Hit points have gone up with each new expansion and spells that do direct damage are considered a waste of time to cast. Especially at levels under 5. I miss the impact that spells had back in 2nd edition.
+1 damage for each die of a damaging spell
Magic Missile 1d4+2
Fire ball 1d6+1/level
Sound Burst 1d8+1
Incendiary cloud 6d6+6
We have played this for 9 months now and playing a blaster is fun again but the archer is still out dealing the dragon bloodline sorcerer.