Diablo III

Diablo III for PC, PS3 and X360 is a sequel to an enormously popular hack'n'slash game series originated in 1996. The game includes several solutions known from the previous installments of the franchise, but also introduces a lot of new ideas. It was developed by Blizzard Entertainment company, known for many successful and well-selling brands (such as World of Warcraft, StarCraft).

Story

In the third installment of Diablo once again you go back to the world of Sanctuary to face the forces of darkness and the title demon. The game starts twenty years after the events from Diablo II, when a group of heroes triumphed over evil. Tristram cathedral gets hit by a mysterious comet, which awakes the infernal legions that were put to rest there. Therefore, the world of Sanctuary needs new heroes. Several of them step into action: the Barbarian, the Wizard, the Monk, the Witch Doctor, and the Demon Hunter. All of them have their own backgrounds. Moreover, Blizzard expanded the story told in the game and signified it, e.g. by means of journal entries that are being added while traversing the world (e.g. memories of one of the King Leoric’s soldiers) and short interludes during individual acts, stylized for the hero’s notes. Thanks to this, fans of the universe can learn a lot of new information about the eternal conflict of the forces of the High Heavens and the Burning Hells. There are many references to the previous installments of the series, such as characters like Deckard Cain and Tyrael the Archangel, as well as new heroes, like the young Lea.

Gameplay

Diablo III is an action RPG for PC, PS3 and X360, in which you play as one of these heroes - or heroines - and traverse the extensive land, throughout the story divided into four acts. During the journey you perform missions given by the world inhabitants or randomly appearing in the game, and fight against hordes of enemies. Each of the characters uses different energy system, has a unique set of skills, and can use distinct weapons. In other words, playing as the Barbarian is completely different from playing, for instance, as the Mage. A lot depends on the ingenuity of the player and the items collected: spells and abilities can in fact be modified using rune stones, which give them new effects and increase character stats.

The developers from Blizzard did not just introduce new character classes and an extensive system of developing and modifying the abilities. There are many other solutions used in Diablo III: the companions system (to help in the solo game), hundreds of achievements that motivate players to continue the adventure, different difficulty levels, as well as a number of randomly generated events (such as having to get out from a dungeon as fast as possible, or defend a blacksmith against hordes of oncoming enemies, etc.).

Moreover the character management interface was changed, the combat got more dynamic, and the controls were improved. The important elements of Diablo III are: the huge number of items that can be found in the game, a lot of types of enemies, dozens of minibosses, and randomly generated dungeons. Veterans of the series may want to try out the highest difficulty level - Torment. In total, you can get 60 standard experience levels and an infinite number of Paragon levels, which provides hundreds hours of play.

Game modes

Blizzard expanded online features of their game. In Diablo III for PC, PS3 and X360, you can easily join other people’s games or go on a journey together with friends. Originally at launch, the game did not offer Player vs. Player mode, but it was added in patch 1.0.7 in form of skirmishes played out on a special arena. Online features of Diablo III are supported by Battle.net service, and the game requires permanent internet connection.

Technology

Audiovisual aspect of Diablo III stands on a high level, which is characteristic of Blizzard games. The graphics abounds in details, and music – with its distinctive symphonic arrangements, choirs, as well as guitar motives familiar to all the fans of the series - emphasizes the dark atmosphere of the world of Sanctuary.

Last updated on 21 November 2014