Originally posted by Paladin
Well besides Fighter there's either Thief the crippled Fighter or Black Belt the guy who punches things. I guess if you wanted a challenge you'd go for a thief but you at least have to admit that Fighter looks cool doing what he does. After all, he's a paladin. Don't you like "PALADINS"?
Well I have to admit the Black Belt is crippled and the fighter does look good in both versions of the game, but I think you underestimate the Thief. Before class change the Thief's ability to run helps getting through tough areas like the marsh cave and the ice cave with enough life and magic. After class change he won't hit as hard as a fighter, true, but his access to black magic allows him to either pump himself up (fast, tmpr, etc) or add elemental support. His selection in armor is also not too bad making him an eligible leader. What does the fighter get after class change? White magic. A set of magic were you could use him to cure (wouldn't you rather have him attack). That is it, since most white magic, by then anyway, affects all members (aice, afir, inv2, etc) so there is no need for the knight to cast it when you have a white wizard. Like I said the fighter is only a tank; attack attack attack. At least with a Thief there are a variety of things to do with him that all work. At least that is how I see things.