SINCE ARRIVING in 1996, the Diablofranchise has spawned comics, novels and a series of PC releases that have sold around 20m copies worldwide.
Now, 11 years since its last outing, Diablo II: Lord of Destruction, gamers can return to the dark world of Sanctuary in Diablo III. Retaining the spontaneous levels, detailed classes, near-endless loot and merciless waves of bloodthirsty monsters that made the series so popular, Diablo IIIlooks set to make itself the most successful entry yet. It includes five classes, a deadly new Inferno mode and team-based player-versus-player Arena, where users can prove their abilities in intense duels.
Gamers can choose to step into the shoes of a Barbarian who can shrug off enemies with ground shattering slams. Then there’s the Wizard, which gives players the ability to burn, freeze and confuse the enemy. Demon Hunters can attack from a distance and lay lethal traps, while Monks boast healing powers and Witch Doctors can generate poison clouds, zombies, spiders and swarms of locusts.
DARK FANTASY COMEBACK Diablo III retains the core isometric RPG dungeon-crawling gameplay that made the previous titles a hit. But it now boasts a fresh 3D engine, a revised inventory management system and an Auction House which allows for swifter item trading. Buying and selling in-game goods with other players online was a big part of previous Diablogames, and now users can even trade using real money.
Gamers can enlist the help of customisable followers including Eirena the Enchantress, Lyndon the Scoundrel and Kormac the Templar. The advanced Nightmare and Hell difficulty modes are also available for fans wanting a bigger challenge. Then there’s the brutal Inferno setting which promises the toughest Diabloexperience yet. Diablo IIIis set to bring the franchise back into the spotlight with what looks destined to be the most successful instalment to date. Blizzard has a reputation for developing quality, top-selling PC titles, and it’s highly unlikely Diablo IIIwill be an exception.
30 May 4th 2012
Diablo III
After an absence of almost 12 years, hell is about to break loose once more as the popular Diablo franchise returns. Billy Langsworthy checks out the Lord of Terror’s comeback