This post shall be the sample article that I am going to write to DotASG for my application to be the writer. =)

Review on Changes Regarding Kelen's Dagger and Its Substitutes

Kelen's Dagger - or previously known as Kelen's Dagger of Escape, has been the talk of the DotA-community since the announcement of the change in its functionality in Version 6.51. This dispute between the players and IceFrog can be attributed to the fact that many players have used the Dagger as both an escape mechanism and a tool for starting engages. However, following the changes made by IceFrog, the Dagger not only doesn't work as an escape mechanism anymore, it also became harder for heroes to start engages using it.

From this, we can actually know that this change is going to have a great impact on the gameplay. Ganks are now conducted more effectively as opponents are unable to escape using Dagger. Not only that, heroes that require Dagger to initiate engages must ensure that they are not hit in any part of the build-up before the engage. This is to say, for example, an ES should hide in a place outside the range of any heroes or preferably, in the fog-of-war. This is to ensure that any golden opportunity to cast Echo Slam is not missed by the ES.

It is an extremely difficult task to maintain the delicate balance of keeping within blinking distance and avoiding being attack. Players now need to explore and have a more comprehensive understanding of the ever-changing terrains of the map. The fog-of-war play is now more invaluable than ever, and a successful launch of an engage from the fog could make or break any game for the players.

To further highlight the impact the change in Dagger brought about, I have noticed that players are actually using Lothar's Edge to substitute the once-reliable Dagger. Lothar's Edge grant a 9-sec Windwalk ability, which grants the user invisibility and a 10% speed boost. Heroes like SF have started using Lothar's Edge as their mean of escape and to help them sneak into positions perfect to start an engage. However, the question remains whether Lothar's Edge is the perfect substitute for Dagger.

Being invisible, it doesn't render the user the ability to teleport into the battle scene instantaneously as what a Dagger does. Invisible units can be detected by Sentry Wards or Necronomican creeps, each of which is highly possible to be featured in a draft match.

In addition, Lothar's Edge is much more expensive relative to Dagger. 4,050 gold is definitely not a small sum. Considering the fact that escape mechanisms should be bought as fast as possible to prevent early deaths, farming a Lothar's Edge requires a longer time than getting a Dagger. This, in turn, implies that the player is susceptible to more deaths while he/she is farming for the Lothar's Edge.

To add on, Lothar's Edge cost a good 1900 more gold than Dagger. Even though it grants an additional 21 damage and 21 agility points, it still doesn't justify the extra costs incurred. Furthermore, the agility-bonus doesn't really benefit strength-based heroes like Centaur and ES, therefore making little sense for them to purchase Lothar's Edge.

To summarize, the Lothar's Edge is not a perfect-substitute for Dagger. Players may be able to put it to very good use in pub games, but when it comes to draft matches, I don't think that Lothar's Edge will be able to fully replace Dagger of its functions. The additional gold needed for a Lothar's Edge and the subsequent implications that follow it can swing the game towards the opponent's favour much more than farming up for a Dagger.

The above mentioned points are illustrated as heroes tread perilously across the map with fewer means of escape and players having lesser visions of the map. Can the good-old-Dagger be replaced by Lothar's Edge? I don't think so. The call for smarter gameplay and greater vigilance is louder than before.

Scandalous - Delvetures