Diablo III in-game systems overhauled, core character attributes redone

Diablo III may or may not be out soon, but Blizzard isn't letting fan pressure alter their own plans.  Despite the game's tentative "early 2012" release window, major changes are still underway. 

In a recent massive post on the official website, Diablo III director Jay Wilson laid out a lengthy list of system changes the team's been working on.  Why bother?  Wilson has an explanation ready.

While working on Diablo III we've been called out for messing around with systems too much, that the game is good as-is and we should just release it. I think that's a fair argument to make, but I also think it's incorrect. Our job isn't just to put out a game, it's to release the next Diablo game. No one will remember if the game is late, only if it's great. We trust in our ability to put out a great game, but we're not quite there yet. In addition to finishing and polishing the content of the game we're continuing to iterate on some of the core game systems. So all that said, I'd like to provide everyone an update on some of the systems we're currently working on.

So Blizz is changing the systems that received the most feedback, both internally and from beta tests.  These cover a wide gamut of features, encompassing crafting, items, inventory, and core attributes. 

The most interesting of the changes might be the core character attributes, however, which now include the following: Strength, Dexterity, Intellect, and Vitality.  Here's a breakdown of the new attributes:

Strength
+Barbarian damage
+Armor

Dexterity
+Demon Hunter damage
+Monk damage
+Dodge

Intellect
+Wizard damage
+Witch Doctor damage
+Health from globes

Vitality
+Health

Notice anything missing?  Right, the Defense, Attack, and Precision attributes have been dropped.  There's a lot more to the full post, so be sure to check it out.