Dark Reize

Dark Reize
Sprite(s)
Attributes
Type(s)	Main Boss, NPC () Playable character ()
Gender	Male
Affiliation(s)	The Enchantress's army
Occupation(s)	Magic Mirror operator, servant to The Enchantress
Weapon(s)	Energy Boomerangs
Hit points
Game Information
Debut
Appears in	,
Stage(s)	Tower of Fate ()
Music Track(s)	Embraced by Darkness

“	Put 'em up, skinny. Why don't we take my new powers for a spin?	”
— Dark Reize, Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment

Dark Reize is the evil alter ego of Reize, twisted by the dark powers of The Enchantress. He appears as an antagonist to Specter Knight in Specter of Torment and Showdown.

Appearance

Dark Reize is the polar opposite to Reize's appearance, from his blue skin to his elaborate black and blue cloak, red pants. Of Reize's original getup, only remains his pair of gauntlets, now fully armored, and his red band turned blue.

His fighting style also changed, although retaining Reize's diagonal drop attack. He uses his Crystal Energy Boomerangs mainly as a melee weapon. He can also anchor them to project flames on the ground and wall or make it spin along them, projecting more flames around. His newfound powers also allow him to teleport to safety and prepare ambushes.

Personality

Dark Reize is cruel, never missing a chance to belittle Specter Knight. He is loyal to The Enchantress and doesn't hesitate to follow her wishes.

Story

Specter of Torment

Dark Reize is born in Specter of Torment, from The Enchantress's use of her dark powers to corrupt an intruding Reize into a dark servant, toying with his relation to Specter Knight. Soon after turning, Dark Reize provokes Specter Knight into a fight. The Enchantress reappears after his defeat, nevertheless impressed by his new abilities. She then decides to have him replace the Dark Acolyte as the Magic Mirror operator, who fled his post after Reize's intrusion in the Tower of Fate.

As operator of the portal, Dark Reize doesn't hide his disdain for Specter Knight, constantly reminding him of his subservience as well as supposed inferiority. He vanishes after Specter Knight visited all potential recruits for the Order of No Quarter, seemingly joining The Enchantress in her lair. He reappears after her defeat by the hands of Specter Knight, summoned by the witch to her side. The Enchantress uses her trump card against her felon knight and engulfs him in her dark powers, creating the all-powerful Nightmare Reize.

Dark Reize finally vanishes for good after Specter Knight renounces his humanity to restore Reize's, purging him from The Enchantress poisonous influence.

Showdown

In Shovel Knight Showdown, Dark Reize is one of the numerous unfortunate souls who were kidnapped by the haywire Mirror of Fate, having furthermore been also split from his uncorrupted self by the magic contraption into two beings.

Initially blaming Specter Knight for his predicament, Dark Reize then realized that this could be a chance to please The Enchantress, so he ventures forward to cause havoc. On his way, he encounters his uncorrupted self, Reize. He is pleased by this, since he can now use this opportunity to destroy his good side once and for all, so he attacks. Later, they encounter each other again and Reize, having finally realized to being face to face with his evil side, pleads with him to return to the light. Dark Reize refuses and attacks. After the Mirror is shattered and everyone is freed from it, Dark Reize is then seen on the rails, happy, as he is (erroneously) sure to have destroyed his good side. He is then suddenly called by The Enchantress, so he teleports to her, leading to his transformation into Nightmare Reize.

While he was still trapped inside the Mirror, Dark Reize also encountered Phantom Striker, who is shocked and horrified that a child, like Reize, could be corrupted so severely. Despite considering the aging undead hunter hardly a worthy adversary, the two battle with Dark Reize retreating soon after. Later they encounter each other again, with Dark Reize surprised and disappointed that Phantom Striker is still alive. Phantom Striker is saddened by his realization of being unable to dissipate Dark Reize's corruption, and resigning himself to what he has to do, he steeled himself to strike down the corrupted child, although he ultimately can't bring himself to actually finish him off.

Dialogue

Click to expand

Specter of Torment - Story Specter of Torment - Miscellaneous Showdown After completing four stages "Reize: Stop right there! Reize is here to save the day!" "Specter Knight: ........ Reize?" "Reize: The one and only! Uncle said there's evil stuff going on in here. And when evil's afoot, Reize is on the rise!" "Specter Knight: Childish...You don't belong in this place... Run along, before you get hurt!" [The Enchantress appears] "The Enchantress: Who dares to intrude on my tower?" "Reize: Hey lady! My name's Reize. Are you up here to help me beat these guys up?" "The Enchantress: Oh.. Ho ho ho ho . Looking for an apprentice of your own, Specter Knight?" "Specter Knight: He's nobody! Just a naive kid. Let him be... I'll escort him out myself." "The Enchantress: A nobody , you say? Well that just won't do. Let's make something of him, shall we?" "Reize: What? What are you doing to me?! The darkness... It hurts !! Stop! Arrrghhhhh! " [The Enchantress corrupts Reize] "Reize: So.. potent... Ha ha ha!! Now this is the kind of feeling I could get used to! Put 'em up, skinny. Why don't we take my new powers for a spin?" After the fight "The Enchantress: Oh, how delightful! I am impressed, Reize. Perhaps I can find a use for you around here! Let's see..." "Specter Knight: ..." "The Enchantress: Let's see... That nervous acolyte is certainly unfit to guard this mirror. Take his place, if you would!" "Reize: Of course, my master. Can I destroy him?" "The Enchantress: Not too hasty, my child. He can ponder his fate in the dungeon. And you.. Stop wasting time! Return to the task at hand, and do not fail me again!" Asking to use the Mirror of Fate "Reize: Well then, puppet, out with it! Where shall I send you next?" After completing seven stages "Baz: Yeaahhh!!! Am I late? Is this the knight meeting? Do we get to pick our awesome powers? I want... Lightning! " "Specter Knight: ..." "Reize: ..." "Baz: Oh, come on!!! Wait! Did you see my righteous whip? Can I have a helmet? I'm a size... Ha ha... Laaaarge! " "Reize: ..." "Specter Knight: ...Out. Now!" "Baz: But..." "Reize: Yeah, get lost! " "Baz: But... But.... But... I had my entrance moves planned, and everything It was so cool! ...Ya' know, for an order of evil knights, you guys are really mean! I just wanted to be the The Main Event! You haven't seen the last of The Baz !! " [Baz leaves] "Specter Knight: We should really get some bars for the windows." After defeating The Enchantress "The Enchantress: Oh ho ho ho! Weakling! ..... Reize, my child! Come to me!" "Reize: Yes, my queen? " "Specter Knight: Release Reize! Haven't you done enough?! " "Reize: I'd give anything to serve you! Do with me what you will!!" "The Enchantress: My child! Drink deep of darkness! Reveal your full potential! " After falling off the Tower's parapet "Reize: Yeah, nice try, but you're not getting out of here that easy! Get back to work!" Info on the Lich Yard "Reize: See, Phantom Striker, now that's a guy who knows how to rule a graveyard. You? You rule nothing!" Info on the Clockwork Tower "Reize: Maybe you can ask Tinker Knight to build you a catapult, so I'm not burdened with sending you everywhere." Info on Pridemoor Keep "Reize: A dirty corpse recruiting a phony king... You both deserve a good trashing." Info on the Stranded Ship "Reize: Polar Knight respects power.. but I guess you'll have to convince him some other way. Heh." Info on the Plains "Reize: I guess you wanna waste everyone's time, and keep begging Black Knight for help. Psh.. Let me know how that goes." Info on the Explodatorium "Reize: Plague Knight is a lunatic, so I'm sure you'll hit it off just fine. Good luck getting him to focus on anything!" Info on the Lost City "Reize: Mole Knight is a master digger. Maybe if I'm lucky, you'll finally get buried." Info on the Iron Whale "Reize: Well, at least you can't drown. Probably. We need a financier, so make sure to grovel extra hard." } Info on the Flying Machine "Reize: Aren't you a ghost? Can't you just fly up there yourself? Maybe Propeller Knight could teach you some manners." When selecting any destination "Reize: You sure you want to go to [x], underling?" Third fight in Phantom Striker's story mode "Dark Reize: Am I supposed to fight this geezer? What kind of dumb competition even is this?" "Phantom Striker: !!! They've sunken this low? This child's dark aura is stronger than i thought possible..." "Dark Reize: Soon all you're gonna see is darkness! Because you're gonna be destroyed!" "Phantom Striker: I'm not ready to face something like this again... But i guess I have no choice. Have at you, stranger!" Ninth fight in Phantom Striker's story mode "Dark Reize: Whoa! grandpa's back! How has a crusty old mummy like you survived so long in here?" "Phantom Striker: Despite all my ability, it's not enough to turn you back from your corrupt path. I can't save anyone. I can only act to stop those who would spread darkness. There can be no redemption for me, nor any mercy for you. I will strike you down, demon child!" Victory speeches "Dark Reize: Rage... Anger... Corruption! Come on, puppets, drink deep of the darkness! " "Dark Reize: Glory to The Enchantress! Did i please you, my queen? " "Dark Reize: Pledge your loyalty to The Enchantress! No? Perhaps you'll change your tune after a stint in the dungeon! " "Dark Reize: Why are you lying on the ground like that? Stand up and face me, coward!"

Gallery

Showdown key art.

Concept art.

Concept art.

Dark Reize's Joustus card.

Character select portrait in Showdown.

Dark Reize in-game.