A Hero Class is a class derived from the base classes, but with more specialization and with ties to Warcraft lore. The idea of a hero class is taken from the Warcraft III hero units.
Death Knight
- Main article: Death Knight (hero class)
At Blizzcon 2007, Blizzard announced that the Death Knight hero class will be a new addition in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion pack. Nethaera posted on the Wrath of the Lich King forums that the current plans are one new hero class per expansion pack.[1]
To create a Death Knight, the player must have one level 55 character already on any realm. Only one Death Knight can be created per realm. The starting level of the character will start at level 55. Death Knights do not have a Mana, Rage or Energy bar; instead they will use Runes.
The Death Knight can have two roles: tanking and damage dealing. They do not use shields while tanking, instead using two-handed weapons or dual-wielding one-handed weapons. Non-melee magic abilities will also play a role during combat.
Bard
- Main article: Bard (hero class)
Obviously an April fools joke, it was announced on April 1st 2008 as another hero class. The Bard uses a new interface with a striking resemblance to that of Activision's Guitar Hero (which was strangely appropriate, as Vivendi Games - which owns Blizzard Entertainment - is merging with Activision to form Activision Blizzard).
It would use a 2h axe-like guitar, and have many rock/musical based abilities, such as 'Tape Jam' and 'Shoegazer'. One of their talent trees is 'Metal', which includes Starstruck, Epic Solo, Axe Specialization, and performing "Face Melters." Another is 'Punk Rock', which has things like Shred, Mosh Pit & Rock 'n Roll Racing.
The class may also be an homage to the credits roll for Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. The Power of the Horde rock song is played during the roll by Arthas jamming on a guitar made of ice.
The Bard Hero class: http://www.wow-europe.com/wrath/features/bard/bardclass.xml
Wikipedia Guitar Hero: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Hero_%28video_game%29
See also
- Warcraft III Hero Classes, for where the idea came from.