By GORDON WILLIAMS
It has been a long time, but finally it’s here: the long-awaited sequel to Diablo has finally hit the shelves and, boy, it’s worth the wait.
This game is awesome!
Background
You thought you had killed Diablo. didn't you? Well bad luck sucker, because Diablo possessed your Hero, gradually turning him into evil incarnate.
This time round he has help, in the guise of Mephisto and Baal.
Lucky you've got help, too. I will get to that later. Anyhow, in Diablo II you have the choice of five all-new character classes.
They are:
Amazon - One tough little girl. She's a crack-shot with the bow, and pretty handy with both spears and knives.
Barbarian - He's a big guy, with a big weapon. His shamanistic beliefs give him supernatural powers and strength.
Necromancer - Not too handsome, but when you can raise the dead, you're never short of a friend . . . even if your pals are a bit on the nose.
Paladin – He has got looks, strength and plenty of goodness to spare. This goody-two-shoes is also handy with a sword, and enjoys slaying evil beasties.
Sorceress – She is not too great with her fists, but with expertise in mystic arts she can take on the biggest meanies with confidence.
*Diablo II Expansion pack, due out early 2001 boosts the ranks to seven character claasses, with the addition of Assassin and Druid.
Gameplay
You start of in The Rouge Encampment and as you wander around you will soon meet up with other NPCs(non-player-characters)to interact with.
They can sell and buy items, give advice, or you can ask them to complete missions for you, all for a hefty reward of course!
I mentioned you had help, and it comes in the form of Rouge hirelings who follow you around helping you out.
You don’t have to control them because they are fairly independent, picking
off critters and meanies.
You’ve gotta look after them, because you will need them someday, plus they're
not cheap.
A change from Diablo I, you now spend a fair proportion of the game aboveground, in what is referred to as wildernesses.
Here you will meet lots of meanies and beasties, with the occasional
NPC.
Most of the riches are still to be found underground, in caves and dungeons.
Diabolo II is a huge game.
It comprises two entire CDs of gameplay, with a third CD of cinematics.
To finish the game you would be missing for weeks, if not months, with the game divided into four acts: each approaching the length of Diablo I, with another sizeable act with the Expansion Pack.
Saving the game is a bit strange, however. You are able to save only when exiting the game.
On restoring the game, you are placed as your hero at the start of the act, regardless of from where you may have saved the game.
Extras
You can buy and sell Diablo II items/weapons online, a testimony to the popularity of the game and showing that many adults, presumably wealthy ones, have found this title enjoyable.
Links
Maker's website. Lots of information on Diablo II and Expansion Pack.
www.battle.net Blizzards online gaming arena.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this is one of the killer titles for the year and a game from which you would get many years’ enjoyment, something that can't be said for much modern software.
The only drawback is the saving system, a total game downer
Overall an 4 out of 5