One of the curses of 3.5 is that prestige classes proliferated to the point where a 7th-level party of kobolds could take over the game world, if Pun-Pun didn't beat them to it.
4th Ed. appears to have fewer choices for character building, which is probably a necessity.
What interests me, however, is that I suspect the fundamental changes (e.g. rituals and healing surges) can allow very different party choices.
E.g.
Party A: Wizard, Cleric, Warlord (inspiring build), Warlock (with Thievery skill)
This party has no Defender, but between the Cleric and the inspiring Warlord, they have a lot of healing potential. (Plus, the Cleric is useful against undead, and for divination.) They *don't* have the Cleric for use as a 3.x heal-bot, but they have healing surges, which change the choices a lot. I don't think this party would get much more effective with extra members.
Clerics have a lot more offensive powers, and they can't automatically wear plate (which is probably good ... Paladins need some distinctive privileges).
Limiting the choice to just the 4th Ed. PHB, what are your choices for effective parties with five or fewer members? Would they be more effective with six members?
Posts
fuck magic, baby
yeah we don't have a controller but a bow ranger can take his place
You're drawn to my eccentric Brawl Code: 4596 9143 4529
this is 4e suckah
no druids
clerics aren't the kings of everything
druids aren't even in the book
Srsly.
just make sure someone (the Ranger?) takes thievery
then you are good to go
Warlocks like it. It's actually a class skill for them. Hell, even if you take the rogue multiclass they just have to move 3 squares to hide and they'll eventually roll well enough to use the bonus damage.
oh, hey, so it is!
well, there you go.
the warlock or the paladin should take ritual casting, though. probably the warlock, although both of them would benefit from having it, since the Religion/Arcana rituals are pretty potent