Hi! Has anyone trained up a dedicated ranger? Is the class any good? Is the barbarian better?

I have an Elven Ranger, and though she isn't bad, for A fighter the Barbarian will win every time. Although the Ranger has Vine magic, which comes in handy. I agree that ranged attacks are useless in this game, especially with ranged spells that do massive damage. Ever casted firestorm while you were...eh...A little too close? Everyone dies. hehe