BlizzCon video introduces new Diablo III class, the Monk
Kevin Spiess - Friday, August 21st, 2009 | 12:40PM (PT)
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Specializes in martial arts and speed
Update: Official Monk page at Blizzard's Diablo III website is now live.
Like many rabid fans had hoped, Blizzard has revealed a new class today for the their highly anticipated ARPG Diablo III. Let us introduce to you, the Monk!
"The monk is a skilled warrior of unparalleled dexterity. Armed with speed, holy fervor, and a quest for physical and spiritual perfection, the monk becomes a deadly apparition in the heat of battle, moving faster than the eye can follow to strike down enemies with a barrage of lightning-fast blows," read an updated Blizzard FAQ.
While Blizzard had hinted that old classes would be back, hardly any Diablo fans would have guessed that would it be the Monk. The Monk originally made an appearance in the Hellfire expansion pack for the original Diablo game, back in 1997. Furthermore, the expansion pack wasn't even made by Blizzard -- they outsourced it -- further adding to the surprise that the Monk is back.
A number of screenshots have turned up on the web in the last hour -- we've got them all right here. Enjoy the vids and these images. They're certainly a tough looking class! Here's a piece of lore about the Monks and their fighting prowess:
"I heard countless fantastic stories about the monks, tales that were surely the beneficiary of significant embellishment. The monk's skin, the accounts said, was as hard as iron, impenetrable by the blade of any sword or by the point of any arrow, and their fists could break stones as easily as you or I would snap a twig."
I love this choice of a new character. Probably my fav' so far. The only thing that really bothers me about this game is that it isn't going to be coming anytime soon, by a long, long shot
The alluded to the "unlikelihood" of a 2010 release for D3, which to me, confirms a 2011 release. I'd say 2012 is too far a stretch even for Blizzard on this one. Maybe third, dare I say fourth quarter 2011, but 2011 nonetheless.
Surprisingly for a monk this character looks very good. I'm guessing a 2011 release myself. Also I think many including myself were to early to judge on the graphics. I think it is coming along well.
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I'm guessing 2012 . Seriously.
It's fair to assume the new WoW expansion is targeted at a January launch as usual, then they have SC2... and then D3.. so I'd guess spring 2011.
Warcraft IV is most likely in development as well..