DIABLO II
Diablo II is a dark fantasy/horror-themed hack and slash, with elements of the role playing game and
"dungeon roaming" genres. It was released for Windows and Mac OS in 2000 by Blizzard Entertainment,
and was developed by Blizzard North. It is a direct sequel to the 1997 hit PC game, Diablo.
Diablo II was one of the most popular games of 2000. Major factors that contributed to Diablo II's success
include its continuation of popular fantasy themes from the previous game, and its access to the free
online play service, [Link].
The game was conceptualized and designed by David Brevik and Erich Schaefer, who with Max Schaefer
acted as Project Leads on the game. The main production roles were handled by Matthew Householder
and Bill Roper.
An expansion to Diablo II, Diablo II: Lord of Destruction, was released in 2001, and is currently at version
1.13c.A sequel, Diablo III, was announced in 2008.
GAMEPLAY
Gameplay
The storyline of Diablo II progresses through four acts, with each act
following a more or less predetermined path and list of quests. Some
quests are optional. The player assumes the role of a hero from one of five
different character classes. Players fight monsters through wilderness
areas and dungeons in order to level-up their character and gain better
items. Combat is in real-time, and shown from an isometric viewpoint.
Players also have the option of hiring one of several computer-
controlled mercenaries, or hirelings, that follow the player and attack
nearby enemies. A powerful boss monster awaits the player at the end of
each act. Item drops, monster attributes, and most dungeon layouts are
randomly-generated byDiablo II.
In addition to the four acts, there are three sequential difficulty levels:
Normal, Nightmare, and Hell. On higher difficulties, monsters are stronger
and are resistant to an element, experience is penalized on dying, and the
player's resistances are handicapped. A character retains all abilities and
items between difficulties, and may return to a lower difficulty at any time.
Players can also create a hardcore character. In softcore, the player can
resurrect their character if killed and resume playing, while a hardcore
character has only one life. If killed, the character is permanently dead and
unplayable, and all items and equipment on that character will be lost
unless another friendly character has the "loot" icon checked.
9.5
Presentation
Well laid out menu system gets you into games quickly, and very impressive cinematics make the game a joy to get
into.
8.0
Graphics
The graphics really hit and miss. Some buildings and dungeons are really well detailed and
beautiful, but monsters and characters can be less than impressive.
8.7
Sound
Great sound has become a usual thing for Blizzard, and they don't skimp this time around with great voice-overs,
sound effects, and score.
8.2
Gameplay
It's fun for a while, but ultimately is very, very repetitive and hard on your clicking finger. A great overlay map,
interface, and skill system are nice but the buggy code is frustrating.
8.0
Lasting Appeal
I can't see wanting to play through the game by myself again. [Link] will help out a little bit...when it gets fixed, but
playing through this game in a slightly different way isn't very appealing
Overall
8.3 Impressive!
