I'm also not a fan of having a multitude of spells, all of which are basically the same as the next one. For example: The fire spell needs clear line of fire. The lighting spell shoots straight and hits everyone along its path (the path can also extend a certain distance and not simply end at the target). The earth spell has a chance to knock the opponent off his feet. The wind spell has AoE, low damage but reduces opponent's AP. Or some such. But that's probably moddable as well.
