Diablo Watch

Finally, the fifth Diablo 3 character has been revealed at Blizzcon 2010. No doubt, the name sounds familiar, after all, Demonhunter is my favorite starting hero when I play Warcraft 3.

I doubt the Diablo 3 version will sport the same amazing ultimate skill (Metamorphosis into a Demon), but let’s take a look at some gameplay footage:

The Demon Hunter skill list reveals a “standard” ranged character (Source: DiabloFans):

Molten Arrow
The Demon Hunter shoots a crossbow bolt infused with flame which passes through enemies, and leaves behind a flaming wake, dealing damage to all enemies to try to cross it. Essentially, it’s a fire wall that you can shoot.

Grenade
Seems to function similarly to the Witch Doctor’s Skull of Flame. The video shows the Demon Hunter throwing out 3 small globes, which bounce briefly, then explode, dealing AOE to all nearby enemies. It was also shown to break a shield skeletons shield, which suggests AOE damage dealt from behind the shield can disarm them, giving this skill a spot as a sort of “combat utility” skill.

Bola
This skill allows the Demon Hunter to shoot a bola arrow, which wraps around whatever it hits. The enemies are not slowed however, but several seconds after being hit they exploded. AOE damage was dealt to everything nearby.

Vault
The obligatory movement skill. The Demon Hunter performs an acrobatic roll to reach new locations, or to escape from enemies. I can definitely see this skill being combined with Molten Arrow, allowing the Demon Hunter to quickly set up a wall, and retreat behind it before being in the line of fire.

Spike Trap
Taking a hint from the Assassin, the Demon Hunter sets up a trap that lies in wait for enemies. Upon being walked over, the trap opens up and enemies above it.

Fan of Knives
The Demon Hunter twirls in place, sending knives in all directions around her. AOE damage is dealt to all nearby enemies. This skill was shown being used with Vault, the Demon Hunter would roll into position, and release knives directly into a mob of enemies.

Entangling Shot
The Demon Hunter shoots out an arrow that bounces between several enemies, linking them with a blackish purplish line, slowing each down. The linking seemed to have to affect, though perhaps the slowing affect is made more serious based on how many enemies are linked to the same arrow?

Only time will tell, if these skills make it to the “final cut” of Diablo 3. The gameplay looks interesting with a lot of tactical possibilities and combos.