only do they repair damage done to their allies, but they also enhance other characters and strengthen them for battle. When engaged in lone combat, the Cleric is also a powerful melee fighter. Chanters can heal, but their primary contribution is to infuse in their allies their strict sense of discipline. Chanters use chants and mantras to elevate the morale of their allies and can affect the outcome of their battles.

While the selection of a class in the first place is an important decision, the selection of a subclass will determine how each player approaches the game for the majority of the time they will play. Weighing each option is vital to the experience of Aion.