Diablo is a saga I had always underestimated, despite being a big Blizzard fan. Perhaps because of its somewhat retro style, perhaps because we’re so used to FPS games that anything in third-person isometric view ends up feeling “strange”. Anyway: I was very wrong.

A Pure Action RPG

It only took a few minutes with the introductory version to find myself completely hooked. Diablo III is an isometric Action RPG: the screen shows your character from above as you traverse dungeons, slaughter hordes of monsters, collect equipment and progress through the story. It can be played entirely with just the mouse — an accessible design that sacrifices nothing in terms of depth.

What makes it special is the combination of elements that Blizzard masters better than anyone: an engaging story narrated through dialogue voiced by high-calibre actors, incredible cinematics, fantastic music and that obsessive attention to visual detail that is the hallmark of every Blizzard production. The result is a gothic spectacle where you’ll lose hours upon hours.

The Magic of Loot

The true engine of Diablo III is the gameplay loop: fight, kill, collect better equipment, grow stronger, fight tougher monsters. It sounds simple — and that’s precisely the secret. The cycle is hypnotic, the randomisation of drops keeps motivation high, and the ability to play in online co-op with up to three other players adds a social dimension that dramatically extends the game’s longevity.

The Right Time to Buy

The Battle Chest — including the Reaper of Souls expansion that adds a fifth Act and the Crusader class — is available on Battle.net at a very accessible price compared to launch. Also available for PlayStation and Xbox. As always, waiting a while before buying new titles rewards your wallet enormously. Well done, Blizzard.