Given the span of time between iterations, writing about Diablo III with the expectation that you've played the prior games is probably unfair. As hard as it is for series die-hards to imagine, 11 years is a sufficient amount of time to assume an entirely new generation is just now experiencing the role-playing dungeon crawler for the first time. Moreover, Blizzard apparently felt the same way. Despite a somewhat simplified interface and a troublesome dependence upon online connectivity, the storied developer has yet again crafted one of the most addictive video games in history.
Whether you choose to adventure through Sanctuary as a Monk, Demon Hunter, Witch Doctor, Wizard, or Barbarian (the only carryover character from Diablo II), playing Diablo III is instantly much more accessible for newcomers. Yes, the new skill-assignment system – with its dumbed-down, plug-and-chug setup – is a departure from the deep customization skill-trees of past entries. But there's still a sufficient amount of strategy needed in applying those skills.
The game's story picks up twenty years after the events of Diablo II, as Deckard Cain's niece, Leah, witnesses a strange object crash to the ground. While the plot is textbook Blizzard fantasy, it provides just enough background to your hacking and slashing through four acts of increasingly difficult dungeons. That said, story has never reigned as the series' strong point, and I frequently found myself avoiding additional narrative to return to the loot hunt.
Each of the game's four new classes offers a different approach to combat, but the Witch Doctor – with its monster-summoning voodoo powers – is a standout. Still, the Barbarian still remained my favored class; his brutal, hack-and-slash melee attacks send debris and demon guts flying in such a satisfying way.
Unfortunately, it's impossible to talk about Diablo III without addressing the elephant in the room: the decision to require constant online connectivity is a huge shame, even beyond the game's rocky launch. More than once during my playthrough, a server disconnect meant losing close to an hour's worth of adventuring. Frankly, it's the only real – yet very significant – blemish on what's an otherwise amazing game.
The bottom line. Diablo III is a great next step for the franchise, opening up the gameplay to a wider audience but stumbling a bit over its dependence to online access.
Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later, Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, 512MB VRAM, Broadband connection
Enjoyable new classes. Amazingly addictive dungeon crawling. Great co-op play.
Requires Internet connection at all times. Less customization of character skills.
