Just finished NG+ with a pure mage class, and I definitely think it's the easier way to go overall. First, to cover each type in broad strokes: Miracles require the Faith stat to use, and are cast using chimes (weapon type). There are a number of healing/buff types of spells, with most of the damaging spells revolving around lighting. Sorceries build off of the Intelligence stat, and deal magic damage. They use staffs to cast. Pyromancy uses the special pyromancy gloves to cast, and they require no stat requirements to use. However, you will get bonus fire damage with your INT and Faith stats. Hexes deal dark magic damage, and also have a number of debuff spells. Many of them require both Faith and INT to use, and different spells will be cast with staffs, some of them chimes.
Casting weapons do more damage as you level them up, their scaling properties can be viewed on the bottom of the weapon stats screen, and be on the lookout for some unique ones as well. For instance, there is a staff in the game that allows you to cast both sorceries AND miracles out of the same weapon, making it very useful for a mage wanting to diversify or focus on hexes.
Specializing early is pretty useful, but it will all depend on how many points you want to spend in your non-magic stats (probably depending on what type of secondary weapon you want to use). I went full INT and ATN early on, with a few minor points in STR to be able to wield a suitable sword and shield, and after I had built it up enough that I could cast the higher level spells I wanted, I started adding to faith so that I could cast Hexes, and eventually use the lightning spears miracles. You'll also want to focus on attunement (ATN), and be on the lookout for armor/rings that grant you additional slots. Armor/rings that improve your casting speed are also valuable.
With a melee character, the game really revolves around your ability to manage stamina, and know when to strike. The timing aspect of it is still very much in tact as a mage, however the "stamina management" portion is sort of replaced by managing the number of casts you have (and what type to carry with you into different situations), and managing distance from the target. Also, as a general tip, successfully completing an online interaction will refill your casts without returning to a bonfire (as long as the interaction takes you to another's world. For instance, successfully invading as a Bell Keeper, or helping defeat a boss as a coop phantom will refill your slots. However, if you are defeated, the casts you used while in the other's world will not be returned to you). If you deplete your best magic just getting to a fog door, sometimes it's best just to throw down a summon sign and help someone else to get your casts back without having to visit a bonfire and respawn all the enemies.
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