With a humongous fan base and extended time for development, is Diablo 3 worth the wait? Or has Blizzard followed the atrocity of Duke Nukem Forever?
Story and Setting - 6/10
The Diablo franchise revolves around one or more heroes known as nephalem that are tasked with defeating the seven demons of chaos. In the third title of the series, only Belial and Azmodan remain and the whole world of Sanctuary relies on the mysterious stranger, the famed Deckard Cain, his niece Leah and the Nephalem, i.e. the player. Within the world of Sanctuary, there are several locations that are explored in each act (There are four acts in total). From the plague driven town of New Tristam, to the middle-eastern inspired market city.
Aside from the environment and characters, the soundtrack of Diablo is present but minimal. This is due to the fact that there is little to no 'action' or adrenaline pumping tracks. Most of the pieces are quiet and melodic but feel out of place. However, the small action sequences feel forced and unexpected to say the least.
Graphics and Gameplay - 9/10
The art style of the game is very 'Blizzard' in the sense that the cartoon like action is very captivating and fun. However, Diablo fans play Diablo not for the story or graphics, but for the gameplay.
In some ways, the game is similar to it's predecessors but very different. For instance, there is still loot and gems that can be equipped to your gear. But, the skill setup system is completely new and has evolved (or devolved depending on your view of things) into the new upgrade system that the Diablo clones are becoming. You still have to level up to achieve new spells and traits but in D3, you can;'t chose how you level up. What I mean is that if you are the necromancer like Witch Doctor class and you wanted to specify your character to use minions,, you will have to wait until he has unlocked every damn spell to do so. This is alright for some players but true veterans may get upset with this costume change.
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| Witch Doctor and his mutant pets! |
Incidentally, there are five classes in the game that are completely varied in all aspects. They are the brutal, slaughtering axe using Barbarian; the arcane specialising British Wizard; the eastern influenced spiritual Monk; the arrow obsessed, trap using Demon Hunter and the zombie friendly Witch Doctor. What's most interesting about these characters is that they each have personality. For instance, the later (Witch Doctor) is a jamacian/african tribal member who will be remembered for his deep, third person way of speaking, "I have to get to da temple".
Aside from their personality and the Barbarian, each class feels fresh and new to the series and showcases a different way to play depending on the player. Want to play with your several zombie and mutated pals? Play as a Witch Doctor! How about deceiving enemies into walking into your traps? Demon Hunter!
However, playing solo is only but a miniature element of Diablo 3. Playing with friends or other players, boosts the chance of getting rare gear and levels you up faster. For instance, I was levelled up my Demon Hunter in half of the time it took for my Witch Doctor as I was playing with my Monk ally.
What's even more exciting about Co-op is that loot isn't shared. What's that I hear? Several Diablo veterans crying tears of joy as they won't be 'ninja'd anymore! However, you can still give your friends gear by dropping the item, trading or forcing them to purchase it of the auction house.
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| Go burning Zubats! |
Speaking of which, the auction house is how Blizzard are wanting to keep you playing the game. Blizzard have created two different auction houses. The first is the basic one which uses Diablo gold as the currency. The other uses real money and Paypal accounts. Personally, I think it's just pointless but I see that someone will make use of it!
Incidentally, Blizzard have made it that to play the game, the player must have a constant internet connection which for some, will cause an array of technical dramas.
Overall - 15/20
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| Aim...Set...FIRE! |
Concluding my beginning inquiries, Diablo 3 was definitely worth the wait! Nothing could of made the game more brilliant, gameplay wise. However, the story is slightly above average and the soundtrack is mediocre at best. If you're a Diablo veteran, then you'll adore this title. Though, if you're a newcomer like me, then you'll feel like you've approached an ongoing conversation.
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