Okay, I've spent some more time with it and, err, maybe I spoke a little too soon?
I think I was just in D2 culture shock for a minute there. I'm starting to understand the skill system and the way things are all set out a little better. It seems runes essentially let you change build any time, with any skill you like. That feels a mite too generous/easy for me, but it works and once you have a good handful of skills it begins to come into its own. I've also remembered that at heart, Diablo is all about the items. So the new crafting system is genius. You get half a chance to get decent kit without paying in real world currency. That's a whole lot better than what went before!
Didn't they add the cool down system?
Yeah, didn't realise at first but it makes encounters more interesting really. No more health pot spamming. Even with the new health orb drops, you get the odd frantic moment due to cooldowns! And fair play actually. I suppose if I go into some boss battle and switch skills mid-encounter, I should expect some sort of penalty
Yeah, at the moment it seems a little naff, but I can imagine once you get to higher levels the choices of skills and their runes you have will make for vastly differing builds between players of the same class (if it's balanced well, obviously).
You managed to try many classes out? I've not been able to log on much, so only tried Witch Doctor and still not finished the beta with him.
I've maxed out a Demon Hunter. At first the ranged skills feel pretty dire, but once you get rapid shot it feels much more satisfying. When you get to lvl 9/10+ it's even better. Your shadow skills keep you from being overrun by hoards of meleeing monsters but not so much you can get really cocky with it. I like that they've eliminated mana for the Demon Hunter as well. Instead you have Hatred for your ranged skills and Discipline for your shadow skills. The former you drain with defensive skills and replenish with attack skills whilst the latter only regenerates naturally. Probably not all that revolutionary, but it's really nice to have to manage battle strategy instead of two sets of pots. It's one of those little things were you're like 'why did no one think of this before?'
The only other class I've tried is the Wizard. It feels odd at early stages. Seems to be giving you a little taste of each element. For some reason, cold always feels the more satisfying choice. And hey, I suppose with the new skill system, no more getting to Hell and getting absolutely slammed because you're a cold specialist and half the monsters are immune! I think this is going to be one of those changes that just ends up growing on me over time...
