Better the devil you know (Diablo 2 (PC))

Member Name: Revier

Product:	Diablo 2 (PC)
Date:	01/11/09 (18 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great addictive game

Disadvantages: A bit repetitive at times

Diablo II sees the player take on one of five character classes, to pursue Satan and his cohorts (Mephisto & Baal) as they attempt to strike out from hell in a demonic campaign on the very earth itself.

The Necromancer-Master of the undead, can summon a Golem to inflict massive damage on the enemy.

The Barbarian- Hulking mound of brute strength, Great with weapons and can take alot of punishment.

The Paladin- A holy knight, good balance between weapon wielding and spell casting

The Sorceress- An out and out magician with a wide variety of offensive and defensive spells.

The Amazon- Master of the Bow



The story is a fairly well trodden one, Satan seeks mystical objects (in the shape of the enigmatic soulstones) to conquer the overworld only to be halted and eventually defeated by the virtuous hero. While it may not be the most original of plots, the game does have a fantastically dark atmosphere and a truly epic biblical 'Good Vs Evil' feel which more than makes up for the unoriginal storyline.

The simplistic plot is very much mirrored in the gameplay, just click and slash your way through hordes of marauding monsters, massive maggots and maniacal mages over four aesthetically different (but essentially similar) stages,

-Rogue encampment (A wooded grassland)
-Lhut Gholein (An Arid Dessert)
-A Dark and brooding Jungle
-Pandemonium Fortress (Ending your fight in the godless bowels of Hell)



Basically the game works as follows

-Undertake a quest
-Slaughter your way to the objective
-Complete the quest

While this doesnt sound like the most interesting of games it is utterly addictive and much of the games appeal for me was in the development of your characters various stats (Health,

Mana, Damage dealt etc) through the acquisition of experience points earned by defeating an enemy or completing a quest.

Through the game, the player will have the chance to collect literally thousands of items (weapons, armour etc) with a seemingly endless combination of armour and weapons sets for the player to collect. Some aitems can be imbued with gem stones found along the way. Each gem comes in varying quality and can be inserted in any weapon/armour that has a free slot or 'socket'.

For me Diablo II is a fine example of how graphics do not neccesarily make a game along with the likes of the stunning X-com Apocalypse. The visuals arent stunning but fit the game nicely and just 'feel right'.

Diablo II's strength lies in its character development and the unlocking of new and powerful spells/abilities to subdue the wide range of undead horrors that are hell bent on eradicating our brave hero.

I love this games instant 'pick up and play'-ability, its easy to become immersed and sometimes obsessed with finding new and more powerful items. I would definately reccomend diablo II to serious and casual gamers alike.

There are three difficulty levels-

Normal - Easiest enemies
Nightmare - Enemies a little tougher now taking more to put down and dishing out more punishment
Hell - The pinnacle of undead armies, watch your back!!!

With the completion of each difficulty level unlocking the next. Each time the enemies give up more experience points and there is a higher chance of finding rare powerful items.

Based on the merits of its sequel i will absolutely be checking out the first Diablo and there is a third on the way soon which i am eager to play through.

Summary: Actually some what of a masterpiece