I was finally able to play Diablo III this weekend due to the open beta. I understand that the game is being tested, so I think that they are using minimum servers to run as many people they can to emulate problems. So far, I think that they are doing a pretty good job, there were a lot of annoying issues (errors) but then this was expected. Here are my thoughts on the game:
Pros-
- simpler skill system. A lot of Diablo fans cried foul over the talent tree disapearing, but their new iteration on skills is actually pretty good. Each skill for the classes is different enough to make the experience Diablo very open. Not just for single players but also for multi players. I don't think the game is dumb down at all because you have to put in to thought what are the best skills for the situations (bosses, hordes, support, etc.) The rune system is also interesting, it changes the skills and adds to it.
- elimination of scrolls. I don't miss the scrolls at all, they just took extra inventory space.
- crafting. So far the blacksmith is a lot of fun and this is beta and it is incomplete. I don't know what the other crafting will do to affect the game.
- personalized loot. No more ninja looting and everyone can focus on the game and actually trade items on the game after the fight.
- physics effects. This isn't new (Titan's quest) but it gives the game a better experience.
- destructable environment. It's cool and it adds a little depth to the mindless clicking.
- random events. i.e. there was a small part in the beta where you have to destroy a jar in 60 sec. and hordes of bad guy show up and you have to survive, I did not find this place in all the characters that I made, so I am guessing these are random.
- graphics. I have a good PC, I can play crysis 2 maxed, skyrim maxed. The game is more colorful than the previous diablo games and it is different, but the overall feel of the game, from the zombies coming out of the ground and monsters, blood, gruesome deaths is pure diablo and is dark.
- questline is more engaging, maybe it's the voiceovers and way some lores are told.
- group searching is easy and joining your friends is easy.
- getting rid of potion spamming, makes the game more tactical and you have to actually pay attention.
- single player companions are more fleshed out with skills that you can choose.
Cons:
- Single player lag: This is very disappointing for me, I knew that they wanted the game to be connected all the time and that this is beta but what will happen when the servers do encounter a big problem? No single player and no game at all, I think that this was a bad idea by Blizzard and one bad event will hurt them in the long run.
- This will probably change with patches and things but some classes are overpowered. Some classes are great at support and group play (Witchdoctor) but they seriously lack firepower especially on fighting the treasure imps where you have to chase them and kill them for extra loot.
- Some of the environment are repetitive, but then so was the last diablo's (i.e. the crypt and the cathedral areas).
- No pausing on single player games :(
- Normal is very easy, but I guess it is the beta and it's only 1/3 of the first act.
- I wish the companions have more customization.
Overall the game is very good, it act and feels like Diablo. There are some changes that will irk some but this is an action RPG and you can only do so much without alienating too far. The skills that I haven't accessed looks exciting and it gives you the feeling of "I can't wait to try that". The single player lag is very dissapointing, I didn't think that the connection mattered if you were only playing in single player but it caused crashes and almost got my toon killed a couple of times. Well those are my thoughts on the beta, it is limited but then so was the beta. :D
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