Am I the only one that thinks monks have a massive potential for survivability in HC? I mean, no other class has heals like they do. They have immunity spells, can summon a companion for a small time, have mantras and runes that add to evasion and armor.
I really think they will be a top HC class, especially for solo folks.
Looks like you will be using Frenzy a lot. Which is kinda good because the idea is to stay at max fury for the damage buff. For me personally I would either use more generators or pick a spender that has no CD just in case.
Focuses on Ninja-Themed things such as flips, knives, blades, and cold-hearted vengeance.
SPELLS
L.C. Evasive Fire w/ "Displace"
Our one and only hatred generator (which is fine because we use Vengeance as a passive) it adds to the Ninja theme by causing us to flip backwards (further than most due to rune) if we shoot at an enemy that is too close.
R.C. Impale w/ "Awareness"
Continues the ninja theme by throwing a knife at a single target in front of us. "Awareness" causes knives to be thrown out in a 360 degree radius around us dealing 75% weapon damage to all enemies with 10 yards- of course staying with the ninja blade theme.
1. Strafe w/ "Stinging Steel"
With this particular rune, strafe shoots knives out instead of arrows to enemies nearby for 120% weapon damage while moving at 65% speed. By replacing the arrows with blades we have effectively continued the theme while granting ourselves another solid ability.
2. Chakram w/ "Twin Chakrams"
Again, the rune plays a big part by allowing us to throw two chakrams (ninja stars) rather than one. They spiral outward dealing aoe damage.
3. Fan of Knives w/ "Assassin's Knives"
The final blade ability we use, this ability shoots knives in every direction while the run targets up to 5 random enemies and flings additional blades their way. We have triumphed with our use of ninja blades.
4. Vault w/ "Action Shot"
The only other flip we have other than evasive fire. Two flips on one build makes for a solid ninja. Although "Action Shot" doesn't allow for use of blades, it is still the ninja's way to be attacking while moving- especially when flipping!
PASSIVES
1. Vengeance
Increases hatred by 25, which helps due to the fact that we only have 1 hatred generator. It also grants 20 hatred when a health globe is picked up which can allow for rapid hatred recovery in combat.
2. Tactical Advantage
Since we are flipping so much it won't hurt to have the 60% movement bonus this grants after flipping. Not to mention- ninjas are quick.
3. Archery
Archery is strictly to buff gameplay. Based on what type of weapon is used a bonus is given:
Bows: 15% damage
Xbows: 50% critical damage
Hand Bows: 10% crit chance
This concludes the ninja build. We have several blade abilities, two flips, a rune that let's use flip AND shoot. I would say the theme is a success. Just use black armor dye and you are set!
The original poster outlined a detailed and thoughtful argument that I totally agree with. It may seem like players who are actually looking forward to these changes are in the minority when you read some of these boards, but I think we'll see that when the game launches, we are in the majority. I, for one, am super-excited about the fact that I can have a legitimate shot at getting each class to the level cap; this was a near-impossibility for almost anyone playing D2. Imagine how many times you had to tinker with a build before you knew that you could take it past level 50 or so and not run into terrible problems with stat/skill point allocation down the road. Now, not only has that problem been solved, but it's been solved in a way that we will have access to all the skills and be able to test out various play styles and synergies at will. This, to me, seems like more time spent in the game having fun, and less time doing the "work" it used to take to theorize, build, test, tear down, and repeat the process of creating a character.
There is a fundamental flaw with your entire post.
Diablo is and has always been an ActionRPG (ARPG) game. It is in no way shape or form a true RPG. World of Warcraft is an MMORPG which is a whole other kettle of fish I won't get into here.
There is a fundamental difference between RPG and ARPG. RPG's tell a story you actually care about, they have decision points. They have characters who matter to you and you grow attached to.
Excellent examples of true RPG's are Ultima 4/5/6/7 , Baldur's Gate Series, Planescape Torment, Dragon Age Origins, The Witcher, Mass Effect 1&2. All these games had one thing in common, after playing the game, everyone remembers the story, they remember the super interesting array of sidekicks.
Combat was vastly different in all the games as were items collected. And it made total sense to start at level 1 with nothing and end up at level XXX with super items and kill the boss, and while combat was important it was always 2nd to the character development and the story.
In ARPG's combat, combat is king. In fact many don't really care about the story, or if they do its only on the first play through. After that its all about getting better items and being more powerful. Don't get me wrong, I love the Diablo series. But please don't lump it together with RPG's.
Don't get me wrong. The absolute best RPG of all time, would have the combat and never ending end game of the Diablo series, the Plot and story of Mass Effect, the super memorable sidekicks of Baldur's Gate/Dragon's Age, and the world building of Skyrim and heart of the Ultima series. But until we get to that perfect nervana (If we ever do) please don't lump Diablo into the RPG genre, it is an ARPG.
Just because YOU don't care or pay attention to ARPG stories doesn't mean everyone else doesn't.
Myself, and I'm sure many others, remember vividly the story of Diablo I & II and CAN'T WAIT for the continuation in III.
There have been a mind-numbing amount of people in the community saying that this game lacks the customization of Diablo II. Sidestepping ignorance, I would like to present you with an example of ONE spell from Diablo III and it's many applications compared to ONE spell from Diablo II and it's... limited applications.
NOTE: THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION OVER WHICH SPELL IS BETTER. IT IS A COMPETITION OVER WHICH HAS MORE CUSTOMIZATION.
In the right corner, weighing in at 500 lbs, representing Diablo III, we have:
Arcane Orb Costs 35 Arcane Power
Hurl an orb of pure energy that explodes when it hits, dealing 250% weapon damage as Arcane to all enemies within 10 yards.
In the left corner, weighing in at 98 lbs, representing Diablo II, we have:
Frozen Orb Cost x Mana
A pulsating orb that shreds an area with ice bolts. (Basically an orb of frost would shoot out straight that pierced through enemies while spinning around hurling ice spikes at other enemies in a 360 degree radius- it was totally cool.)
So, say it's 2012, you have just gotten your hand on Diablo III (inb4 2014 joke), and you have made your Wizard. You play a variety of ways: solo, with friends, hardcore, and PvP.
Without a rune, Arcane Orb serves as a solid leveling tool in the early stages of the game. It provides high damage and a small AoE that is efficient on early mobs.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
Now you are level 60, you have unlocked every rune for Arcane Orb, and it's time to solo. You want a solid AoE ability that you don't have to stand in the middle of enemies to use because maybe you haven't focused on armor spells (or maybe you have?) so you use the first rune:
Arcane Nova Modify the orb to deal 250% weapon damage as Arcane to all enemies within 20 yards.
The damage stays the same- high- and the AoE increases DRAMATICALLY giving you a MUCH better long range AoE ability so you can clear monsters faster while you farm for items.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
Then you reach a boss and you decide you like the damage that Arcane Orb causes but not the high arcane power cost. Since you have some decent ap regeneration, you decide to go with:
Tap the Source Reduces casting cost to 23 Arcane Power.
Now you have a much more spammable version of the spell that can be cast after even less time of being out of arcane power, making those last minute casts to kill the boss before he kills you clutch.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
Then your buddies say, "Hey, wanna do some arena?" So you say sure and decide to change up Arcane Orb yet again. You go with:
Obliteration Increase the damage of the explosion to deal 325% weapon damage as Arcane.
Now it may cost the normal amount again, but you have increased it's damage by 75%. You have become the killing blow leader of your team. The enemy cries in fright as they see your freight train of an ability racing towards their face. You can nuke down players in record time with this skill.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
Some time has passed and you have made some changes. You are trying on the melee Wizard for size and you have found great use in:
Arcane Orbit Create 4 Arcane Orbs that orbit you, exploding for 100% weapon damage as Arcane when enemies get close.
Sure you may have lost 150% of the damage, but now you have an offensive shield that does extra damage to the enemies you are most likely attacking with Spectral Blade. In PvP it even works as a quasi thorns ability.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
You are deep within the bowels of Hardcore. You are on inferno. You and some of your buddies are going to CAREFULLY attempt the narrow corridors and room openings in this particular act. Everyone has chosen a specialty- DH on snares and slows, Barb on distractions, Monk on mantras and back-up heals, and you on finding a way to soften up those hallways and doorways, so you pick:
Celestial Orb The orb will pierce through targets, damaging any enemy it passes through.
Now they let you peak down hallways so you can fire off a few of these bad boys down the hall so the orb can pass through every enemy in it's path while dealing damage so everyone else, including you, can charge in and mop up all the monsters once they have lower HP.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
THE WINNER: ARCANE ORB
Ladies and gentlemen, this is ONE spell of ONE class in Diablo III that provided FIVE uses for FIVE scenarios. And those scenarios aren't the only scenarios that these runes will be useful for. There are countless more scenarios we aren't even aware of yet because we haven't played the full game. AND some of the scenarios are I presented are interchangeable with the runes I presented.
Every spell in Diablo II provided ONE use per spell.
If every spell in Diablo III provides FIVE uses per spell, you tell me: Which game has more customization?
Oh, and didn't I mention how passive abilities could effect this?
No, I didn't.
Exactly.
TL;DR:
Math is math, numbers don't lie. Stop living in nostalgia world and please see what is right in front of you: massive customization.
0
0
I really think they will be a top HC class, especially for solo folks.
0
LET'S GET ON IT.
0
What game are you playing.
I think he looks great. They all do.
0
The phenomenon of builds died with skill trees. Skill trees paved the way for RPGs but they are a relic, a thing of the past.
Say hello to the dawning of a new era.
0
And it will be an act 1 boss.
0
0
0
If it isn't what they were used to for 10 years of obsessive playing, then they are skeptical.
0
0
Ninja Demon Hunter
http://us.battle.net/d3/en/calculator/demon-hunter#XZdegV!bae!Ycbacb
Focuses on Ninja-Themed things such as flips, knives, blades, and cold-hearted vengeance.
SPELLS
L.C. Evasive Fire w/ "Displace"
Our one and only hatred generator (which is fine because we use Vengeance as a passive) it adds to the Ninja theme by causing us to flip backwards (further than most due to rune) if we shoot at an enemy that is too close.
R.C. Impale w/ "Awareness"
Continues the ninja theme by throwing a knife at a single target in front of us. "Awareness" causes knives to be thrown out in a 360 degree radius around us dealing 75% weapon damage to all enemies with 10 yards- of course staying with the ninja blade theme.
1. Strafe w/ "Stinging Steel"
With this particular rune, strafe shoots knives out instead of arrows to enemies nearby for 120% weapon damage while moving at 65% speed. By replacing the arrows with blades we have effectively continued the theme while granting ourselves another solid ability.
2. Chakram w/ "Twin Chakrams"
Again, the rune plays a big part by allowing us to throw two chakrams (ninja stars) rather than one. They spiral outward dealing aoe damage.
3. Fan of Knives w/ "Assassin's Knives"
The final blade ability we use, this ability shoots knives in every direction while the run targets up to 5 random enemies and flings additional blades their way. We have triumphed with our use of ninja blades.
4. Vault w/ "Action Shot"
The only other flip we have other than evasive fire. Two flips on one build makes for a solid ninja. Although "Action Shot" doesn't allow for use of blades, it is still the ninja's way to be attacking while moving- especially when flipping!
PASSIVES
1. Vengeance
Increases hatred by 25, which helps due to the fact that we only have 1 hatred generator. It also grants 20 hatred when a health globe is picked up which can allow for rapid hatred recovery in combat.
2. Tactical Advantage
Since we are flipping so much it won't hurt to have the 60% movement bonus this grants after flipping. Not to mention- ninjas are quick.
3. Archery
Archery is strictly to buff gameplay. Based on what type of weapon is used a bonus is given:
Bows: 15% damage
Xbows: 50% critical damage
Hand Bows: 10% crit chance
This concludes the ninja build. We have several blade abilities, two flips, a rune that let's use flip AND shoot. I would say the theme is a success. Just use black armor dye and you are set!
0
Well put.
0
Just because YOU don't care or pay attention to ARPG stories doesn't mean everyone else doesn't.
Myself, and I'm sure many others, remember vividly the story of Diablo I & II and CAN'T WAIT for the continuation in III.
0
Gotta be honest. I lol'd.
0
NOTE: THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION OVER WHICH SPELL IS BETTER. IT IS A COMPETITION OVER WHICH HAS MORE CUSTOMIZATION.
In the right corner, weighing in at 500 lbs, representing Diablo III, we have:
Arcane Orb
Costs 35 Arcane Power
Hurl an orb of pure energy that explodes when it hits, dealing 250% weapon damage as Arcane to all enemies within 10 yards.
In the left corner, weighing in at 98 lbs, representing Diablo II, we have:
Frozen Orb
Cost x Mana
A pulsating orb that shreds an area with ice bolts. (Basically an orb of frost would shoot out straight that pierced through enemies while spinning around hurling ice spikes at other enemies in a 360 degree radius- it was totally cool.)
So, say it's 2012, you have just gotten your hand on Diablo III (inb4 2014 joke), and you have made your Wizard. You play a variety of ways: solo, with friends, hardcore, and PvP.
Without a rune, Arcane Orb serves as a solid leveling tool in the early stages of the game. It provides high damage and a small AoE that is efficient on early mobs.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
Now you are level 60, you have unlocked every rune for Arcane Orb, and it's time to solo. You want a solid AoE ability that you don't have to stand in the middle of enemies to use because maybe you haven't focused on armor spells (or maybe you have?) so you use the first rune:
Arcane Nova
Modify the orb to deal 250% weapon damage as Arcane to all enemies within 20 yards.
The damage stays the same- high- and the AoE increases DRAMATICALLY giving you a MUCH better long range AoE ability so you can clear monsters faster while you farm for items.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
Then you reach a boss and you decide you like the damage that Arcane Orb causes but not the high arcane power cost. Since you have some decent ap regeneration, you decide to go with:
Tap the Source
Reduces casting cost to 23 Arcane Power.
Now you have a much more spammable version of the spell that can be cast after even less time of being out of arcane power, making those last minute casts to kill the boss before he kills you clutch.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
Then your buddies say, "Hey, wanna do some arena?" So you say sure and decide to change up Arcane Orb yet again. You go with:
Obliteration
Increase the damage of the explosion to deal 325% weapon damage as Arcane.
Now it may cost the normal amount again, but you have increased it's damage by 75%. You have become the killing blow leader of your team. The enemy cries in fright as they see your freight train of an ability racing towards their face. You can nuke down players in record time with this skill.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
Some time has passed and you have made some changes. You are trying on the melee Wizard for size and you have found great use in:
Arcane Orbit
Create 4 Arcane Orbs that orbit you, exploding for 100% weapon damage as Arcane when enemies get close.
Sure you may have lost 150% of the damage, but now you have an offensive shield that does extra damage to the enemies you are most likely attacking with Spectral Blade. In PvP it even works as a quasi thorns ability.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
You are deep within the bowels of Hardcore. You are on inferno. You and some of your buddies are going to CAREFULLY attempt the narrow corridors and room openings in this particular act. Everyone has chosen a specialty- DH on snares and slows, Barb on distractions, Monk on mantras and back-up heals, and you on finding a way to soften up those hallways and doorways, so you pick:
Celestial Orb
The orb will pierce through targets, damaging any enemy it passes through.
Now they let you peak down hallways so you can fire off a few of these bad boys down the hall so the orb can pass through every enemy in it's path while dealing damage so everyone else, including you, can charge in and mop up all the monsters once they have lower HP.
Frozen Orb stays the same.
THE WINNER: ARCANE ORB
Ladies and gentlemen, this is ONE spell of ONE class in Diablo III that provided FIVE uses for FIVE scenarios. And those scenarios aren't the only scenarios that these runes will be useful for. There are countless more scenarios we aren't even aware of yet because we haven't played the full game. AND some of the scenarios are I presented are interchangeable with the runes I presented.
Every spell in Diablo II provided ONE use per spell.
If every spell in Diablo III provides FIVE uses per spell, you tell me: Which game has more customization?
Oh, and didn't I mention how passive abilities could effect this?
No, I didn't.
Exactly.
TL;DR:
Math is math, numbers don't lie. Stop living in nostalgia world and please see what is right in front of you: massive customization.