Blizzard Announces Diablo III

[Ten19]

At the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational, Blizzard officially announced Diablo III and presented a gameplay video, demonstrating the new 3D engine and two of the classes, Barbarian and Witch Doctor.

Blizzard also updated the front splash page of their sites to represent the new title, which oddly has no real connection to the six days of icy images presented before.

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today revealed Diablo III, the newest entry in its critically acclaimed action role-playing-game franchise. The announcement was made during the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational at the Porte de Versailles Convention Centre in Paris, France. A cinematic trailer and an extended gameplay demonstration with commentary from the development team introduced the game to the thousands of players in attendance.

“We’ve wanted to expand on the epic story and gameplay elements of the Diablo universe for some time now,” stated Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We know that players have also been long awaiting a return to the series, so we’re very excited to be sharing this announcement with Blizzard gamers here in Paris and around the world today.”

Diablo III will pick up the story twenty years after the events of Diablo II. Mephisto, Diablo, and Baal have been defeated, but the Worldstone, which once shielded the inhabitants of the world of Sanctuary from the forces of both the High Heavens and the Burning Hells, has been destroyed, and evil once again stirs in Tristram. Playing as a hero from one of five distinct character classes, players will acquire powerful items, spells, and abilities as they explore new and familiar areas of Sanctuary and battle hordes of demons to safeguard the world from the horrors that have arisen. The first two characters classes -- the barbarian and the witch doctor -- were shown as part of the announcement at the event today in Paris.

Diablo III will feature a custom 3D-graphics engine to render lush indoor and outdoor areas of Sanctuary with a high level of detail and vivid special effects. The game’s physics-enhanced environments will be interactive and destructible, offering traps and obstacles that create added danger for players and monsters alike. These elements, along with a new quest system and random scripted events, will be integrated into the game’s random-level generator, giving Diablo III the ultimate combination of dynamic gameplay and replayability. Cooperative and competitive play will be available online through an upgraded version of Blizzard Entertainment’s renowned online gaming service, Battle.net.

Blizzard Entertainment is developing Diablo III for simultaneous release on the Windows and Macintosh PC platforms. Further information about the game, including details on the other character classes, major new features for the single-player and multiplayer components, system requirements, pricing, and availability, will be announced as development progresses. To learn more about Diablo III, please visit the official website at www.diablo3.com (http://www.diablo3.com). With multiple games in development, Blizzard Entertainment has numerous positions currently available. Visit http://www.blizzard.com/jobs for more information and to learn how to apply.

EU Diablo III Website: http://eu.blizzard.com/diablo3/
US Diablo III Website: http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/

Anyone else hear months of their spare time being sucked away?

[Abash Alarmist]

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a216/rogue0wn/Diablo3.jpg

[Mal.Reynolds]

make front page news Admin :)

[Mondopest]

Short live blog I posted during the announcement. Got a couple shots from the in-game demo. Stupid stream kept cutting out though:
http://www.gamingshogun.com/Article/1793/Diablo_III_Officially_Announced.html

Of course, the "big boys" Gamespot got a bunch more too because they could afford to fly there...
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6193003.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;0

[Satertek]

Need I remind the desperate fanboy set that they've pulled exactly the same thing before with BC?

I mean come on, it's not like this is rocket science. They posted a picture of fucking ice. When the next expansion takes place on a fucking arctic continent, ruled by an evil guy with glowing eyes who sits on a frozen throne.

Meanwhile, every fucking peep out of Blizzard for the last half decade immediately gets twisted, through some bizarre contortion of basic reason, to mean "OMG DIABLO 3 CONFIRMED!!!1!" It hasn't been right yet, why the fuck should I believe it now?

For God's sake, put down the "I WANT TO BELIEVE" posters, and grow a cranium.

This can't be quoted too many times today.

[diablopath]

Between StarCraft II and Diablo III...

I don't stand a chance.

[Trickyicky]

Awesome news. Here's an excerpt from a conversation me and a friend are having on MSN about D3:

"I swear if I spend $1500 on a new PC when D3 comes out, and some shitty online-authenticated DRM comes with the game and I can't play it because the auth servers crash I'm going to shit on a baby"

[Abash Alarmist]

Haha! Even the website has that damn gem that took many hours of my time in Diablo 2.

[Borys]

HOLY SHIT YES

Why not on front page?

[HotCod]

It look amazing, i got dropped from the stream just as they announced it sadly but i've just got done watching the videos and it's stunning... i don't know what i was expecting but its defiantly diablo and it defiantly blizzard. The style is a bit more along there cartoony lines than i thought it might have been but it look really awesome.... what really struck me was the little things, like the bad guys being throw around the place crashing in to rocks and braking tables. There's one point when a guy is set on fire and hurled on to the post of a bridge and then slips down in to the darkness.... it just seems like it's really going to be very satisfying to smash down hoards of bad guys like that... its amazing

edit: i also think i need a new sig (for a little while) in honour of this grate event

[Talanvor]

ZOMG! Dammit, guess I will have to upgrade my rig between SC2 and now this.

[AversionFX]

Want. Goddammit, want.

[Heretic Machine]

Well, hopefully this one will be more interesting than the first two. I liked the first one back when I was in middle school, but I grew out of it pretty quick and moved on to UO. Never liked the second one, and going back to try to play the first one these days gets boring pretty quick; they are just click-fests, basically. Hopefully they'll provide something a bit deeper this time around, I know they're capable of it.

EDIT: It actually looks pretty neat. Now I'm gonna have to install the second one and give it another shot...

[mastergeo7]

DO WANT

It looks so awesome!

[bstiff]

So when will this be coming out? 2015?

[Esquilax1138]

World of Warcraft, Starcraft 2, and now Diablo 3.

That is 10 metric shit-tons of money Blizzard is going to rake in. And all on the PC no less :D

[bapenguin]

Told you. I'm gonna go out and rebuy the Battle Chest today and start playing again.

[Wedge]

Despite repeated attempts I never managed to find the Awesome in the Diablo games myself. But I know there is a metric fuck-ton of happy gamers out there right now, so good luck to you :)

And I'll re-install D2 once I'm done moving and give the game a third try.

[Talon-]

PC Gaming just got a jolt to the heart with this one game.

[Metal Khaos]

Well this along with SC2 gives me another reason to get a new rig. Goddamn Blizzard.

[Digital Outlaw]

I hope they port it to the 360 (even though it will never happen).

[Shrinn]

I wouldn't give J Arcane a hard time, guys. In all honesty it was ice and I still think the ice had nothing to do with this announcement. How obvious did it look like WOTLK in its antarctic setting? It was just a teaser to make the fanboys go crazy and it certainly worked. I mean, do you see any sort of transition from the ice to the Angel (Tyreal?) who's on the front page?

Either way. I'm so fucking excited and I can't wait till 2020 when we finally get it.

[Talon-]

I mean J Arcane can eat some crow about this, but it's not completely fair to take digs at him.

Granted his indignant reaction was sort of unjustified, but we're all friends here...right? :)

[Borys]

This is so awesome.

Let's not argue but celebrate!

[Borys]

PC and MAC too! Woohoo!

It sucks they changed the title font :'(

[Talon-]

Also, one would assume that this would come to consoles, but right now they're only saying PC and MAC.

If this does make it to consoles...Too Human Trilogy = Fucked.

[Borys]

For 100% it won't come to consoles in any shape or form.

[ÜberJumper]

Watch the stream, it's live right now.

http://www.blizzard.com/wwi08/streams.xml

Questions, answers and more questions.

I'm pretty sure that's Jay Wilson (former Lead Designer on Relic's Impossible Creatures and Dawn of War) answering most of the questions. Hard to tell with all that stage makeup.

[SuicideKing]

Yeah, automatic purchase. Game trailer left me confused about a few things though, not sure how I feel about apparent decision to get rid of potions, and i wonder whether maps will still be random. I highly doubt it, but it was a big feature in Diablo 1-2.

Graphics are somewhat cartoony for my taste, but they manage to avoid the saran wrap plasticene crap that plagues too many games nowadays, so I'm not too dissapointed.

[Borys]

Read the FAQ SuicideKing, they say D3 builds up on Diablo 1&2 random map generator so I'm pretty sure it will have random generated maps.

[Talon-]

Yeah, automatic purchase. Game trailer left me confused about a few things though, not sure how I feel about apparent decision to get rid of potions, and i wonder whether maps will still be random. I highly doubt it, but it was a big feature in Diablo 1-2.

Graphics are somewhat cartoony for my taste, but they manage to avoid the saran wrap plasticene crap that plagues too many games nowadays, so I'm not too dissapointed.

I don't like the drop of potions. My feeling is that they thought it made the game too easy when you had a full stock of Full Rejuv's all the time.

I'm sure it'll make boss fights more challenging. I'm just imaging going through that Diablo fight at a lowly level of 25 with him doing multiple AoE attacks. Those red orbs better be plentiful. Otherwise it's going to be a pain when your allies are competing for health.

[SuicideKing]

Read the FAQ SuicideKing, they say D3 builds up on Diablo 1&2 random map generator so I'm pretty sure it will have random generated maps.
Yesk, but it "builds" on it by doing this: by introducing a host of new ways to create random scripted events throughout the game. This creates a dense and exciting world alive with quests, NPCs, dynamic encounters, and viciously challenging new monsters and bosses
random event!= random map generation to my mind.

[51|RandoM]

Wow, great job on the gameplay trailer. One old class looking cool and then a new class looking even more cool while showing off all of the various elements of Diablo gameplay that people love.

Glad they stuck with the gritty look of Diablo instead moving towards a WoW look. Speaking of WoW, looks like they've taken a lot of what they learned there in terms of entertaining gameplay and added it to Diablo.

Think my hype meter is already pegged.

[Borys]

Yesk, but it "builds" on it by doing this:
random event!= random map generation to my mind.

There's a panel with Diablo 3 devs going on right now in Paris and they were talking about their system for random environments, dungeons, encounters, and random scripted events.

So yeah, RANDOM IS IN!

[ShivaX]

random event!= random map generation to my mind.

Your somehow ignoring the word BUILDS.

Also, Diablo III builds on the random environments of the previous Diablo games by introducing a host of new ways to create random scripted events throughout the game.

You don't "build on <something>" by throwing it out the window. It literally means taking what you have and adding to it. If you build a deck on your house it doesn't mean you tear down the house and replace it with a deck. It means you add that deck to your existing house and have both of them.

[ÜberJumper]

They covered that the maps are randomly generated in the Q&A I'm pretty sure. They went on about how a map editor won't be possible due to the nature of the random map creation.

[Borys]

Also:

- potions are still in but not as important as before
- inventory system is different - every piece of equipement takes one "square" in inventory
- no hardcore mode yet but they think it will be in

[Borys]

When loot drops from a boss, every player gets their own version of the loot.

(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Awesome!

[Borys]

Cow level? "That's a secret."

[Borys]

DX10 won't be required.

[Talon-]

- inventory system is different - every piece of equipement takes one "square" in inventory


That's a long-needed tweak.

[Orz]

I demand EvAv / Co-Optimus groups of dedicated adventurers. I can't wait to slaughter hordes of these things without the cumbersome crap of an MMO to get in the way.

[claws]

Can't wait, trailer looks great. I know it's Blizzard and all, but any hints at all as to release date (months, years?)

[51|RandoM]

I demand EvAv / Co-Optimus groups of dedicated adventurers. I can't wait to slaughter hordes of these things without the cumbersome crap of an MMO to get in the way.

There will be multiple evav games running 24x7, at least for the first month or two.

[JasonGrey]

Did someone ask if there was going to be a long and incredibly dull trek through a jungle?

[Borys]

VoodooExtreme has lots of bits & pieces about D3.

- no console versions
- up to 100 enemies on screen at once
- random generated maps & stuff; some maps will be static however
- up to 5 people CO-OP

[MosBen]

Yeah, never finished the first one because I just got bored. Never played the second one. Good news for the fans though.

[Jotoco]

"first and foremost it's a cooperative game"

Where do I sign?

[Talon-]

VoodooExtreme has lots of bits & pieces about D3.

- no console versions
- up to 100 enemies on screen at once
- random generated maps & stuff; some maps will be static however
- up to 5 people CO-OP

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Only 5?

First bit of bad news of the day. :(

[ShivaX]

Not to be a douche about it, since this game quite honestly look insanely awesome, but anyone else kind of put off by only 5 classes?

I mean if they do them right that could be enough, but seems kind of slim these days. Maybe it just after Diablo2+expansion then TQ+Xpac that the idea of going from 7 or 9 classes (or infinitely more if you want to get technical) back to 5 seems kinda underwhelming, unless they do it by role or something.

Barb: Melee guy
Witchdoctor: Necro/debuff guy
Rogue/Amazon: Ranged person
Paladin/Knight: Buff guy
Sorc: Caster guy

I mean theres not many options out there. They can change names around, but the Witchdoctor is just the Necromancers with a different flair. The Barbarian is basically the same. Theres only 3 more classes and not many real options if you want to hit all the major methods of playing. Someones gotta cast a fireball, someones gotta use a shield and someones gotta use a bow. Thats pretty much everyone thats left right there.

[Borys]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Only 5?

First bit of bad news of the day. :(

The correct quote is:

Four-to-five person co-op groups.

Take it as you will.

[51|RandoM]

2010, 2011?

[Jotoco]

I demand EvAv / Co-Optimus groups of dedicated adventurers. I can't wait to slaughter hordes of these things without the cumbersome crap of an MMO to get in the way.

agreed.

count on me

[ShivaX]

Oh and I'm calling it first:

Tyreal is a bad guy and you'll have to kill him.

[Jackel]

This will be a must buy for many people. I'm not too worried about having the same classes...Blizzard had it right the first time.

[frederec]

Like most people, I'll be looking forward to this. I just reinstalled Diablo 2 about a month ago and have been playing it off and on.

My brief foray in World of Warcraft when it came out made me wish for Diablo 3. Or even better, a way to play WoW like Diablo, either single player or invite-only with your friends. I figure this is the closest I'll get to that, and that'll be cool.

[Heretic Machine]

Hell, I just started playing DII again after hearing this announcement, and I'm actually enjoying it this time around. Hopefully we'll be playing DIII this time next year (I dunno if I'm being pessimistic or optimistic).

[Shadowstorm]

Never played D1 or D2. This looks sweet.

[ÜberJumper]

My wife is quite happy with the idea being able to play a female (instead of male) barbarian.

We just watched the Barbarian abilities trailers and she was like "Oh this is going to be so cool!"

[saulob]

Where's the video ? :(

[ShivaX]

Where's the video ? :(

http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/

Unless you mean the WWI thing, which was a live deal so its over unless someone puts it up someplace.

[Camel]

I'll buy a new computer to play Diablo III if I have to.

All I'm hoping for is a return of the Necromancer, but the Witch Doctor looks to be a decent replacement if he doesn't come back!

[saulob]

Ok, got it...

http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/media/#movies

:)

[Borys]

Everything Blizzard touches is pure gold.

I have 100% faith in D3.

Dibs on the release dates:

December 2008 - SC2
December 2009 - Diablo III

[jpublic]

I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of hours of productivity suddenly cried out in terror...and were suddenly silenced.

[bean19]

Told you. I'm gonna go out and rebuy the Battle Chest today and start playing again.

Diablo II is definitely showing it's 8 years of age man. Don't let it disappoint you about D3.

[Drayven]

Makes me want to play D2 again. Problem is I tried that last weekend and can't get myself to play at 800x600, it hurts me eyes. maybe now they'll release a patch... maybe?

[bKangy]

Goddamn PC exclusive :(

[ShivaX]

Goddamn PC exclusive :(

If by PC you mean Mac and PC.

[Cavalier]

Not to be a douche about it, since this game quite honestly look insanely awesome, but anyone else kind of put off by only 5 classes?

Typical blizzard though, more classes in the inevitable expansion.

[ÜberJumper]

I never played more than 2 or 3 classes anyway (in D2), so I'm ok with 5. As long as there's a paladin, I'll be good to go.

[Mortis]

I will loose 2 years to this at minimum, I am so happy. Thank you Blizzard.

[cp#]

Instead of staying up all night, I woke up with a fucking smile on my face.

[Zecon]

Told you. I'm gonna go out and rebuy the Battle Chest today and start playing again.

MY wife bought me the battle chest for valentines day, unfortunately it doesnt play very nice with Vista.

[Mashidar]

Figured I'd reinstall D2 just to play through it.

[Phanto]

Can't wait, trailer looks great. I know it's Blizzard and all, but any hints at all as to release date (months, years?)

Do you really think they will show any release date now?

They haven't shown any sign of a release date for SC2 so...yeah we will have to wait.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

And on the Sixth Day, Blizzard broke the internets.

[Voodoo]

I'm glad that they added the class based on me. Perhaps he will be able to carry ample supply of BBQ sauce. :) The gameplay videos look absolutely stunning.

[Banacek]

(from the other thread)

God, I love Blizzard and their support of Macs.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5927/picture1jy7.png (http://imageshack.us)

So who else is going to be retro-gaming this weekend? :)

[ShivaX]

Typical blizzard though, more classes in the inevitable expansion.

Naturally. Hopefully this time they wont make them so lackluster (sorry Druid/Assassin fans, they were pretty lame).

[cp#]

Does anyone have a non-Blizzard Downloader link to the movies? Shit isn't working here

[ZeroOmegaZX]

i call an EvAv D2 playthrough!

[Voodoo]

Does anyone have a non-Blizzard Downloader link to the movies? Shit isn't working here

The thumbnail videos are small but they link to full size...

http://www.immortalmachines.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=283

[Lima Beans]

The thumbnail videos are small but they link to full size...

http://www.immortalmachines.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=283


how do you get the full size version from that link? =/

[cp#]

The thumbnail videos are small but they link to full size...

http://www.immortalmachines.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=283

I'm talking HD (the 800 MB one). There is a higher resolution streaming video on the official D3 site.

http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/

[TheFlyingOrc]

For 100% it won't come to consoles in any shape or form.

I wouldn't say 100%. I can't think of a good reason NOT to port it to consoles. The gameplay mechanic would be nearly as good with a controller + buttons, the graphics aren't going to be amazing, just good, and the online co-op functionality is there.

Secondly, people: stop talking about buying a new rig to play Blizzard games. Blizzard understands that they need to sell LOTS of copies of their games, so they will be playable on most half decent computers.

Thirdly, this isn't really a shot in the arm for PC gaming. A game everyone knew was eventually coming out that's just going to make more money for the company that's already making more money than any other game company probably isn't going to change very much.

[tayaya]

All I can really think to say to this is.... FUCK YES.

[Voodoo]

how do you get the full size version from that link? =/

When you press play on a video, just click on it again once it starts playing and it will take you to the fullsize video.

[Wokapto]

I wish I hadn't watched the trailer, now I have to obsess about this for several years until I get to play it.

I'm sure it'll make boss fights more challenging. I'm just imaging going through that Diablo fight at a lowly level of 25 with him doing multiple AoE attacks. Those red orbs better be plentiful. Otherwise it's going to be a pain when your allies are competing for health.

My sound card is dead so I can't hear anything in the trailer, but just based on the animation it looks like the orbs heal everyone in the party.

[frederec]

Naturally. Hopefully this time they wont make them so lackluster (sorry Druid/Assassin fans, they were pretty lame).

Really? I felt like druids were nice because it was easier to solo with one than with most other classes. It's my class of choice just because I solo most of the time.

I take this as what is nice about the different classes, they appeal to many different tastes.

[ttoastt]

The boss fights looked excellent, although the last boss they show ripping people's heads off... that really has to suck

[Kryopsis]

Q: When will Diablo III be released?
A:It's too early to estimate Diablo III's release date. As with all Blizzard Entertainment games, our goal is to create a game that is as fun, balanced, and polished as possible. We intend to take as much time developing Diablo III as is necessary to ensure the game meets our own high expectations and those of our players.
Source (http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/faq/)
That's a pretty fancy way to say "When It's Done". :0)

I am pretty excited about this. From the video, it seems Blizzard did improve on a lot of aspects of D2 so I can't wait to play with fellow Evil Avatar members.
I am weary, however, because Blizzard didn't mention whether or not the game will have subscription fees such as Hellgate: London. In the day and age when people pay 15$/month for a sub-standard hack&slash&grind experience, I'd be pleasantly surprised if Blizzard won't attach any recurring fees to the game. If there are hidden fees, hello Guild Wars 2. If not, I'll get both.

Also: what's with the Troll Shaman as a playable character? :0p

[frederec]

I am weary, however, because Blizzard didn't mention whether or not the game will have subscription fees such as Hellgate: London. In the day and age when people pay 15$/month for a sub-standard hack&slash&grind experience, I'd be pleasantly surprised if Blizzard won't attach any recurring fees to the game. If there are hidden fees, hello Guild Wars 2. If not, I'll get both.


I would be kinda surprised if it was subscription based. I would assume that if they wanted to go that route, they would bill it as a World of Warcraft type massive game. Then again, I may just be hoping you're wrong because if it IS subscription based, you can count me out. I refuse to pay monthly fees to play games.

[MasterEvilAce]

I wouldn't give J Arcane a hard time, guys. In all honesty it was ice and I still think the ice had nothing to do with this announcement.
Yeah, I expected an animated ice-opening up sequence. Instead I saw that the ice was gone, and it had a diablo 3 announcement. It makes it pointless to have had the ice there. Some people say it was a play on "hell freezing over" Doesn't really matter. It's kind of stupid looking at it, now. What's the deal with the penguin?


Glad they stuck with the gritty look of Diablo instead moving towards a WoW look. Speaking of WoW, looks like they've taken a lot of what they learned there in terms of entertaining gameplay and added it to Diablo.
Why would you expect them to have gone the WoW look? You know why WoW looks like WoW don't you? Sure, the universe makes sense so it would be fun and all the characters would look right together.. however it's designed that way primarily for the technical aspects. Low poly models with basic cartoony textures.. you can make it look good with a low polygon hit. You don't notice the simpleness until you really get into it. They need to be able to display lots and lots of custom models... you HAVE to sacrifice quality.

[cp#]

Diablo 3 won't have a subscription fee. I'm 100% sure of that and I have no Blizzard connections ;)

[Exodus]

They COULD have a subscription fee but i'm pretty sure they won't.

[Mortis]

They say in the video it will be played on battle.net, so I doubt it would be the first game played on it to have a fee.

[PathMaster]

Please blizz, take down your site and put a placer page with links to the torrents. Please.

[PrivateJohn]

Man, the 19mins of Diablo 3 gameplay really makes Too Human feel "meh".
...and SK said 4 player coop is too frantic...

I cannot wait for diablo 3~

[Exodus]

Now tell me.. have you ever seen a wall of zombies????

[NightRain]

Told you. I'm gonna go out and rebuy the Battle Chest today and start playing again.

When the announced Starcraft 2 I tried to install my Starcraft game and it would install but the game wouldn't load so I went and bought the Starcraft Battlechest. Since I already have the Diablo Battlechest and the Sierra Hellfire addon for Diablo I'll just be installing them again instead of buying them.

[Exodus]

Sorry for the double posting but besides looking FUCKING FANTASTIC I think the only thing really missing is the fighting mechanics within a party, what i mean is, when you party up with other people it should allow for things that are not possible by yourself combining spells with steel and the dead with the living.

The boss fight was a little timid, everyone's throwing their spells but it doesn't really show on the boss, you know what i mean, spells clip through the thing, his hp bar goes down but it's not like you singed or bruised the thing.

Other than that... this game.. is already an absolutely must by no matter goddamn what and where ever i am on this planet.

[Borys]

How can a pretty much FLAWLESS company like Blizzard make people download almost 1GB movies through fucking torrents?

This is ultra-lame, Blizzard, ultra fucking lame-o.

[Cavalier]

"Stay a while and lis-"
"No time for talk Cain"

"No one listens" :)

[Xerxes]

Also, one would assume that this would come to consoles, but right now they're only saying PC and MAC.

If this does make it to consoles...Too Human Trilogy = Fucked.

I doubt this comes to consoles. Blizzard doesn't seem to have no desire there. Which is fine.

I never seen Diablo in action, but basically it's single player WoW? :confused:

[Exodus]

I doubt this comes to consoles. Blizzard doesn't seem to have no desire there. Which is fine.

I never seen Diablo in action, but basically it's single player WoW? :confused:

you could say that with an isometric view, but a LOT more action-based and more satisfying as you literally destroy HORDES of monsters and turn them to ash or make them serve, let it be your choice :)

[maharahaj]

It looks like a watered down Dungeon Siege. Just kidding; actually it looks awesome. Did anyone else notice the giant wraith like creature (20+ stories tall) walking along side the bridge in the gameplay video right after the barbarian kills the shield and arrow skeletons?

Although I promised myself to never buy a new PC or upgradable parts for a new PC game again, this should probably come out around the time I will NEED to buy a new PC. Works for me!

[Primus]

Ah, Blizzard you bastard. I have no interest in PC gaming until you release something... I would upgrade for this.

Here's hoping for an eventual 360 version.

[Codicier]

Going to buy the Diablo 2 battlechest tomorrow.

Stoked.

[Frogleg Special]

No thanks to MS, Blizzard becomes NVidia, AMD, Apple and Intel best friend.

[Primus]

I doubt this comes to consoles. Blizzard doesn't seem to have no desire there. Which is fine.

I dunno man, the Activision acquisition is a pretty interesting move.

[Ghostbear]

Woohoo! Yippee! I want!

[Kryopsis]

IDid anyone else notice the giant wraith like creature (20+ stories tall) walking along side the bridge in the gameplay video right after the barbarian kills the shield and arrow skeletons?

That's the Siege Beast lurking in the shadows.

[Exodus]

I dunno man, the Activision acquisition is a pretty interesting move.

When it comes to developers that can be pushed around... blizzard is definitely not one of those.. and by the gods i think any publisher would let them develop for as long as they want considering their success.. they could literally... do what 3drealms is doing and go into a sabbatical development that takes a decade and the faith would be that strong for all of those years.. no matter what the cost..

[oddvorbis]

Looks a lot like Titan Quest to me. Cinematic is just cinematic.

[Talon-]

I doubt this comes to consoles. Blizzard doesn't seem to have no desire there. Which is fine.

I never seen Diablo in action, but basically it's single player WoW? :confused:

That's what my heart would say, but, honestly, money talks. We'll see how this shakes out. I'll play it on PC/Mac regardless because that's where it's meant to be played.

I can't do anything but shake my heads at those among us that have not experienced Diablo. What a shame.

[DraggnKnucks]

I'm so happy right now....

[Abash Alarmist]

Download links

Gamer's Hell - Gameplay Trailer[/ur]

[url=http://www.gamershell.com/download_28314.shtml]Gamer's Hell - Cinematic Trailer (http://www.gamershell.com/download_28318.shtml)

[SPBTooL]

Fuck yeah!
Once the PC specs are released I will know the specs of the last PC I will ever buy again.

[NationalKato]

Looks a lot like Titan Quest to me.

Hmm, I wonder what Titan Quest looked a lot like? :rolleyes:

[mkelehan]

Looks a lot like Titan Quest to me. Cinematic is just cinematic.
That's like saying Puzzle Bobble looks like Snood. Or Street Fighter looks like Fighter's History.

[Telefrog]

Looks a lot like Titan Quest to me. Cinematic is just cinematic.

Y'know, it does. If Titan Quest had atmospere, balance, style, and secured server multiplayer. :rolleyes:

[Hemalin]

I wouldn't say 100%. I can't think of a good reason NOT to port it to consoles. The gameplay mechanic would be nearly as good with a controller + buttons, the graphics aren't going to be amazing, just good, and the online co-op functionality is there.


If they had continued working on Starcraft: Ghost, it would have been released right around when Microsoft killed the Xbox. If they had retooled it as a 360 game it would probably release around the time Microsoft kills the 360. Blizzard's 'when it's done' approach doesn't work too well with consoles.

[SPBTooL]

shouldn't the wall of zombies be a necromancer skill? I wonder is the witchdoctor is replacing the necro.

[ttoastt]

Yeah I'd say the necromancer is gone. Just hope they leave the amazon or something comparable

[sprankton]

I hope the necro is bad. The witch doctor does look like he is taking the thunder away from a necro class, but I was Golems and skeletons.

Also, the Amazon, Sorc, Pla, and Druid will make a come back. Those are my hopes, with some new ones.

WALL OF ZOMBIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ttoastt]

Well with five classes for release, there are only three left

[sprankton]

Well with five classes for release, there are only three left

never know they could have more. like 7.

[ShivaX]

Well with five classes for release, there are only three left

And their roles are all but defined already.

We're looking at Amazon, Paladin and Sorc or some variation on them (like the Witchdoctor variation on the Necro). The Paladin might be different, but I just don't see them having a game without shields or auras. The other two are damn near a lock unless they did something crazy like remove bows from the game.

[ShivaX]

never know they could have more. like 7.

Except they said 5 and it doesn't make sense to say a smaller number.

I'm sure they'll throw out an expansion that bumps it up to 7 or 8 though.

[Ten19]

The other two are damn near a lock unless they did something crazy like remove bows from the game.
I was concerned about this too, but if you watch in the gameplay trailer, early on when the Barbarian is facing the cultists you can see a "Short Bow" item drop.

So, that tells me that, at least for now, bows are in (as they should be!).

[Exodus]

You gotta remember..
with this game comes the guarantee we will have to purchase the expansion pack a year later...
and I.. helpless.. will be a lamb lead to the slaughter for such a cause..

[Borys]

EVERYBODY WATCH THIS:

http://ve3d.ign.com/videos/play/31479/PC/Diablo-III

600MB, HIGH-RES, 20 minutes long gameplay movie in flash format.

G L O R I O U S

[Crono]

This is the best news all year!

Can you believe it? Blizzard is releasing Wrath of the Lich King this year, which will hopefully be able to tie me over until StarCraft 2 which will then tie me over until Diablo III!

I really am looking forward to this game, Diablo 2 destroyed about 3 years of my life, and hopefully Diablo III will be able to do the same.

I just can't believe it, StarCraft 2 and Diablo III being announced so close to each other (in Blizzard time) I can't believe this. So fucking awesome!

And yeah, I am a Blizzard fan boy. They were my first game I ever really like (WarCraft 2: Tides of Darkness) and my first online game (Diablo) and I haven't stopped playing their games since. They have never disappointed me. Ohh and last but far from least: they are fucking geniuses!

[Crono]

EVERYBODY WATCH THIS:

http://ve3d.ign.com/videos/play/31479/PC/Diablo-III

600MB, HIGH-RES, 20 minutes long gameplay movie in flash format.

G L O R I O U S

OMG TY SIR!

[SpectralWolf]

I hope they port it to the 360 (even though it will never happen).

One can hope :)
Ever since they announced Starcraft: Ghost, I was very excited. But then, we all know what happened.........later on :(

For 100% it won't come to consoles in any shape or form.

VoodooExtreme has lots of bits & pieces about D3.
- no console versions

:( :( :(

[J Arcane]

I'd feel a lot more defeated by the Diablo fanboys if that weren't the most generic looking fantasy game I have ever seen in my life.

[Talon-]

I'd feel a lot more defeated by the Diablo fanboys if that weren't the most generic looking fantasy game I have ever seen in my life.

Oh cripes, J Arcane.

If you've played Diablo II you know that the game's more about the gameplay, the stats/skills and the items than some fantastic environments. Half of Diablo II had shitty environments (Act III being the worst offender).

[Crono]

Wow you can use the environment to your advantage! That's awesome! The boss bit a player's head off, that is fucking wicked! This game looks killer, way better than most games already out, and its not even close to finish.

And they say PC gaming is dead? Wake up developers and just offer something unique on the PC that you can't get anywhere else. Seems to be working fine for Blizzard.

Thanks for that link Borys, that video was amazing!

Diablo 3 isn't even out yet and its already starting to consume hours of my life haha.

[SpectralWolf]

How can a pretty much FLAWLESS company like Blizzard make people download almost 1GB movies through fucking torrents?

This is ultra-lame, Blizzard, ultra fucking lame-o.

I understand your concern, but think of the hosting and bandwidth.....those poor things. Besides, Blizzard has always done this...more or less.

you could say that with an isometric view, but a LOT more action-based and more satisfying as you literally destroy HORDES of monsters and turn them to ash or make them serve, let it be your choice :)

Well-said.

Ah, Blizzard you bastard. I have no interest in PC gaming until you release something... I would upgrade for this.

Here's hoping for an eventual 360 version.

I dunno man, the Activision acquisition is a pretty interesting move.

I hope this movement of hope gains some momentum.

If they had continued working on Starcraft: Ghost, it would have been released right around when Microsoft killed the Xbox. If they had retooled it as a 360 game it would probably release around the time Microsoft kills the 360. Blizzard's 'when it's done' approach doesn't work too well with consoles.

True enough. Can't another company work on the console port. I mean Blizzard is or was amenable to working with other companies, right?

Oh, I love their games. Been playing them all since Warcraft II. :(
But I don't play on PC's anymore. I just use my laptop for surfing and stuff. :(

[Telefrog]

I'd feel a lot more defeated by the Diablo fanboys if that weren't the most generic looking fantasy game I have ever seen in my life.

Just can't stand to be wrong, can you?

[J Arcane]

Oh cripes, J Arcane.

If you've played Diablo II you know that the game's more about the gameplay, the stats/skills and the items than some fantastic environments. Half of Diablo II had shitty environments (Act III being the worst offender).
I hated Diablo II, but even that kept closer to the feel of the art of Diablo than this does.

It literally fels like Generic Fantasy Game #2346, right down to the ripped off shot of Minas Tirith in the trailer. This looks like they fired all the Diablo artists years ago, so now they're just cut and pasting random bits of generic fantasy art with unused bits from WoW and calling it a day.

Oh they slipped a vaguely Diablo looking demon thing in the trailer for just a brief moment, but it almost feels like a beard, slipped in there to remind you that what you're seeing is in fact supposed to be a Diablo game.

The gameplay trailer only looks like Diablo in the sense that there's still red and blue orbs on the bottom for health/mana bars. They could take those away and I'd have a hard time distinguishing it from a Dungeon Siege 3 or Titan Quest II.

[Elrik Murder]

I think this might be my ticket back to PC gaming! I've always loved the Diablo series. The game looks amazing. And the interaction with the environment, sick!

[Saudade]

I absolutely love the art design. The outdoors look like a painting and the gameplay looks fluid. Resembles Warcraft III but I am ok with that. The attention to detail is very nice, and more scripted events are welcome. Nothing like watching a player get his head bit off =)

I am a huge Diablo I/II fan and have been waiting for what feels like eons for a third to be released. I am sure I will have to wait eons longer as time slows to a crawl now that I know there will be a D3 in the future.

[SpectralWolf]

I'd feel a lot more defeated by the Diablo fanboys if that weren't the most generic looking fantasy game I have ever seen in my life.

J Arcane...dude..... Diablo was all about the gameplay man. The graphics were okay, but the art design was pretty good. But the gameplay was on a whole different level. My favorite feature on Diablo II was the skill tree, which provided myriad options for each class. Besides, the production values were pretty top-notch with some great music, excellent voice-acting and "addictive" sound effects.

[ttoastt]

I'd also love to know how much bandwidth people use for their bittorrent distribution of the gameplay footage for the first 24 hours

[J Arcane]

J Arcane...dude..... Diablo was all about the gameplay man. The graphics were okay, but the art design was pretty good. But the gameplay was on a whole different level. My favorite feature on Diablo II was the skill tree, which provided myriad options for each class. Besides, the production values were pretty top-notch with some great music, excellent voice-acting and "addictive" sound effects.
Answer me this: If you took away the name from that website, and took away the two little orbs on the left and right of the screen, would you even know this was a Diablo game?

I wouldn't. The Diablo I played was dark and depressing, where the sun never shone, and you traipsed through one blood soaked dank cavern after another.

I sure as fuck don't see any of that in any of those trailers.

[Saudade]

Answer me this: If you took away the name from that website, and took away the two little orbs on the left and right of the screen, would you even know this was a Diablo game?

I wouldn't. The Diablo I played was dark and depressing, where the sun never shone, and you traipsed through one blood soaked dank cavern after another.

I sure as fuck don't see any of that in any of those trailers.

I do tend to agree with you on this one. If I was the art director for the 3rd Diablo I would have kept the mood of the first game and severly enhanced the gameplay of the second release. Nothing beats the mood of the 1st Diablo.

Diablo 3 still looks kick ass in my opinion and the release can't come faster.

[DraggnKnucks]

I'm sure this has come up but does anyone else feel that the witch doctor is a little too similar to the necromancer?

[DraggnKnucks]

Answer me this: If you took away the name from that website, and took away the two little orbs on the left and right of the screen, would you even know this was a Diablo game?

I wouldn't. The Diablo I played was dark and depressing, where the sun never shone, and you traipsed through one blood soaked dank cavern after another.

I sure as fuck don't see any of that in any of those trailers.

You are right but the thing that Blizzard does isn't originality they just do everything right game play wise. I mean WoW wasn't very original but that didn't stop it from taking over the MMORPG world.

[Talon-]

Answer me this: If you took away the name from that website, and took away the two little orbs on the left and right of the screen, would you even know this was a Diablo game?

I wouldn't. The Diablo I played was dark and depressing, where the sun never shone, and you traipsed through one blood soaked dank cavern after another.

I sure as fuck don't see any of that in any of those trailers.

Honestly, I'm glad we have some colors in this game. I also like the almost painted look of that autumn area. I like Act V the best from Diablo II 'cause I got sick of dark, depressing areas.

Regardless, it's too bloody early to criticize the look of the game. This game might be 2+ years away for all we know.

[Talon-]

I hated Diablo II, but even that kept closer to the feel of the art of Diablo than this does.

If you hated the last installment, what exactly did you expect from Diablo III? That they were going to go back to only crypt-based areas? That they were going to make every area so dark that you couldn't see more than what was right in your face?

[J Arcane]

If you hated the last installment, what exactly did you expect from Diablo III? That they were going to go back to only crypt-based areas? That they were going to make every area so dark that you couldn't see more than what was right in your face?
I expected a Diablo game.

I may not've liked the play mechanics of D2 as much, but it still felt like a Diablo game.

[Exodus]

Answer me this: If you took away the name from that website, and took away the two little orbs on the left and right of the screen, would you even know this was a Diablo game?

I wouldn't. The Diablo I played was dark and depressing, where the sun never shone, and you traipsed through one blood soaked dank cavern after another.

I sure as fuck don't see any of that in any of those trailers.

You would be right in certain respects but you to remember that Blizzard has a long standing of producing high quality titles that can perform on general mid-range of computers. It does look generic but what Blizzard has always delivered time and time again is a game that offers a solid experience.

I understand where you are coming from let's be fair. All diablo players wanted was a higher resolution and better quality graphics. They could keep the same engine for all i cared as long as they offered us more. Interesting story, more skills, more development. Starcraft 2 is much the same way when it comes to its graphical differences. It may look the same but the point is what they do with it that counts.

They've gone from the hero entering a dark crypt underneath a cathedral to the beginnings of a demon war that culminates with the end of the world stone itself. What this game will offer has yet to be seen but I am definitely willing to give it a chance. If it is generic(I doubt it) i will add my voice to yours, if it doesn't have any of the dark gothic feel or the fear i experienced when encountering the butcher in his dark cell full of corpses I'll lament just as much as you.

But let's face it, it's diablo, it has a reward system that just keeps on giving and it's free and you can play with friends. They have a QA team that works their hardest and i'll be damned if they don't have some of the finest compared to the shit shows other games are. They are tireless in delivering content and will definitely go beyond just a year of support. The game is still isometric, the ui is generic, the game play isn't very fascinating when it came to the boss battle other than the one player getting his/her head bit off but when it came to directly damaging the 'leader demon' itself, it was a lot of throw what you got at him and wear it down. And that's why I play hardcore mode and hope it makes its way in.

Blizzard hasn't failed me yet but when it does I'll let ya know J Arcane. Til then, save your it's the end of the world's for when it happens.

[Talon-]

I expected a Diablo game.

I may not've liked the play mechanics of D2 as much, but it still felt like a Diablo game.

What exactly makes this not a Diablo game? I see specific classes. I see loot. I see interesting skills and abilities.

You're judging whether the game feels like a Diablo game from a 20 minute gameplay reel. I'll give you that the outdoors area doesn't feel like Diablo, mostly because it's colorful, but I'd argue that it's a natural extension of what they were doing in Act V.

Honestly, I doubt Diablo's setting is what kept a ton of people playing.

[J Arcane]

Blizzard hasn't failed me yet but when it does I'll let ya know J Arcane.

Blizzard failed me with Burning Crusade. I don't have that kind of faith in them anymore.

[Kryopsis]

I expected a Diablo game.

I may not've liked the play mechanics of D2 as much, but it still felt like a Diablo game.

If you don't like Diablo 2 to being with then what the hell are you complaining about? You are clearly not the target audience for the game so stop whining.

[Spigot]

Well, now all I need to do is finally get around to working my way through the D2 Expansion stuff I've had sitting on my shelf, begging to be played. Sigh.

Good news though.

[saulob]

I'm talking HD (the 800 MB one). There is a higher resolution streaming video on the official D3 site.

http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/

well, the program from blizzard uses a torrent, this torrent is out there on torrent sites... you can grab it and use on your torrent program (i'm doing that), the torrent uses the official tracker.

[Exodus]

Blizzard failed me with Burning Crusade. I don't have that kind of faith in them anymore.

It didn't fail me, I got exactly what i wanted and got out. I'm sorry your experience was so horrid.

The 20 minute gameplay trailer that has been posted is great quality and shows off a LOT of things you can't see in the crappy youtube vids and shows way more that the gameplay trailer at their website didn't show.

-Destructible Environments
-Lush 3D Environments, not the crappy diablo clone environments I've experienced over the years, Lionheart, DS1/2/Expansions, Sacred, Titan's Quest Blizzard's art team once again out strips the others
-Now that the game is true 3d, every piece of eqiupment equipped will look different, no more looks like that armour but a different colour template, I want my Windorce to look like a damned good bow not like the damned unique bow from level 16
-This is an old feature but i don't see it enough.. Cold weapons freeze enemies and they shatter satisfyingly in death, electrically enchanted weapons electrify your enemies to death, I love this about diablo freezing things and shattering them
-The size of the damned monsters combined with some of the good ol sounds from the previous two but with more detailed sounds that just add to the environment

Honestly this is the game diablo players have been waiting for. And goddamn I can't wait to go pk'ing I mean griefing I mean using pickit to pickup all the uniques and..

bahahahaha :) I'm just giddy

[tombofsoldier]

Blah blah blah

To paraphrase: something must be wrong with it, I need to find a reason to hate it because I AM MEEEEEE!

Looks awesome. I've enjoyed every Blizzard game made for more than a decade and I'm sure I'll enjoy this.

[Exodus]

Sorry for the double post but..

you really don't get a true grasp of how many enemies can be on screen until you see the first few minutes of game play when all the walls are crawling with the creatures.. intense indeed.. it may look the same but don't fool yourself this is very much and every inch diablo 3, not diablo 2. Where so many clones have tried Blizzard comes up to bat to do it again and does it right.

[LongStepMantis]

So...was the guy who got his head bitten off by the siege beast in the gameplay vid an NPC or a player?
As cool as the idea is, It's hard enough to live through boss fights in these games without them using instant kill moves.

But color me EXCITED.

[LongStepMantis]

So...was the guy who got his head bitten off by the siege beast in the gameplay vid an NPC or a player?
As cool as the idea is, It's hard enough to live through boss fights in these games without them using instant kill moves.

But color me EXCITED.

The look, the art direction, the walls of fucking zombies. I can't wait.

[Xerxes]

I dunno man, the Activision acquisition is a pretty interesting move.

I just hope Raven takes note and makes MUA better. Mix n Match powers isn't it. :rolleyes:

Now that boss fight was what's up.

[Xerxes]

Fuck yeah!
Once the PC specs are released I will know the specs of the last PC I will ever buy again.

Yeah... Probably the same the Starcraft 2. :p

[Froggy]

How exciting... But the troll witch doctors are cuter.

[Illuminus]

Gah, i can stand witch doctors! I want my necromancer back...

[LongStepMantis]

I just hope Raven takes note and makes MUA better. Mix n Match powers isn't it. :rolleyes:

Now that boss fight was what's up.

I agree with you on most of that. However, I am looking forward to the power combination system. :D

[H.Bogard]

For 100% it won't come to consoles in any shape or form.

Ayup :

In a press conference following the reveal, the developer confirmed PC and Mac platforms, saying it had "no plans" for console versions, and added that it was too early to talk about a release date - although Frank Pearce added, "as much as possible it will be our goal to release simultaneously worldwide"

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=162055

[Crono]

So...was the guy who got his head bitten off by the siege beast in the gameplay vid an NPC or a player?
As cool as the idea is, It's hard enough to live through boss fights in these games without them using instant kill moves.

But color me EXCITED.

The Siege Beast probably can execute that move when your health is at a specific value or lower. So say you have 100 health and the trigger's value was 200 or less, then the Siege Beast could execute the head bite maneuver. That is just how I think Blizzard would design it.

Also, to the guy spamming about how much he hates Diablo/Blizzard. Why don't you go make your own thread and see how many people agree with you? That way you can leave this one where your comments are largely meaningless.

I am so stoked for the next 3 years of PC gaming! Wrath of the Lich King will tie me over until StarCraft 2 and Diablo III come out! This is awesome!

[Camel]

After watching that 20 minute video, it looks like the witch doctor is replacing the necromancer. The necro was my favorite (I always had tons of fun summoning a small army of skeletons along with Hank the clay golem and then spamming corpse explosion), but the witch doctor looks like a lot of fun too!

I'm very excited...the Diablo games have always been some of my favorite games to play together with friends.

[Xerxes]

For 100% it won't come to consoles in any shape or form.
Ayup :

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=162055

Borys and H.Bogard, powers of console rejection UNITE!:rolleyes:

[bean19]

The look, the art direction, the walls of fucking zombies. I can't wait.

You quoted yourself. . .

anyway, I think this game looks great, and I'm looking forward to playing it when it finally comes out. I remember being super excited for Diablo II as a kid too (so long ago). What makes me absolutely frothing mad is that they have this incredible demo that shows a game that looks like it is ready for retail, but you know we won't actually see this game until Xmas 2009.

[SonofSeth]

Thank you Blizzard for taking care of my PC gaming needs and alowing me to keep my liver, along with my shitty PC.

[randir14]

Saw this on another forum...
http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/1681/1214657022122wu5oq6.jpg

[CptTripps]

Man, I hate to say it, but the one thing I never got into from blizzard was the diablo series. I played the first one through one time and tried to do 2 but just couldn't. Of course I will give it a try but SC2 is the one on my list as of now. Good news for fans of the series though, I'm sure Blizzard will meet expectations.

[Variable Gear]

Jesus Christ...The guys at Blizzard are masters of the trailer. Be it teaser or gameplay, they know how to get my blood pumping! Can't wait for this. Hopefully when Diablo III comes out I have a half-decent machine to play it on.

[LongStepMantis]

You quoted yourself. . .

anyway, I think this game looks great, and I'm looking forward to playing it when it finally comes out. I remember being super excited for Diablo II as a kid too (so long ago). What makes me absolutely frothing mad is that they have this incredible demo that shows a game that looks like it is ready for retail, but you know we won't actually see this game until Xmas 2009.

Yea, I know I did. I always forget that news stories don't allow post editing.
:p

Whatever the wait is, we know it exists now. That's all I need. I can wait.

[LongStepMantis]

Saw this on another forum...
*Clear pic*
*Grainy pic*


The second one looks more like the style from Diablo 2...but I'd be lying if i said it looks better. I prefer the cleaner more colorful version.

Yea, I know it's Diablo and people want it to be all bleak and dark...but I like the one that doesn't look like shit. :p

[LongStepMantis]

Oh, and the text on the images drives me up the wall.
"How it looks like?"
"How it should look like?"

Whoever made those should realize that dropping the LIKE from each of them will make them sound less retarded. Cuz that's like, wrong, and some junk. ;)

[Morangie]

Ayup :



http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=162055
And there were no plans for a PS3 version of Bioshock. "No plans" is developer speak for "Not right away".

[Venkman]

Glad to see Blizzard is still making games for people who don't want an MMO. Good for them. They've always made some of the best single player experiences out there.

[Devilturnip]

Right, because the game we saw today, which will probably not be released for at least two years, looks exactly like the end product will.

They've modified Starcraft based on community feedback. They'll do the same for Diablo.

[Telefrog]

The second one looks more like the style from Diablo 2...but I'd be lying if i said it looks better. I prefer the cleaner more colorful version.

Yea, I know it's Diablo and people want it to be all bleak and dark...but I like the one that doesn't look like shit. :p

No kidding. I think I had my fill of "film grain" with Mass Effect.

[H.Bogard]

And there were no plans for a PS3 version of Bioshock. "No plans" is developer speak for "Not right away".

So you're saying that Blizzard is actually Kevin Levine in disguise? :eek:

[H.Bogard]

Borys and H.Bogard, powers of console rejection UNITE!:rolleyes:

Aww... bad case of sour grapes? Calm down, Bruce. I was only providing a press-statement for what he said. :rolleyes:

[T-Rex Commando]

Well, 2 things.

1) Waking up at 4 after sleeping all day (night shift), finding out that Diablo 3 is confirmed (which was pretty much confirmed a little while ago anyways)...pretty awesome. Not being able to watch the trailer or anything because the site is down? Not fucking awesome.
2) This game will free my best friend from the clutches of WoW, FINALLY. And I won't mind that it'll become his new addiction, because i'll be right there playing it beside him.

[SPBTooL]

So Too Human and Sacrifice 2 are the only hopes right now for Diablo style of play on the consoles?

[Wedge]

A couple of new short gameplay videos on gametrailers (http://www.gametrailers.com/game/8234.html).

[Xerxes]

Aww... bad case of sour grapes? Calm down, Bruce. I was only providing a press-statement for what he said. :rolleyes:

I already said it wasn't likely. I really don't care. If I play it I play it, if I don't I won't. I don't get sour grapes when a game I like ends up on a different platform. Not sure if that's your bag either but you'd probably wear it better than me. :rolleyes:

[H.Bogard]

I already said it wasn't likely. I really don't care. If I play it I play it, if I don't I won't. I don't get sour grapes when a game I like ends up on a different platform. Not sure if that's your bag either but you'd probably wear it better than me. :rolleyes:

Yeah, and to think all I did was post a link affirming what I quoted... you still for some reason talk like so about me. Guess the "bag's" good for you after all.

[J Arcane]

Saw this on another forum...
http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/1681/1214657022122wu5oq6.jpg
Yes. At least someone gets it.

[Borys]

Borys and H.Bogard, powers of console rejection UNITE!:rolleyes:

I don't mind consoles. I mind console fanbois.

[maverick106]

You quoted yourself. . .

anyway, I think this game looks great, and I'm looking forward to playing it when it finally comes out. I remember being super excited for Diablo II as a kid too (so long ago). What makes me absolutely frothing mad is that they have this incredible demo that shows a game that looks like it is ready for retail, but you know we won't actually see this game until Xmas 2009.

My guess is they are using an iterative development model. This means that they keep a working version of the software ready at all times. They may very well have the engine ready, the interactions and class structure, but not much else. Could be that what they showed is all they have, i.e. they only have two classes programmed, and one stage. If they still have to do more classes, more stages, and fill out all of the itemization, that could easily take over a year.

[Dukefrukem]

posting in a long time coming thread

[DeathtollWRX]

Wow between this and SC2 looks like my mac is going to get a workout.

[torrefaction]

I'm giddy like a fucking school girl.

[dirtbag]

Oh, and the text on the images drives me up the wall.
"How it looks like?"
"How it should look like?"

Whoever made those should realize that dropping the LIKE from each of them will make them sound less retarded. Cuz that's like, wrong, and some junk. ;)
Yeah! Where's Rommel when we need him?

[Crono]

Ewww I hate that colorless mock up that person made.

[Windsong]

So was there any music to be had anywhere? Who is doing the music this time? Is it still Matt Ueman?

[Mason]

Wish list:

Optional auto-looting. You could pick a level/quality threshold and anything below that is automatically converted to money, no clicking required. Everyone loves relevant loot.

Diverse yet balanced skills. Diablo 2 really slapped your hand for not knowing a ton of invisible mechanics before investing your skill points. The gap between the godly and trash skills/classes was pointless.

Free skill respecing in town. Anything less demonstrates hatred of fun.

The stats displayed in the UI and the underlying game mechanics should bear some resemblance to each other.

If memory serves, Diablo I had a nice system wherein killing a type of enemy would gradually unlock more displayed information regarding their stats, strengths, and weaknesses. That was a nice mechanic.

In general, a solid reevaluation of franchise-spanning features which make it advantageous for players to port back to town every few minutes. Potions, loot pack-muling, &c. If there are alternatives, it is never correct to make players choose between optimal and fun.

High hopes, though. It makes you wonder why Flagship, a bunch of ex-Blizzard guys who surely still have friends in the company, would've started Mythos. Does it even have a chance?

[J Arcane]

http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/_images/artwork/ss12-hires.jpg

That, is the kind of thing I think of when I think Diablo. That right there. That's awesome.

A lot of the concept art is pretty awesome, and feels much more Diablo-esque (except for this bit, copy and pasted from Elwynn Forest (http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/_images/artwork/ss3-hires.jpg)), it's just a shame that none of it comes through in any of the gameplay footage or screenshots.

[MasterEvilAce]

Yes. At least someone gets it.

Wow. That looks much better

[Siraris]

After seeing the screenshots, I have to agree with J Arcane. The gameplay looks really great, and I like the interactivity with the environment and the animations in particular, but the overall look of the game is disappointing. Diablo gave you a feeling that it was the end of the fucking world, with hellfire aplenty. This game looks like World of Warcraft, or (insert generic RPG) in the art style department.

I obviously don't know what the entire backstory of the game is, and what the future levels will hold, but the official site says:

The comet carries a dark omen in its fiery being and it calls the heroes of Sanctuary to defend the mortal world against the rising powers of the Burning Hells – and even the failing luminaries of the High Heavens itself.

I don't get the feeling that there are any rising powers of the Burning Hells from the media released so far. It looks like UNDEAD_LEGION_001 that you could find in any other generic RPG.

I'm sure it will be fun, but again, it looks like a generic LOTR game, as opposed to holy shit, Diablo is rising again, we're fucked.

[Mason]

I'm sure it will be fun, but again, it looks like a generic LOTR game, as opposed to holy shit, Diablo is rising again, we're fucked.
To be fair, they're probably considering the inevitable resurrection of Diablo to be a plot twist.

[SonofSeth]

Wow. That looks much better

Sure, shades of gray is the new shades of brown.

[silv]

I think the issue is that Diablo1+2 was hand drawn pixel by pixel. Doing the same with polygons and textures is hard.

Look at a great dark gritty hand drawn scene and compare it with one from a 3D setting. It's very hard.

[Blue]

So, I've never played Diablo 2. Which means I'm going to go out and buy it to prepare myself.

D3 looks amazing.

[Xerxes]

I don't mind consoles. I mind console fanbois.

Ditto. :rolleyes:

[Kryopsis]

I think the issue is that Diablo1+2 was hand drawn pixel by pixel. Doing the same with polygons and textures is hard.

Look at a great dark gritty hand drawn scene and compare it with one from a 3D setting. It's very hard.

Actually it was pre-rendered. The sprites were made out of existing 3D models. It's all a matter of style. You can easily make a dark and gloomy 3D game. Look at Gears of War or Quake 4. Hell, just look at any Warcraft 3 FMVs and you'll see that it is possible to make things gritty in 3D.

[BlackScarab]

But have you seen a wall of Zombies?

[Abash Alarmist]

Anyone know of links for the developer interviews, and the opening ceremony?

[bean19]

My guess is they are using an iterative development model. This means that they keep a working version of the software ready at all times. They may very well have the engine ready, the interactions and class structure, but not much else. Could be that what they showed is all they have, i.e. they only have two classes programmed, and one stage. If they still have to do more classes, more stages, and fill out all of the itemization, that could easily take over a year.

I'm familiar with iterative development, and you're right that we've only been shown two classes and a couple of levels (though they did have a ton of interesting and different enemies in each of these), as well as several different environments. They have these classes very close to done though, so I'm betting that the others are, if not done, then close to completion as well. Plus, we know they have the netcode working at least for LAN.

We could be waiting for content completion, and after content completion we'll be waiting a long time for them to port it over to Mac and get it translated into tons of languages for a global release. Plus, we'll be waiting for the marketing people to pick a date to release which will have to do with when they think it will sell best initially (obviously this is going to be one of those PC games that is ALWAYS there (like the Sims 2 and WoW) for years after it is released, so it doesn't matter when they release it as long as they choose an uncrowded week when people have disposable income, but they'll probably choose Black Friday (or thereabouts) anyway. Some of that delay will again be due to the problems pulling off a simultaneous global release too. . . not only do you need to go to the ESRB but you have to go to European ones too.

So, for people who want to quote this and want a nice bullet point paragraph that sums it up:

- I don't mind the time spent in filling out content. If the game isn't content complete, then I wouldn't want to play it.
- I do mind the time spent porting to the Mac, releasing globally, and waiting for a strategic market date.
- It's not that I think people with Macs or in countries that don't speak English should have to wait longer. . . it's just that there shouldn't be any reason for those of us with PC's in English-speaking countries to wait on them. If we get it six months before the work on the ports and translations is done, then that doesn't hurt them. Everyone waiting that extra six months does hurt us though.

[Devilturnip]

I think the issue is that Diablo1+2 was hand drawn pixel by pixel. Doing the same with polygons and textures is hard.

Look at a great dark gritty hand drawn scene and compare it with one from a 3D setting. It's very hard.

You are completely wrong. Diablo II, at least, was built using 3D models which were captured and animated as sprites.

[silv]

Most likely it is simultaneous development on PC+Mac. All you need to do is port the game engine which doesn't take all that long compared to the art assets, scripting, etc...

[silv]

You are completely wrong. Diablo II, at least, was built using 3D models which were captured and animated as sprites.

I think they were hand re-touched a bit, but could be wrong. That is the enemies/characters though.

The world I believe was still hand drawn? (The current bone of contention in this thread I think?)

[Morangie]

- I don't mind the time spent in filling out content. If the game isn't content complete, then I wouldn't want to play it.
- I do mind the time spent porting to the Mac, releasing globally, and waiting for a strategic market date.
- It's not that I think people with Macs or in countries that don't speak English should have to wait longer. . . it's just that there shouldn't be any reason for those of us with PC's in English-speaking countries to wait on them. If we get it six months before the work on the ports and translations is done, then that doesn't hurt them. Everyone waiting that extra six months does hurt us though.
Theres one very simple reason for a simultaneous release. No one, especially the large PC market in Europe, is going to ignore a torrent for six months waiting on the legit release.

[torrefaction]

It's mind-blowing that people can see two clips and say none of the game looks right.

[Mal.Reynolds]

Out to buy Diablo 2 tomarrow i see

[PopoWRX]

http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/_images/artwork/ss12-hires.jpg

That, is the kind of thing I think of when I think Diablo. That right there. That's awesome.

A lot of the concept art is pretty awesome, and feels much more Diablo-esque (except for this bit, copy and pasted from Elwynn Forest (http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/_images/artwork/ss3-hires.jpg)), it's just a shame that none of it comes through in any of the gameplay footage or screenshots.

Was reading a preview from 1up.com and apparently they have Rob Pardo saying they went through 2 art passes with Diablo 3 having the color palette/style of the previous Diablo's and it didn't work for them:

Pardo also comments, "we're aiming for the art to be somewhere between WoW and Diablo; where there's color, but still that dark edge. We actually went through two art passes with the original look of the previous Diablos, but it just didn't work for us. Adding the colors, like you see in the outdoor environment, was a big decision that I think will pay off."

I personally like the more hardcore/grittier colors as I also agree with J Arcane in that the world of Diablo is very dark so it kinda is depressing to hear him say that. I think losing alot of the Blizzard North team has had an effect on the art direction definitely.

That said, it still looks awesome, still looks gory, still looks fun, just not as dark as I prefer. :)

As to if its gonna be F2P on b.net, it looks like they are exploring the possibility of making some type of subscription service, as they said their online model is still under works and saying how the US/Asian/Euro markets are different. That being said, its just prodding around and most likely all options are open at this point. Hopefully they pick the F2P option. :)

Sources: Blizzard Q&A

Linkage (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3168470)

[TheFlyingOrc]

If they had continued working on Starcraft: Ghost, it would have been released right around when Microsoft killed the Xbox. If they had retooled it as a 360 game it would probably release around the time Microsoft kills the 360. Blizzard's 'when it's done' approach doesn't work too well with consoles.
That's actually a really good point. However, if they develop it for whatever comes next, that console should be far and away powerful enough to handle it.

And seriously, people. Any half decent computer is going to be able to run this.

[Deadend]

I think I just heard the sound of every upcoming Diablo style game screaming out in agony.

[Spigot]

I think I just heard the sound of every upcoming Diablo style game screaming out in agony.Are there that many that are actually real contenders? I mean, we've got Space Siege... what else?

[ttoastt]

Mythos seems like it could be cool, but I have a feeling that unless D3 takes quite awhile to come out (which it probably will), Mythos will go the way of Fortress Forever

[Xerxes]

Are there that many that are actually real contenders? I mean, we've got Space Siege... what else?

Luckly, Too Human is still safe. I recall some thinking that's where there next diabloesque fix would come from.

[Crono]

It's mind-blowing that people can see two clips and say none of the game looks right.

QFT

10char

[Deadend]

Luckly, Too Human is still safe. I recall some thinking that's where there next diabloesque fix would come from.
There is Mythos, Sacred 2, uhh, that's off the top of my head.

What surprised me was that the new features like the health orb drops and environmental destruction were things I recall from Marvel Ultimate Alliance.

If the game ships with an awesome buddy list tool, fast load times, voice chat... I will be there day 1.

Not like I wouldn't be there day 1.

But I want good friends lists and voice chat. I have been spoiled by Xbox Live.

[Variable Gear]

The main question for me is, "Will Blizzard start charging for Battle.net?"

I'm really worried that they will... :(

[Varsity]

So do we have a proper download location for the videos yet?

[digitalErich]

Why is this even front paged? I hear PC gaming is dead anyway.

[GrinR]

All I care about is the release date. Wake me when we have that.

[pabloano]

Ugh... well considering d2 kept me for 2+ years, months may be a bit of an understatement.

[Codicier]

All I care about is the release date. Wake me when we have that.

Sweet dreams then. ;)

[dbh1973]

JOYGASM!

Please let the caster class be cool. Please keep the orb.

Day 1 purchase, definitely.

[Psykoboy2]

Is this what they mean by MEGATON?

[Deadend]

Is this what they mean by MEGATON?

Nah, this is just a large bomb.

Megaton would be:

ANNOUNCING DIABLO 3!
Release Date:
July 14th 2008.

[Darkmatter]

Personally, I'm not suprised its D3.

If you looked at their "jobs" page before the announcement (dunno about now) it said something along the lines of 'to work with the team that made Diablo I & II on a yet to be announced game."

D3? D-Duuuhhhhhhh. :)

[Chrome Dome]

Anyone else hear months of their spare time being sucked away?

Not if it's fee for play the way WOW is. And honestly after Blizzard got a taste of the money they can make with subscriptions to popular games is there any doubt they'll do it again? I flat out refuse to buy a game that I have to pay 1/3 of the retail price on a monthly basis in order to play it. If the cost were comparable to what live costs I would consider it but otherwise I just don't care how good the game is. I work hard for my money and there are plenty of games that I don't have to pay a subscription for, and that aren't designed to cause addiction.

[ttoastt]

Hopefully they don't plan on having characters that expire after X days, or at least make that period much longer

[Dingobloo]

Well we can tell from their jobs place that Diablo wasn't their "Next Gen MMO", I doubt they'll charge for it.

[SPBTooL]

Gamers hell has a high res, high frame rate download of the 20min game play video. I think it looks nothing like a generic Action RPG. The environments are very detailed and the use of the vertical plain is out standing. That was also some of the best use of Havoc I remember seeing that didn't feel like it was just in there to put a bullet point on the back of the box. The animation of the individual items worn by the characters was also incredible.

The download seemed to have better gamma than the flash version posed earlier.

Edit: I don't think I like the health orbs replacing potions though.

[Ten19]

Edit: I don't think I like the health orbs replacing potions though.

As I understood it, they are in addition to pots, not necessarily replacing them outright.

[Variable Gear]

That's what I thought as well.

[SPBTooL]

As I understood it, they are in addition to pots, not necessarily replacing them outright.I hope so. Even then it's a little strange. They seem to be going more arcade in some areas and more tactical in others. Did anyone notice a potion button in the interface?

Did anyone see what happened to the female witchdoctor's body towards the end? I burst out an evil little laugh when I saw that.

[bean19]

Theres one very simple reason for a simultaneous release. No one, especially the large PC market in Europe, is going to ignore a torrent for six months waiting on the legit release.

Makes sense now. Thanks. One more thing that pirates screw up for the rest of us.

[TheFlyingOrc]

I hope so. Even then it's a little strange. They seem to be going more arcade in some areas and more tactical in others. Did anyone notice a potion button in the interface?

Did anyone see what happened to the female witchdoctor's body towards the end? I burst out an evil little laugh when I saw that.

What it seems like they're trying to do is totally take your hands off the keyboard, just the mouse. Switching spells with the mousewheel is fantastic - my main problem with PC games is that I have to have proper posture to play. With this new system, I can pretty much just lie on the couch and Diablo away.

[Narradisal]

Woo, I called Diablo 3 in the other thread.

Hah at all the WotLK naysayers!

[SPBTooL]

What it seems like they're trying to do is totally take your hands off the keyboard, just the mouse. Switching spells with the mousewheel is fantastic - my main problem with PC games is that I have to have proper posture to play. With this new system, I can pretty much just lie on the couch and Diablo away.DII was already this way. the mouse wheel would scroll through skills keyed to the F-keys. The only reason I needed to go to my bar was for potions. I loved being able to play with just the mouse. To the point where I could practicaly play in my sleep.

The alt button on the mouse was used to see the loot on the ground. Now it seems that they juct pop the name up for everything for a short time. I'm betting the interface is going to be really customizable like the Wow interface. I already know I don't like having the health of the target where it is in those vids.

[baz]

Diablo II came out in my second year of uni, and I just skipped a week straight of lectures. Good times, that trailer looks freaking awesome.