Just wan't to clear this up

[Glurin]

Like I said before, if the necro is not in the game as a playable character, then the WD is a replacement. Those that think that's not true are just kidding themselves. If you take a new class and give him all the abilities (or close to it) of an old one, then leave the old one out, that is by definition a replacement.


Having said that, I do not believe that there is no room for the necromancer or the druid. It just means that the other classes will be somewhat different (hopefully improved) than they were before (which is something we would want anyway). Besides that, we know jack about how the WD works. We know he casts spells and can summon some minions. Great. That describes dozens of classes, each very different from all the others.

[Phredreeke]

Warrior
Magic user
Summoner
Archer

What's the 5th class? A healer...

So you'd probably expect a

Barbarian
Witch Doctor
Mage
Ranger
Cleric

I **** you not...

I doubt a healer. Each class has to be viable on its own. I'd probably say a second melée class (as with Witch Doctor and Mage you have two magic classes), but with some distinct feature to make it different from the barbarian.

[kontankarite]

I doubt a healer. Each class has to be viable on its own. I'd probably say a second melée class (as with Witch Doctor and Mage you have two magic classes), but with some distinct feature to make it different from the barbarian.

That's what a Paladin was. A healer w/ fighting ability.

[Phredreeke]

I wouldn't count out some healing skills, but I don't expect a class based primarily around healing. The Paladin has some healing skills, but few players play him as a healer.

[Animation]

If you take a new class and give him all the abilities (or close to it) of an old one, then leave the old one out, that is by definition a replacement.

That depends on the various ways the word replacement can be used in this context (role; position in a roster; theme). It also depends on whether the person using the phrase is speaking of intent or result. These give plenty of room for the double-speak to work its magic.

I see where you are coming from, but the cynic in me sees the ways people could claim to be technically truthful while being able to say/not-say whatever they want anyway.

I'll be happy with or without the Necromancer in the game (would prefer it WITH but hey, what can ya do?).

Lewis

[Tsumaru]

I think probably "support" is more accurate than "healer" for Paladin. He is able to stand on his own, but he always comes off as the more support type to me when playing in a party. He's got the auras to keep everyone going - all those Defensive skills which give resists, healing, defense etc. I don't think you will ever see a strictly cleric/healer type class, just because it's not likely they could survive Diablo on their own without some badass attacks. But if you compare Paladin to Necro, Sorceress, Barbarian etc - you will see that he has those support skills which are less common in the other classes.

Personally I'm excited about the Witch Doctor and anything else new. The Barbarian is kind of like the stereotypical straight-up warrior class. You just can't get rid of him, and rightfully so. You will also see the strict magic class. Everything else is up in the air in my opinion, and I want to see Blizzard come up with some new ideas rather than just updating the skills of all the D2 classes. I'm not without criticism for the Witch Doctor - while I realise he is wearing a big mask, he does look a bit inhuman. Kind of hunched over and lanky. Plus his skin appears kind of bluish to me. The Locust animation doesn't look quite right either (I think someone described it as looking like a bunch of leaves). But other than those minor aesthetic complaints, I really look forward to seeing him in action, with a full skillset to take into consideration.

[fanharijo]

If it wasn't for that you have to be dead, I would say that the only way to make the necro come back is if he was some kind of Lich (summoning and frost / bone spells).

Judging from the gameplay video the witchdoctor just seems so akin to him in playstyle compared to druid.

[Funkopotamus]

Yeah, I was thinking the witch doctor could be replacing the druid. The druid had summons, dogs even, and was like a mini-sorc with the spells too.

[Anathema]

necro probably went to work for diablo, said screw this good guy stuff

I actually forsee this being possible. Necromancers aren't usually "good guys." Anyone think the necro got into many fights with the Paladin?

[lionheart]

I actually forsee this being possible. Necromancers aren't usually "good guys." Anyone think the necro got into many fights with the Paladin?

Hardly, they are reclusive and mind their own business and mission. Can't see the necrmancers as brawlers lol