Leisurely Geeks

Diablo 3
Initial Impressions (Mike, Joe, and Sarah)

Mike:

Diablo 3. Wow, we have been waiting a long time. Is it amazing new gameplay? Is it an MMO since it has an auction house? Is it dumbed down? No, No, and ummm no. The game, Like Starcraft 2, is a refinement on a working core of an already great game. Not the usual game company sequal but rather the polish and work that Blizzard is known for. If you never liked the first two games, you likely won’t like this either. Multiplayer is easy to get going and even easier to play. Loot falls for only you (I definitely don’t miss dropping items on the ground to trade). I can see that crafting system is going to come in handy as well. I have been playing the wizard, who despite looking foppish, is quite powerful. This is especially true in multiplayer. The visuals and music of this game are amazing. Only complaint was that we had to stop due to server issues. I will give Blizzard the benefit of the doubt here though, as it handles WOW just fine. I am sure the wrinkles will be ironed out. Until then, a few server maintenance periods will only ensure my Wife and kids will see me on occasion.

Joe:

On May 15, 2012 I picked up a 2-handed sword and went to work…………In Sanctuary. Playing as a Barbarian I found the game very fun and rewarding, while keeping all the classic Diablo-ness intact. I know, the Barbarian has been deemed the noob class. I guess because he hits things (Hulk Smash!!)…..I don’t know. In actuality I believe for the most part all the classes are deep and rewarding with their own strengths and weakness’. What Blizzard has done with making the game easy to play on a technical level is great. No tomes for identifying or town portal scrolls. Making skill selection make sense and making the skills that are fun to use. Simply Blizzard doesn’t treat their players like idiots. They just ask “hey do you want to hop in a game and slaughter some demons and save the world from evil? Ok well we’ll take care of all the boring work so you can have fun.” But yeah you should check it out.

Sarah:

One of the most impressionistic aspects of Diablo 3 multiplayer so far, for me, is the treasure. I remember in the old days when it was very one sided with loot and gold, I would yell at my husband for being a loot hog. Trading was also very difficult and a pain, which has thankfully been improved in this game. (Talking about multiplayer games in general, not just Diablo). Aside from multiplayer, the game in general is absolutely gorgeous. No matter what is going on in the world of Diablo 3 is not just dark and dreary everywhere you go. There are a lot of colors,weather, and other environmental effects. There was an area in the game where it was raining and storming, and the lightning effects were spectacular and very flashy. So far, I have a level 12 Demon Hunter, level 3 Monk, and a couple other classes I have to try out. As the leveling progresses, so does the variety of skills you can use, which is easy to switch back and forth from. Unfortunately I have yet to play around with the auction house, as I am so story struck and focused on helping Leah on her journey.

For some good info check out IGN’s Wiki:

http://www.ign.com/wikis/diablo-3