Why Darius is Overpowered, and Why That's Good

If you've been playing the last few days, then you know for a fact that Darius is OP. He actually exemplifies a trend in League of Legends that I believe began with the release of Nocturne. The newer champions have the most complete kits in the League, and actually, that's a good thng.

It may be a little sad for nostalgics like me who remember when Vladimir was the latest OP addition to League of Legends, but if you look at the kits (abilities) of champions who have come out during season 2, then you can see a huge discrepency. The newer champs are better desinged, and result in a better game. 

Riot has evolved from a little startup into a huge company, and they've gotten better at everything they do. Look at Darius' abilites. He has passive armor penetration, movement speed increase, a gap closer, a movement speed debuff for his opponents, and an ultimate that is surprisingly balanced. The ultimate does very little damage on it's own, relying mostly on the stacks of bleed accrued by his passive. This means that once a player understands Darius and is able to control the fight and react appropriately, the player is rewarded with a secure kill and the opportunity to get another one. 

Darius has everything he needs but sustain, but a wriggle's or warmogs can shore that weakness up in a jiffy. Summoners can choose to go bruiser or all out DPS with item builds, and each have their strengths and weaknesses. 

In the metagame, Darius seems to work well top despite his lack of sustain. He simply does too much damage. His passive bleed lasts ridiculously long. It's another ignite. 

Now, for those of you who have gotten owned by Darius already (and there are plenty of us out there) you are going straight to the forums and crying nerf! Rightfully so. He does do a ridiculous amount of damage and will likely be nerfed to tone him down. Still, this doesn't mean that Darius' addition to the League of Legends is a bad thing for the game. 

Darius makes older champs appear weaker because of their incomplete kits. We've talked about this before, but could you imagine all the things Nunu would get if he were a newly-designed champion? He would almost certainly be immune to crowd control effects while channeling his ultimate, at the very least. Devour would have some effect on champions, and possible a passive bonus to AP or something else. 

The bottom line is that better designed champions equals a better game. It's more fun for players on both teams when they feel like their champion has everything they need to succeed. 

Better designed champions are a good thing. I've been extremely pleased with the most recent batch. Darius IS OP, but OP is the new meta :).

Episode 22: “Love not monnaie (feat. Tribuman)” by Volfoniq

This one was awesome. It was awesome and French. You loved it and you know it.

Founded in 2004, Volfoniq is a "one-man-dub" from the south of France. In a retro-futuristic mood, he uses his classical formation and a rich musical history to produce a dub that goes farther than tags, respecting the jamaican roots, but adventuring into new lands of experimentation. Sometimes digital, sometimes roots, clearly electro or acoustic, reggae, ragga, ska, with slices of tango or triphop riddim, the generosity of Volfoniq's music equals its humility.

Download “Love not monnaie (feat. Tribuman)” by Volfoniq

Don’t Use Abilities Just Because You Can

Playing a tank, jungler, or anyone with significant crowd control (CC) in League of legends can be difficult. Most people stay away from tanks, junglers, and supports because they feel like they have no impact on the game. This is a quick example of when you should NOT use your abilities just because you can.

My buddy Garrett is playing Maokai and catches a Kog’Maw pushing bottom - far away from any of his teammates. Friendly Amumu and Warwick are helping gank him. Maokai spots Kog’Maw in the bush and immediately uses his root to keep him in place. Kog’Maw runs and then flashes, but eventually a Warwick ultimate takes him down next to dragon in the river.

They got the kill and all got out alive because Kog’Maw’s teammates were too far away to help, but it still took way too long to kill him. In this situation, Maokai should have just “walked up and hit” Kog’Maw after discovering him in the bush. Just because you’re a tank/support/jungler doesn’t mean you don’t do damage, but an ability used at the right time is far more valuable than an ability used when because it’s available.

If the situation had been different, had Kog’Maw’s team been closer and responded faster, they might have let an easy kill get away. So remember, sometimes using your abilities immediately is not optimal. Wait for the right time, and your team will be happy you did. See you on the fields.