Introduction
Diablo, developed by Blizzard, hit the markets as one of the most successful RPGs ever. Enter Diablo 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular game. Diablo and its sequel are strongly based on a real-time, dungeon-crawling dungeon engine focusing on strategy mixed mad-clicking hack-n-slash action. Upon starting a new game, five characters are selectable: Paladin, Necromancer, Sorceress, Amazon and Barbarian, each with their own attributes. The interface is very simple and can be easily used only with the mouse. In fact, despite how simple this game may look, it is so deep it is practically bottomless. With huge amounts of combinations of characters and a massive list of available items, it is not surprising just how popular this game has become.

Gameplay
The entire game is fixed in an isometric view, with generally all two-dimensional characters and dungeons without a speck of polygons, which is good news for those gamers that are looking for a recent game that doesn’t tax their system, but still gives you crystal clear visuals. To say the least, the characters are beautifully rendered and everything looks professional, as can be expected from a game from Blizzard. The spells and other “magical” features are absolutely amazing looking and the areas and monsters are some of the most unique you may ever see. The only drawback can be is that the default video setting of 640x400 can make things a little “pixelly”. This can be solved easily by changing it over to 800x600 which makes everything all nice and clear again. A lot of the areas (with exception to Lut Gholein) tend to be dark, which adds to the strategic element, but may hinder some gamers’ view. In short, the graphics surely don’t disappoint, but some of the “unusual” blood and gore might turn off some of the more wholesome gamers, along with the dark theme of things.

Fun
Conclusion: Computer + Diablo 2 = the ultimate procrastination machine. This game is a must have for almost any gamer, whether you enjoy FPS or RPG, it really doesn’t matter. A good game is the best of its genre, a great game, however, transcends genres. Diablo 2 is mindless and thought-provoking (you have to think about which armor to use, when to use it, what skill to research, it’s endless) at the same time. Unless dark undertones and gruesome battle (the game is rated “Mature” for a reason) turn you off, Diablo 2 will not let you down. Give it a try at least, and bunker down for a weekend blown on obtaining that uber Crossbow Amazon that “no one can vanquish.”

Story
As mentioned before, Diablo 2 has some very in-depth game play, which multiplies just how addictive this game is. Each type of character has three different sets of “tech trees” which contain abilities, magic, improved stats, etc. For example, the sorceress has Fire, Ice and Lightning trees, while the Barbarian has a tree for such magical abilities as a yell to scare off smaller monsters, or a tree to improve his ability to use axes, swords or throwing weapons. Each character has it’s perks and weaknesses, which really helps to balance it out. If you would prefer to hack and slash your way through the game, grinding through monster after monster, than the Barbarian would be your first choice. Prefer to sit back and slay them from afar? Choose the Amazon with her excellent archer and spear-throwing abilities. Do you like other people to do the job for you? Summon a legion of skeletal warriors with the Necromancer. It all depends on how you like to play the game, which really bolsters the range of players that will enjoy this game. Each new level and stage in your journey to save the world from the recently re-immerged Diablo unfolds through a CG movie and tells a fairly good story. Although the story-telling is good, it’s going to take a back seat to the main premise of Diablo II: leveling-up like mad while smashing through increasingly difficult monsters and bosses. To sum it all up, Diablo II is simply one of the most entertaining, engrossing games of this era.

Graphics
Though most gamers will be immersed in the gameplay of Diablo II, sound is a huge factor, especially if you don’t want your ears bleeding by the time you confront that final boss. Good news: like the visuals, the music and sound are up to par with Blizzard’s standards. As you slaughter goblins, their cries of death satisfy the ears (and the inner-sadist). The same goes for everything, the weapons clank and “fwip” (depending on what weapon you are holding) differently on different surfaces (shields, flesh, the air). The background music is basically non-existent, and will most likely be missed in the frantic action of the game.

Sound
So, you’ve finished the game and you are thinking, what next? The internet no less! Apart from experimenting with the thousands of combinations of final character products in the single player game, you can play the campaign online with your buddies for free, via the games’ client. Trading weapons, battling each other and reaping the game is common practice and very useful to the new and veteran player. Essentially, this feature adds an eternity to the life of Diablo 2 and you will most likely never find all of the weapons and armor that the game has to offer.