25th June 2004, 11:01 AM
(This post was last modified: 25th June 2004, 11:30 AM by A Black Falcon.)
Since the beginning of the genre, I'd say (pen & paper games were first, right?)... The balanced party has one of each. For many console RPGs (especially newer ones) it's diluted because more characters have abilities in multiple categories, but you still need someone who can heal, someone to do magic, etc... console RPGs don't really seem to use theives though (unlike PC ones which often have them for trap detection, unlocking locked doors, etc -- never play a D&D game without a theif and a cleric or druid!)...
You could make do without a mage, but I think spells are cool so I like to have several of them in my party. :)
You could make do without a mage, but I think spells are cool so I like to have several of them in my party. :)