Nukezilla Review: Diablo 3 (PC)

After twelve years dormant the king of the dungeon clawer is finally back to raise some hell in Diablo 3.

After choosing one of five varied classes, adventurers set out to stop the evil terrorizing the country side. The simple point-click-kill mechanic from the first two games return along with the usual isometric view, so Diablo players will feel right at home here slaying scores of horrors and collecting a never-ending amount of loot.

Diablo 3 does a great job of mixing up the challenges. At the start of a new area or Act the old tactics that worked so well before will get you killed if you’re not paying attention.

Changes from the previous game are small but distinct. Characters remain on the Battle.Net servers, so having a single-player or multiplayer character only is no longer an issue. However this does bring some problems if you don’t have an internet connection. Even the single-player campaign requires a constant connection to Battle.Net. This solution to cheating and piracy may leave some gamers out in the cold.

Like before, the game shines when it comes to multiplayer. Friends can now log in and out of games with people on their friend’s list without much hassle, or join a public game with strangers. Instead of being a free for all with the loot, each player only sees what they can pick up. It’s a great solution to stop that loot ninja friend.

One problem with this drop in, drop out play is that high-level players will dominate enemies when grouped. Taking down a boss with a few shots it’s not out of the question.

The main campaign should take about eight to 12 hours to complete, but the amount of replay ability is incredible. After run throughs, 4 difficulty levels become available for more of a challenge to high level players. With the five character classes and almost endless loot this game could be played for over a decade just like Diablo 2.

With the problems with Battle Net at launch and the days it took to get resolved there are some legitimate issues over Blizzard’s decision to make Diablo 3 always require a net connection. However, the game that took 12 years to craft is truly remarkable in it’s ability to cater to casuals and the truly hardcore. Interesting story, addictive gameplay and almost endless replayabiltiy makes Diablo 3 an absolute must by for PC gamers.