I’d like to preface this by expressing my enthusiasm for Diablo 4. I’ve already pre-ordered it for June 6th, (though I’ll let you early access players work out the bugs) and thoroughly enjoyed the beta.
However, I have one major issue with Diablo 4; the classes.
Their explanation of wanting “to make sure that the kind of experiences that players remembered fondly from previous Diablo games were available” for not introducing new classes or skills, seems weak to me.
I understand they’re aiming to return to their visual roots, but the skills and classes feel strikingly similar to Diablo 3, which is not going back very far at all, especially when they’re also present in Diablo Immortal.
Although I loved the visuals and story I experienced in the D4 beta, I was left feeling “meh” after trying all the classes. They felt unbalanced with a “been there, done that” feeling that didn’t excite me. The skill trees felt like watered-down versions of those from Diablo 3, leaving me to wonder how they are so unbalanced after years of tweaking in previous games.
Of course, fireballs and arrows are basic attacks - I expect to see them, but I was hoping for a refresh skilled and new skills too, something unique to Diablo 4.
Furthermore, I find their lack of innovation and creativity in developing the classes themselves to be disappointing. This is especially true given the game’s story focus on the concept of “sin.”
For example, instead of a Wizar…oh sorry Sorcerer, we could have had a travelling Priest, who sinned and seeks redemption. Their fire attacks could be described as holy light (burning away sin), with a “judgment” skill tree involving lightning, etc. - all effectively the same attacks, just with different names and a refreshing new class context.
The Rogue class could have been re-imagined as a Bandit, á la John Marshall hunting down his old gang who betrayed him. Their attacks could echo many of the Rogue’s skills, but with unique bandit traps and perhaps more explosive skills like booby traps or well…explosives lol.
The Necromancer is undoubtedly a fan favourite, but omg what I wouldn’t have done for a Warlock or Witch, summoning ghosts, ghouls, and demons, and even possessing their enemies. You would still get skeletons, etc., but with a fresh and new perspective.
Yes I know you could argue, well these are basically the same classes as before with new names, but with new names comes new looks too and appearances, new unique backgrounds - yet all while honouring the past classes.
I realize that many of you are excited to replay the classes you experienced in the last game, but these classes could have been presented in unique, fresh ways while honouring that past and incorporating the best skills, etc. Each unique class could have a mini story to explore outside the main quest line, which could be expanded upon in future updates (as they’ve promised new story content every 3 months) for those interested in story. Don’t like story, than you don’t have to follow it and just grind your loot. Options are never a bad thing.
The more I ponder this, the more I believe this was a significant missed opportunity. I don’t feel like they played it safe with the classes; it feels like they didn’t even try because, despite being “refreshed,” they feel lack luster compared to their predecessors.
So, what are your thoughts? Did you expect more from the D4 classes? Are you satisfied with them? Or do you not care, and are just happy to play more Diablo and wanted more of the same?