So, any consensus on PHB2 powerhouses?

[cdrcjsn]

I'm also curious about Swordmage being overpower. On my game the Swordmage looks like anybody else.

The swordmage isn't overpowered.

However, prior to the introduction of the Templar, it had the potential to have the highest AC in the game, so lots of people were saying that it's the best defender (since AC is the stat that is attacked the most).

I actually think that swordmages are somewhat counter intuitive as to how to make best use of their defender features. They are actually better served to mark one target, ignore it, and then move on and engage a different target.

I still think fighters are stickier, but I do enjoy the few controller like abilities that swordmages get (which seem to be a common theme among the Arcane power source classes).

 

[MrMyth]

To me, I think this is the biggest mismatch caused by the PHBII. The sorcerer seems like he gets everything that the warlock does (as far as a striker/controller) but better.

The warlock has to spend actions and can only apply his curse one per round for 3.5 average damage. A sorc with 16 dex is always doing +3, and often to multiple creatures. The sorc powers are pretty strong as well, I just don't think the warlock stands up.

The Sorcerer wins at damage compared to the warlock. But... that is true of most other strikers, really. The sorcerer also is better at hurting multiple targets, and seems to get a lot of powers focused on the environment (either creating damaging areas or moving people around.)

So, what does the Warlock have to compare? Durability, mobility and status effects. I'd say it has the edge in all three - good defensive bonuses, much more ability to get around the field, and a lot more effects that cripple the enemy in various ways.

The Sorcerer is definitely strong, but I think there are enough differences between the two that each one definitely has its own role in the field, and own strengths it brings to the table.