Let's take at look at our old classes from Diablo 2 because I think they are very relevant for the future. Only the barbarian is returning. It means that if they want to do something original, they WILL have to mix those classes somehow.
We know right now that the Barbarian, the Witch Doctor and the Wizard are in Diablo 3.
Let's take a look at those classes :
The barbarian is a total reworking of the old one, so we can eliminate the old barbarian from our "idea pool".
The WitchDoctor looks like a mix of the Druid, Necromancer, and sorc. He uses a lot of wild animals to attack (frogs, bats, mongrels). He has a fire spells tree. He has spells looking like the curses of the Necro but transformed into AoE spells casted around the WD.
So we can eliminate the fire tree of the druid. I would go on and eliminate his metamorphose tree too because this tree is too archetypal and adding it back would be an instant "THIS IS A DRUID 2". Lets eliminate the fire tree of the sorc and the curse tree of the necro. Let's also eliminate the summoning tree of the necro because I think it is too archetypal too.
Now the Wizard. We knows that she uses lightning and cold spells. So lets go and eliminate the cold and lightning trees of the old sorc, leaving nothing. She also uses some sort of tornadoes, the devs said that a normal tornado looked dull. So, since the elemental skill tree of the druid was just that, lets eliminate it. Leaving nothing from the druid. She seems to use conjurations spells, a bit similar to the bone tree of the necro, lets eliminate it, but lets keep the poison part of that tree.
So we are left with some old classes :
The Amazon.
A poison tree.
An Assassin.
A Paladin.
Now since we know that we will be fighting heaven (Confirmed when the devs replied SOONER OF LATER) an holy class is impossible. It would be retarded to attack heaven with it's own power (Fist of HEAVEN, anyone ?). I think we can eliminate the holy part of the paladin because of that.
We know that the wizard is from Xiansai, leaving really no space for another asian influenced character (subject to discussion). So lets eliminate all the martial art stuff form the assassin.
Fourth class:
We saw a bow in the first gameplay trailer, so lets say this class will use it as a main weapon. BOW TREE, nothing much to add here, really.
Now if I look a the spells we have remaining, traps look interesting. I think it would fit, because it would allow this class to do some elemental damage. I would prefer the traps to be real traps, not auto-firing sentries. Lets eliminate the bow tree of the Amazon.
TRAP TREE <--- Now they wouldn't call it that, hehe
Spells like a trap freezing enemies walking in it. Exploding traps. Poison traps. Mana burning traps. Cursed traps. Lots of possibilities here. Lets eliminate that tree from the assassin.
Now the last tree is hard. I will take the fact that we didn't see any sword in the trailers. The barbarian seems to use axes and hammers mainly, and one-handed. So lets do something original.
SWORD TREE
This would allow this class to be good in close combat by pressing the fast-switch button.
It would be easily imaginable skills for this tree. Eliminate it from the paladin?
The last class :
After seeing all those classes, I saw that something is left almost unused too. Not only the swords, the SHIELDS too. The WD is using shields but it's the only one, can't be like that really, or a shield drop would be an instant Wd drop. So I think that last class should be a shield user.
Now there is something that really interested me :
That "npc" from the caldeum city. Most of you will agree with me when I say it is really argueable that this is a new class. However, it fits really well with what is remaining.
1) He uses a shield.
2) He uses a spear.
3) Lore wise, being from caldeum can give use a great opportunity to learn more about this region.
Using a spear gives him a great personality. So Let's begin :
DEFENSIVE TREE
Now I had to add a tree making use of the shield. Let's say he enchants his shield.
He would be able to cast one enchantment at a time on his shield so that the monsters hitting it would be effected.
Maybe an enchantment like thorn, returning physical damage.
Maybe an enchantment returning magical damage.
returning arrows
immobilizing the monsters.
etc
(Taking a bit of the aura of the paladin here)
SPEAR TREE
This tree would be really offensive and physical, like piercing skills and swirling skills. Head crushing and etc.
SPEAR/MAGIC TREE <-- Those names mean nothing, it's just to help you understand hehe
Now this class need some skills that are more ranged. So lets not make the spear throwable, would not be really original. Instead, lets use the spear a bit like a staff. Using it to shoot magic spears made of fire, cold, lightning maybe. Or a skill where he hits the ground to hard that a shockwave is created. You get my point.
This is it, you can replace all "Skill" by "Talent" since that is how they are called now. Nothing here is set in stone, so if you think that something is stupid or unrealistic lore-wise or logic wise, then reply.
That "npc" from the caldeum city. Most of you will agree with me when I say it is really argueable that this is a new class. However, it fits really well with what is remaining.
I haven't gone through your entire argument yet, but I just first wanted to say that I believe that NPC you see there is nothing more than a town guard.
Each class comes from somewhere different than the others: the barbarian is from Arreat, the witchdoctor comes from the Torajan Jungles, and the Wizard comes from Caldeum. So we can safely say that the next class won't be from Caldeum, so it's not that guard, whoever he is.
"the Wizard comes from Caldeum"
No, the wizard comes from Xiansai
This wizard was sent here to spend her formative years
it seems they neglected to teach our wizard manners on her native island of Xiansai
She is not coming from caldeum. Yes, it makes a difference. Caldeum is just a way for the devs to make her come to the main continent. I can see another class coming from there, a native.
I will reinforce it by the fact that we saw an artwork of a place that looked very asia influenced and the devs didn't say that we won't visit xiansai.
That "npc" from the caldeum city. Most of you will agree with me when I say it is really argueable that this is a new class. However, it fits really well with what is remaining.
guys, there are 2 "npc" there, and if we assume that the one with the spear is a guard, the other one(the one that doesn't show his face) might be a visitor, he looks like a bishop of some sort, and have a sword with him...
not sure about this, but I think I read or hear somewhere that the amazon or assassin was from caldeum?
They are from Skovos isles.
Yea this can be a npc but it fits so well, I mean, it's archetypal and orginal. It's like an act 2 mercenary using huge shields. I think Blizzard is playing with us.
It would be awesome to have a class that used a shield + a pike. Something along the lines of a hoplite from ancient greek influences. Something that wore some cool plate-y type armors + had a shield and a long disco pike to beat the crap out of people with.
EDIT: Wow...I just realized that I almost described a friggin Spartan from 300 lol...the subconscious works in mysterious ways
Screw that- Heavy armored/Knight class fo sho! We need someone to wear em plate stuffs dawg!
Anyway though I'd like a shield/spear class or at least a spear class. I know Zons used them but I didn't like being a female that used two handed spears. Didn't fit right for me, and the skills weren't too great compared to a bowzon.
I still have no clue which class I'm going to roll. Seems like Wizard maybe... but I don't know. Depends on the last two classes I guess.
Well for fun I did make my own class called the Hoplite. uses polearms and Shields its skill tree was Offensive skills, defensive tactics, and Leadership ability's. It would be awesome if they have a Spear/Shield class.
The ranged class, imo, will be either a rogue or a hunter who will combine the amazon and druid into one. Nature is not just wind, fire and lightning, a class who can shapeshift and/or control animals and attack from certain range is a must. He can also use some traps in order to somewhat fill the void left from the assassin.
The others are probably a warrior/knight and something we haven't seen in Diablo before.
i think that would be very cool that they rescue the tlekinesis, it always was a lame skill, but maybe with the interactive enviroment now could be great... jus imagine throwing big rocks to those skeletons... they'll never know what hit them lol
For some reason I think the "Light" class would be the most anticipated since people just love their Paladins. Now, I'm not saying that there will be a "Light" class but if there was, it will be the last class to be revealed for hype purposes.
1. Ranger - Bows, Survival Skills (traps and some other unique skills along the lines of Fade), Light Melee Weapons/Swords (perhaps dual wield of small weapons?)
I don't see pets coming into play much in this game...with the emphasis on limiting physics actors and talk of only 4 players per game to keep things smooth, I just don't see how pets would work in. Shapeshifting will be really small or totally changed in this....no one really wants to shift into a form where all of the cool gear you have on goes away and you always look the same. Maybe a class with the ability to take on certain attributes of animals, but I don't see total shifters making the cut.
2. Marshall (Heavy Infantry style) - Defense/Shields, Auras/Commands/Tactics/Banners (whatever they call it), Polearms
Takes the "holy" idea out of it all since you will probably have to fight heavenly things in the game. Paladin-esque character who instead focuses on defense of an area via polearm reach and shield skills...probably lots of knockback potential.
I think all of the classes will be able to break into 3 or 4 archetypal builds within themselves for added flexibility. For instance, the Wizard who focuses in Storm tree is a classic Blaster, a Conjuration focused Wizard looks to be a force in Melee...possibly being the best bet for a sword and board style character like a paladin.
1. Ranger - Bows, Survival Skills (traps and some other unique skills along the lines of Fade), Light Melee Weapons/Swords (perhaps dual wield of small weapons?)
I don't see pets coming into play much in this game...with the emphasis on limiting physics actors and talk of only 4 players per game to keep things smooth, I just don't see how pets would work in. Shapeshifting will be really small or totally changed in this....no one really wants to shift into a form where all of the cool gear you have on goes away and you always look the same. Maybe a class with the ability to take on certain attributes of animals, but I don't see total shifters making the cut.
2. Marshall (Heavy Infantry style) - Defense/Shields, Auras/Commands/Tactics/Banners (whatever they call it), Polearms
Takes the "holy" idea out of it all since you will probably have to fight heavenly things in the game. Paladin-esque character who instead focuses on defense of an area via polearm reach and shield skills...probably lots of knockback potential.
I think all of the classes will be able to break into 3 or 4 archetypal builds within themselves for added flexibility. For instance, the Wizard who focuses in Storm tree is a classic Blaster, a Conjuration focused Wizard looks to be a force in Melee...possibly being the best bet for a sword and board style character like a paladin.
1. We need a shield user.
2. We need a holy spell user.
3. We need a bow user user.
4. We need a wicked class to replace the necromancer (WD are not that wicked !)
1x2 = Shield user with holy spells.
And
3x4 = Wicked class with bow.
I liked the 3x4, but 1x2 is too similar to the pally. I guess not.
1x3 = Shield user with bows.
And
2x4 = Wicked class with holy spell.
I guess use bows and shields at the same time suck. And a wicked class using holy spells also sounds weird O.o So, NO.
1x4 = Wicked class with shields.
and
2x3 = Bow class with holy spells.
Sounds perfect imo. A counter part of the paladin sounds nice in my opnion. Some ppl may relate it with the DK, but they cna make the concept pretty diferent, like a mad inquisitor that use evil spells but thinks that power comes from the heavens.
Also the Bow user with holy spells sounds nice. Like a order similar to the paladins, but expecialised at agile movements (maybe use 2 swords) and use ranged wepons.
Let's take at look at our old classes from Diablo 2 because I think they are very relevant for the future. Only the barbarian is returning. It means that if they want to do something original, they WILL have to mix those classes somehow.
We know right now that the Barbarian, the Witch Doctor and the Wizard are in Diablo 3.
Let's take a look at those classes :
The barbarian is a total reworking of the old one, so we can eliminate the old barbarian from our "idea pool".
The WitchDoctor looks like a mix of the Druid, Necromancer, and sorc. He uses a lot of wild animals to attack (frogs, bats, mongrels). He has a fire spells tree. He has spells looking like the curses of the Necro but transformed into AoE spells casted around the WD.
So we can eliminate the fire tree of the druid. I would go on and eliminate his metamorphose tree too because this tree is too archetypal and adding it back would be an instant "THIS IS A DRUID 2". Lets eliminate the fire tree of the sorc and the curse tree of the necro. Let's also eliminate the summoning tree of the necro because I think it is too archetypal too.
Now the Wizard. We knows that she uses lightning and cold spells. So lets go and eliminate the cold and lightning trees of the old sorc, leaving nothing. She also uses some sort of tornadoes, the devs said that a normal tornado looked dull. So, since the elemental skill tree of the druid was just that, lets eliminate it. Leaving nothing from the druid. She seems to use conjurations spells, a bit similar to the bone tree of the necro, lets eliminate it, but lets keep the poison part of that tree.
So we are left with some old classes :
The Amazon.
A poison tree.
An Assassin.
A Paladin.
Now since we know that we will be fighting heaven (Confirmed when the devs replied SOONER OF LATER) an holy class is impossible. It would be retarded to attack heaven with it's own power (Fist of HEAVEN, anyone ?). I think we can eliminate the holy part of the paladin because of that.
We know that the wizard is from Xiansai, leaving really no space for another asian influenced character (subject to discussion). So lets eliminate all the martial art stuff form the assassin.
Fourth class:
We saw a bow in the first gameplay trailer, so lets say this class will use it as a main weapon.
BOW TREE, nothing much to add here, really.
Now if I look a the spells we have remaining, traps look interesting. I think it would fit, because it would allow this class to do some elemental damage. I would prefer the traps to be real traps, not auto-firing sentries. Lets eliminate the bow tree of the Amazon.
TRAP TREE <--- Now they wouldn't call it that, hehe
Spells like a trap freezing enemies walking in it. Exploding traps. Poison traps. Mana burning traps. Cursed traps. Lots of possibilities here. Lets eliminate that tree from the assassin.
Now the last tree is hard. I will take the fact that we didn't see any sword in the trailers. The barbarian seems to use axes and hammers mainly, and one-handed. So lets do something original.
SWORD TREE
This would allow this class to be good in close combat by pressing the fast-switch button.
It would be easily imaginable skills for this tree. Eliminate it from the paladin?
The last class :
After seeing all those classes, I saw that something is left almost unused too. Not only the swords, the SHIELDS too. The WD is using shields but it's the only one, can't be like that really, or a shield drop would be an instant Wd drop. So I think that last class should be a shield user.
Now there is something that really interested me :
That "npc" from the caldeum city. Most of you will agree with me when I say it is really argueable that this is a new class. However, it fits really well with what is remaining.
1) He uses a shield.
2) He uses a spear.
3) Lore wise, being from caldeum can give use a great opportunity to learn more about this region.
Using a spear gives him a great personality. So Let's begin :
DEFENSIVE TREE
Now I had to add a tree making use of the shield. Let's say he enchants his shield.
He would be able to cast one enchantment at a time on his shield so that the monsters hitting it would be effected.
Maybe an enchantment like thorn, returning physical damage.
Maybe an enchantment returning magical damage.
returning arrows
immobilizing the monsters.
etc
(Taking a bit of the aura of the paladin here)
SPEAR TREE
This tree would be really offensive and physical, like piercing skills and swirling skills. Head crushing and etc.
SPEAR/MAGIC TREE <-- Those names mean nothing, it's just to help you understand hehe
Now this class need some skills that are more ranged. So lets not make the spear throwable, would not be really original. Instead, lets use the spear a bit like a staff. Using it to shoot magic spears made of fire, cold, lightning maybe. Or a skill where he hits the ground to hard that a shockwave is created. You get my point.
This is it, you can replace all "Skill" by "Talent" since that is how they are called now. Nothing here is set in stone, so if you think that something is stupid or unrealistic lore-wise or logic wise, then reply.
Edit:
fixed some typos
Siaynoq's Playthroughs
"the Wizard comes from Caldeum"
No, the wizard comes from Xiansai
I will reinforce it by the fact that we saw an artwork of a place that looked very asia influenced and the devs didn't say that we won't visit xiansai.
and the amazon uses a spear like the guard.
guys, there are 2 "npc" there, and if we assume that the one with the spear is a guard, the other one(the one that doesn't show his face) might be a visitor, he looks like a bishop of some sort, and have a sword with him...
about the last one... i saw this artwork in bliiz site http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/media/artwork.xml#56
it just makes me think...
They are from Skovos isles.
Yea this can be a npc but it fits so well, I mean, it's archetypal and orginal. It's like an act 2 mercenary using huge shields. I think Blizzard is playing with us.
EDIT: Wow...I just realized that I almost described a friggin Spartan from 300 lol...the subconscious works in mysterious ways
Screw that- Heavy armored/Knight class fo sho! We need someone to wear em plate stuffs dawg!
Anyway though I'd like a shield/spear class or at least a spear class. I know Zons used them but I didn't like being a female that used two handed spears. Didn't fit right for me, and the skills weren't too great compared to a bowzon.
I still have no clue which class I'm going to roll. Seems like Wizard maybe... but I don't know. Depends on the last two classes I guess.
Range, Pets, traps IMO.
i still say the ranger will be the next class.
the ranger = ranged/and part melee fighter
or
the rouge = ranged/trap class
The Knight = defensive/ offensive type
Some kind of warrior that works first on the best deffense and turns it to a strong offense.
Thats my guess
1. Ranger - Bows, Survival Skills (traps and some other unique skills along the lines of Fade), Light Melee Weapons/Swords (perhaps dual wield of small weapons?)
I don't see pets coming into play much in this game...with the emphasis on limiting physics actors and talk of only 4 players per game to keep things smooth, I just don't see how pets would work in. Shapeshifting will be really small or totally changed in this....no one really wants to shift into a form where all of the cool gear you have on goes away and you always look the same. Maybe a class with the ability to take on certain attributes of animals, but I don't see total shifters making the cut.
2. Marshall (Heavy Infantry style) - Defense/Shields, Auras/Commands/Tactics/Banners (whatever they call it), Polearms
Takes the "holy" idea out of it all since you will probably have to fight heavenly things in the game. Paladin-esque character who instead focuses on defense of an area via polearm reach and shield skills...probably lots of knockback potential.
I think all of the classes will be able to break into 3 or 4 archetypal builds within themselves for added flexibility. For instance, the Wizard who focuses in Storm tree is a classic Blaster, a Conjuration focused Wizard looks to be a force in Melee...possibly being the best bet for a sword and board style character like a paladin.
Yep, pretty much what I came with
2. We need a holy spell user.
3. We need a bow user user.
4. We need a wicked class to replace the necromancer (WD are not that wicked !)
1x2 = Shield user with holy spells.
And
3x4 = Wicked class with bow.
I liked the 3x4, but 1x2 is too similar to the pally. I guess not.
1x3 = Shield user with bows.
And
2x4 = Wicked class with holy spell.
I guess use bows and shields at the same time suck. And a wicked class using holy spells also sounds weird O.o So, NO.
1x4 = Wicked class with shields.
and
2x3 = Bow class with holy spells.
Sounds perfect imo. A counter part of the paladin sounds nice in my opnion. Some ppl may relate it with the DK, but they cna make the concept pretty diferent, like a mad inquisitor that use evil spells but thinks that power comes from the heavens.
Also the Bow user with holy spells sounds nice. Like a order similar to the paladins, but expecialised at agile movements (maybe use 2 swords) and use ranged wepons.
Then a knight.
Vice Versa.
Anyways, I'm so totally psyched about Wizard. Not because of the class, but because of how innovative blizz has been with the skills system.
If skill runes are just one more feather in D3's cap, i can't wait to see what else they're hiding.