05-30-2012, 02:06 PM
I dunno, let's look at the history of the franchise:
In the current/final version of both previous versions, what became the dominant build? Take a moment and think on this one.
That's right - the build with the most DEFENCE. Don't believe me?
D1 - Mage. Why? Chiefly because of Stone Curse - SC and beating worked on everything except Diablo, and D himself wasn't nearly as scary as getting to him. You also had Mana Shield, Teleport, and Golem going for you. Yes, you also had the best DPS, but if you're nearly invulnerable, then all your victories are just a matter of time.
D2 - Hammerdin. Why? Easiest time between their class specifics and Holy Shield of getting max resists and block. Could increase their max resists without item help. Had auras that literally countered everything. Elemental problems? Salvation. Poison and curses? Cleansing. Need to get somewhere quick? Vigour + 40% R/W was nearly as good as Teleport. Health/mana/Nihlathak problems? Redemption. Got good returns on Vitality investment. Yes, the build also had good DPS - not quite the best compared to some narrower, glassier builds, but if you're nearly invulnerable, then all your victories are just a matter of time.
I feel there is something to be learned from history, here.
In the current/final version of both previous versions, what became the dominant build? Take a moment and think on this one.
That's right - the build with the most DEFENCE. Don't believe me?
D1 - Mage. Why? Chiefly because of Stone Curse - SC and beating worked on everything except Diablo, and D himself wasn't nearly as scary as getting to him. You also had Mana Shield, Teleport, and Golem going for you. Yes, you also had the best DPS, but if you're nearly invulnerable, then all your victories are just a matter of time.
D2 - Hammerdin. Why? Easiest time between their class specifics and Holy Shield of getting max resists and block. Could increase their max resists without item help. Had auras that literally countered everything. Elemental problems? Salvation. Poison and curses? Cleansing. Need to get somewhere quick? Vigour + 40% R/W was nearly as good as Teleport. Health/mana/Nihlathak problems? Redemption. Got good returns on Vitality investment. Yes, the build also had good DPS - not quite the best compared to some narrower, glassier builds, but if you're nearly invulnerable, then all your victories are just a matter of time.
I feel there is something to be learned from history, here.