Irrefutable proof a game belongs in the Sacred Shrine of Gaming Giants is whether or not you can append the suffix “clone” at the end of its title and describe a whole slew of games that came after it. Diablo is one such landmark title.
Released in 1997 when PlayStation wasn’t so much a brand and more a ‘venture,’ Blizzard North’s Diablo on the PC was like detonating a sugar-bomb in a playground. We lapped it up; our desire for randomly generated dungeons and more magical items than we physically knew what to do with literally insatible. In fact, I can’t think of one person who was gaming back in the 90s that didn’t play Diablo. It was almost like a rite of passage. “Have you defeated the Lord of Terror? Do you journey to work via tram? You may enter.”
Of course, Diablo didn’t invent the Action RPG genre – you could argue the MUDs of yore hold that particular accolade – but it did perfect it. The game’s influence on modern RPGs is staggering. From World of Warcraft and the Baldur’s Gate series to a plethora of ensuant point-and-click RPGs, some of the most popular and repeated game mechanics we’ve all been using for over a decade can be found in this inventive and ground-breaking dungeon-crawler.
Diablo was bolstered with expansion packs and a sequel, Diablo II, in 2000 – also extended with the expected add-ons. But then, nothing. It’s been over a decade since the last Diablo enticed us to visit the world of Sanctuary and its dank, creature-infested subterranean crypts. This is due to change next year.
An official release date for the much-anticipated Diablo III is still to be confirmed, and while we know the game will incorporate the Havoc physics engine, have destructible environments and add leggings to the armour set, what we’re more looking forward to is getting our hands dirty with the myriad of weapons, items and foul monstrosities that require a smiting. Ahh, fresh meat.
Nauraph
This is one of those titles I’m really looking forward to.
Sympozium
I’vw always wanted to obtain the 2nd for pc… but this would be insane I’m sure by the time my pc should be upgraded.
iiekka
i was looking forwards to starcraft 2 for some time, then they annouced the price…….. probably be the same with this aswell…. also mooooooo
kivi95
nah im sure this game will come 2012
Kovacs
Indeed. There is a chance, though.
Hoopiness
Without seeing the rest of the list, I can say with certainty already that this should be far higher than #82 :)
Aquastyle
Though I’m probably not gonna get this due to not having a proper gaming PC, I definitely have to agree with you on this one…
Kovacs
This one was a bit weird. There was a definite schism in the voting. The old guard here at TSA gave it high marks, while the younglings didn’t rate it at all.
:)
Hoopiness
What do they know eh?! ;)
Ryan1991
Never played the first 2 but want to as I like a good RPG. Shame about having a shitty PC.
iiekka
unless your pc is 10 years old it shouldnt have any problem running either of the first 2 games
Person678
Looks good.
colossalblue
Knowing you as I do, you will absolutely love this. Diablo II was a bit like Torchlight but more accurately, it’s like Dragon Age played from a bit further away.
Person678
Sounds like a plan. Starcraft II was rather fantastic too, Blizzard screams polish.
bunimomike
I never really got into Diablo but given time has marched on a few years (eg. my tastes have changed) I feel far more up for some Diabloing this time ’round. Looking forward to it. :-)
Forrest_01
“In fact, I can’t think of one person who was gaming back in the 90s that didn’t play Diablo”
That would be me then! Was never into PC gaming though (due to never owning a PC), so that would explain it somewhat!
Kovacs
Yep! Unfortunately I didn’t know you back in the 90s.
:)
Forrest_01
This is true!
Also like the fact that you said ‘unfortunately’ that you didn’t know me – Aww, I feel all special now! :)
Doofer_Nasenmann
Explains only somewhat since you could have played it on PSX. But then again you could have been the only person who never had a PC AND a PSX. :P
Forrest_01
To be honest, I had no idea that it was even on PSX! You learn something new every day! :)
But yes, i did have a PSX (albeit pretty late into it’s life cycle).
Tuffcub
*holds up hand* I never played Diablo and I was gaming in the 90s.
Forrest_01
Perhaps we should start a ‘gamers who never played Diablo’ pact – Who’s in?? :)
Kovacs
Whoever is “in” should be ASHAMED of themselves.
Only kidding. Seriously though. Steam the original. It’s AWESOME.
cam_manutd
Same here though I started late yet I played FFVII and Rayman…and I got a computer with UT on it but I have always been a console gamer :)
Tuffcub
Cant Steam it – my decent PC is my studio PC and I cant clutter that up with games.