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.
Doofer_Nasenmann
Diablo on PSX was some awesome coop-action. Well, it was way behind the PC technically, but playing coop on the same couch and the same TV with 2 players was still great!
Hm, maybe I should play it again sometime…
DJ Judas
Can’t wait! And I currently travel to work by tram.
Kovacs
“We have a job for you, Mr. Freeman.”
mcduff1979
im looking forward to playing this, i spent an ungodly amount of time on diablo 2
cam_manutd
I started gaming late and I missed out on playing Diablo…hopefully the third will suffice :)
Gamoc
This is quite literally the most anticipated game of my life. I played Diablo 2 so much I almost breathed the damn thing – I need a new Diablo and I’m incredibly excited about the third.
Slimeh
Never ever bought a game at a midnight release but if they have one for DIII i’ll be there even if its 10 ft deep in snow :D
If I only buy one game next year then this is going to be it,
For me DIII is the #1 game for 2011 !
grimm
This would be my number 1 if I were compiling the list :)
Spent an unholy amount of hours playing the diablo games :D
Tzares
I cant wait to play this game!
YOURMUMANDME
I just want to crack on and find the yellow and green treasures !!
I wonder how long it’ll be before someone makes a Jamelia’s Editor type fiasco and hacks their character to God Mode ? Why people can’t just play the game normally I’ll never know, the Elixers were awesome enough but you had to be fast to get them !
Dany2Step
Never player it either, asda were selling it in 2005 for like a tenner, but on the shelf next to it was neverwinter nights for the same price… i plumped for NWN im afraid. Also got UT 2004 from the same shelf. Those were my first 2 and favourite pc games ever.
Never really gamed on a pc since.