REVIEW: Diablo III is so good it's dangerous

Americans are typically characterized by their desire for more. We crave bigger and better. Homes, cars, vacations — we are never satisfied.

It's this obsession with acquiring that makes Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo III one of the greatest games I've ever played.

The top-down, action role-playing game takes place 20 years after the events of Diablo II. The game opens in the land of Sanctuary, the site of an epic battle between the demonic forces of the underworld and a band of powerful heroes.

Series staple Deckard Cain and his niece Leah are studying an ancient prophecy in the Tristram Cathedral when a mysterious star falls from the sky. The star's impact results in an army of undead wreaking havoc on the residents of New Tristram.

Enter the hero of Diablo III.

Players choose between five character classes including the barbarian, witch doctor, wizard, monk and demon hunter. Each class has its own abilities and can be equipped with its own unique items. The game begins with the hero battling through hordes of undead in an attempt to learn about the falling star.

Within the first 20 minutes of gameplay, two things become apparent:

1. This game is one of the most beautiful ever made;
2. There's enough loot to equip an army of heroes.

I chose the barbarian class, and mowing through hordes of undead unveiled a bevy of weapon and armor options. A staple of the Diablo franchise is the randomized loot drop. The more difficult the setting or enemy, the better the loot dropped. Making this entry into the series even more addictive was the addition of a real-money auction house.

For the first time, players can sell items found in the game for real money in an online auction house. The debut was delayed initially because of technical difficulties, but it's currently up and running.

PC games have always been a foreign concept to me. Using a keyboard and mouse is intimidating. I feel naked without a controller, but Diablo III is so simple that i was hacking and slashing in no time. I was able to adjust to the keyboard almost immediately. There were a few moments when i orchestrated a special attack instead of using a much-needed health potion, but I learned from those mistakes.

Diablo III offers a customizable experience that allowed me to cater the game to my needs. The character's abilities are fully customizable. I was never locked into a certain upgrade or forced to use a character I didn't want.

Because it's a Blizzard game, there's no shortage of support — in game and out. Diablo III has its own website, with everything from the story's background to technical support. In game, Blizzard offers a lore prompt whenever the hero enters a new area or encounters a new creature. The checkpoints are also a helpful tool when the enemies swarms become too much.

What really sets Diablo III apart for me is the attention to detail.

The game's cutscenes are the best I've ever seen. I was actually a little bummed there weren't more of them. However, the intricate dungeons are a nice consolation. The game's audio only enhances the visual details. From the wailing and moaning of the tortured souls in a dungeon to the swirling sands in a desert, the game sounds as good as it looks.

But it doesn't mean a thing if the game isn't fun, which it is.

Sure, the story isn't Shakespeare, but it's certainly not the worst I've encountered. The voice acting is a little stiff, but the characters grew on me the longer I played. The twists are predictable, but enjoyable.

Diablo III is a great game. It's beautiful, fun and packed with hours and hours of gameplay. What separates it from other RPGs is its depth. It's one of those rare titles that i can't wait to play again, and it certainly satisfies my craving for more.

Source: nctimes