After 11 years, the Diablo series finally has a new sequel. And with it comes new changes to the classic gameplay formula which many have come to know it for.
Whether you’re new to the series or a veteran, you’ll notice Diablo III is much more welcoming. Gone are the days of deep skill trees and stat options. You have a simple action bar for spells and commands. Blizzard has made it to where you are automatically given stats when you level up as well as new spells an abilities.
Diablo III does a very good job of teaching you the basics as you begin the game. Those who have never played before should get used to the controls quickly enough.
The concept might seem simple, but as you progress through the game, things become more complex.
Characters are given runes to accompany each spell. These runes can dramatically change they way you use each spell. Some make your spell more powerful while other can change how they’re used in combat. It’s a departure from what was offered in the prior games. But the runes leave a lot of room for experimentation, which brings back a little bit of the depth.
Two characters of the same class can play much differently. For example: I usually play as a Wizard and I focus on using more of a glass cannon type approach. I’ll throw on diamond skin and then cast powerful spells such as shock and disintegrate from a distance while I try and avoid oncoming attacks.
Another wizard can choose to be more passive and conjure hydras to lure enemies away and do the fighting for him.
The choices you make for you character build are not permanent either. If you decide you want to switch things up a bit then you can change you skills at no penalty other than a temporary cool down to that skill’s assigned slot.
The classic loot system has been left in tact. Every kill you make grants large amounts of gold, weapons and other items littered about the screen.
Items you find range anywhere form useless junk to epic gear that can greatly improve your characters combat abilities. Blizzard has also implemented an auction house for those who are looking to make a pretty penny off of a rare find. There is also a real-money auction house. However, as of press time, it is still not open.
The online aspect is very simple as well. You can drop in and out of a friend’s game simply by clicking on their icon after you log in.
Or if you’re looking to play though a certain level with a random group of people you can search for a game with someone who is currently on your same objective.
There have been a lot of complaints since the beta about how the game looks. Many have claimed the game is “too pretty” for the dark and foreboding world that the series is known for. But the dungeons and environments of Diablo III are all appropriately lit and textured in all the right scenarios. There are some absolutely jaw-dropping moments. Things are even more stunning when you’re in a party and players and enemies pop of skills.
Character models are equally as pleasing to look at. Every detail of every weapon, clothing, claw, fang, and wing looks great. And you’re in for some even more spectacular sights when it comes to the boss battles.
Blizzard’s cinematic department isn’t slacking either. These cut scenes look better than some movies.
The voice actors should also be commended for their work. The entire game is a strong performance the whole way through. Both in-game and during cinematics.
Diablo is a world in chaos. The lords of Hell once again threaten to over run the earth and it’s up to you to prevent them from accomplishing their goals. This is played out through four lengthy acts with the end result. You’ll fight everything from zombies to insects and the daemons themselves.
The story continues with the lore Blizzard has set for the previous games with plenty of interaction on the players part. Each new monster encounter or new journal reveals some insight into the world which further encourages exploration.
There’s enough content here to keep you coming back again and again with different characters. Players looking for a bigger challenge can choose to up the difficulty and take on nightmare mode. This greatly ups the challenge, but also the reward.
If you’re a fan of the original game or just like deep RPG’s in general, this is a game that shouldn’t be missed.
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