Diablo 3 (PC & Mac)

I took part in the Open BETA that Blizzard ran recently and I have to say I am very impressed indeed. The game is way bigger in scale and scope than the excellent Diablo 2. I really enjoyed all the new changes to the game. There is a few that will take time to adjust to (when used to the system in Diablo 2), but it will all gel together in the end.

The 3 days I had with the game really gave an insight into the skills, combat and character types that will be available to us when the game is released on the 15th May 2012.

The graphics are also very impressive. Good animations and the atmosphere from the area was very good indeed. The voice work and music is up to the standards that was in the previous Diablo games.

When Play deliver my copy on 15th May (for a price of 24.99 as I pre ordered it over 3 years ago) I can say goodbye to my social life as this willa time killer. But it will be time that will be very well spent indeed.

I cant recommend this game enough. The countdown timer for May 15th now starts.

*****WARNING***** NEEDS ACTIVE INTERNET CONNECTION*****

Firstly I would like to make sure people understand that they need a live connection or the game won't work. It uses the same principle as World of Warcraft, it has a launcher that checks for the latest updates and only if you are up to date you will be able to play. Also all characters are kept on the Battlenet servers. This is an online RPG... don't think you will be able to just install it and play on your own as any other game such as of course Diablo II, Titan Quest or Sacred 1 and 2.

In regards to the game, I only put in about 4 hours last night after launch but it was great. It is what you would expect. No point me going on explaining the game mechanics or class options as you can check that out on the official Diablo III website. However what I did find is that the game greatly rewards multiplayer. Drop wise I have received about 100 percent more purples from playing with others than soloing which puts the question up... why is that Blizzard is keen on rewarding players in teams than soloing players. I am talking about major difference. When playing with others I have received about 50 purple items... when soloing I got about 5 and they were of low quality nothing compared do the stuff I got in multiplayer. Again bear in mind as it is more rewarding to play with others so you may want to start your adventure from level 1 with others.

Other criticism is the cut scenes... I was really looking forward the the Blizzard famous movies yet in this case they decided to go for a pencil drawn animation... much like a graphical book and the chosen character narrating it's story. Also the world is no longer randomly generated so you will play the same maps with the same layout every time... re playability... you think about it. They are also encouraging selling items for real money on the AH so it will open the door for Chinese farmers... how will this affect your game play? We will see.

That's my 2 cents so far, I cannot fault the game on its principle we all know what it is supposed to be like. Honestly... having plaid previous similar games between Diablo II and Diablo III there isn't something I can be that impressed about, nothing new that the games I mention previously did not do. It is the same as Sacred 1 and 2 I don't see any difference besides that this is a Blizzard game but Sacred 2 was just as great - minus crashes and memory hungry. I have had no crashes bugs or errors from the game, looks pretty robust

I will update further if I see the need but I would recommend the game... as long as you are able to have a working internet connection to play it.

Being a massive fan of Diablo and Diablo 2 it was difficult for me not to have high expectations for this game. Like many others I was drawn in by the magical combination of elements that gave the previous 2 Diablo games such a winning formula. The randomly created dungeons and items, the amazing soundtrack and the unique style of hack 'n' slash gameplay gives the Diablo series a virtual playground that's as addictive to play in as breathing air.

Thankfully, not only has the magic of the first two games been retained, Blizzard have managed to expand upon every aspect that made the previous games so amazing. Everything is very slick, simple to use and lavished with the same Blizzard Polish.

Besides just having a new graphics engine to create a more modern gaming environment, what we have here isn't just a re-skinned Diablo 2 (which a lot of people would have been happy with) Instead, Blizzard has fleshed out every aspect of the game to be both bigger in scope and depth than the previous titles. On the contrary though, some big changes have been made. A lot of people, including myself, felt that Diablo 3 could end up loosing it's charm if tampered with too much. Making the wrong alterations or adding more complexity could have gone as far as completely ruining what makes Diablo feel so great. However, this has not been the case. From only the limited time and content I experienced during the open beta, Diablo 3 is truly amazing.

I can't wait for Tuesday.

I did not play in Diablo I or Diablo III, have bought this game as a recomendation of my friends. Well, this game is AMAZING!!!! I play with mates in co-op mode and it is so much fun..... 5 Stars from me!!!!!

If you enjoyed Diablo / Diablo 2 then stop reading this and buy this game, its by far the best action RPG ever made. You cant judge the game before reaching Act IV, once you reach act IV you will have seen a lot of what the game offers and only then a fairly accurate review can be given. The real hook for me is the Hell and Inferno difficulty levels, where the only the best Legendary gear can be attained. AMAZINGLY GOOD FUN! 5 STARS!