Join the cast of Another Videogame Webcomic as we peek behind the curtain to see what exactly goes into bringing your favorite video games to the small screen. It may be a job in video games, but it's still a job.
Diablo 3
Platform: PC Price: $59.99
It's been a while since I've ventured into the world of PC gaming... and I had forgotten how much of a pain in the ass it is. I've been spoiled by the console world of popping in a disc, maybe waiting for an install and then being able to play the game immediately. Not so with PC games! First you have to install the game, then you have to make sure all your equipment is up to spec, then you have to update the drivers for your equipment. As I started the game up for the first time, I wondered if Diablo 3 would be worth all the effort I had just gone through to play the game...
And the answer is, yes.
Having only played the original Diablo in the late 90s, playing Diablo 3 feels like putting on an old pair of jeans for the first time in years. They still fit pretty well and they remind you of all the good times you had in them.
Diablo 3 makes pointing and clicking fun again. There's something satisfying about clicking a monster until it dies and explodes into a pile of gold and loot. The choice of the five different character classes seems to have something for everyone. The barbarian for players who enjoy melee, wizards for people who enjoy spell casting, demon hunters for those who enjoy ranged attacks, etc. Each of the classes play differently and you may want to experiment with different character classes to find the best fit to your play style.
Though the story is a little lacking (how many times has Diablo threatened reality?) the game encourages multiple playthroughs and multiple playthroughs with multiple co-op partners with the random dungeon generation. You're almost guaranteed to have a different experience on your various playthroughs. I do miss the completely random maps of the original Diablo, but updating the randomness to only include the side dungeons you encounter along the main quest is a little easier for new players to acclimate themselves to the game.
A lot of the updates to Diablo 3 have made the game simpler compared to its predecessors. You still have potions that you can activate with a key press, but there are also health orbs that you can walk over (or near) to replenish your health. Items can be automatically identified with a right click, so there's no need to stock up on identify scrolls. And teleporting back to town is as easy as pressing "T" on your keyboard and waiting a few seconds. The simplifications in the game do a have a few drawbacks. As you level up, your stat points will be automatically assigned. For those of you who want to customize the growth of your character, you're going to have to look somewhere else.
A major disappointment is the need for a persistent internet connection, even when playing through single player. At times it's merely an inconvenience having to log in and have an internet connection. Other times, it can make the game more difficult and/or unplayable because of lag. There were times that I've been running for my life, only to have the game lag on me and plop me right in the middle of the mob I was trying to escape. On other occasions, I'd walk into a dungeon, only to have the game freeze on me and when I could finally control the game again, I'd be dead.
In spite of what, to be fair, are minor drawbacks, the game is a lot of fun. There's a lot to discover in this game and with Blizzard continuing to patch the game with new features (i.e. the real money auction house and PVP), it seems like that will be the case for the foreseeable future.
Rating
I think Diablo is probably an acquired taste. Either you like the clicking or you don't. I'm firmly in the "do" column. This is a "buy" for me. Though, you can't really rent this game can you?
By the way, if anyone out there is looking for a co-op partner, feel free to friend me on Battle.net. My BattleTag is chamber715#1160.
Player Two
After the resurgence of multiplayer co-op, GameBizCo Inc. hired Player Two to be the Goose to someone else's Maverick. His workload isn't quite as heavy as most of the other people working at GameBizCo Inc. and as a result, he spends a lot of time in the break room or playing computer solitaire.
First Appearance: Another Videogame Webcomic?!? An Introduction
Player One
Player One is top dog at GameBizCo Inc. Nearly every game, from Pong to Mario Bros to Grand Theft Auto, requires Player One's expertise. His cocksure and sometimes inappropriate attitude is an annoyance to his coworkers but seeing as every game needs a first player, they make due.
First Appearance: Bonus Stage! Here comes Player One!
Damsel I. Distress
Whether it be a castle, a dungeon or mystical island, Damsel always needs to be saved... and she hates it. Damsel longs for the day when she's given the role of a strong female lead character who doesn't have huge breasts with hyper accurate physics.
First Appearance: LittleBIGPlanet
Final Boss
Underneath the huge brute that is Final Boss lies a timid creature who wouldn't hurt a fly. He puts on his "angry face" when throwing barrels down ramps or breathing fire but deep down he feels sorry for doing so. He's been known to throw a game or two in the player's favor.
First Appearance: World Record
John Minion
John Minion, or Min for short, is the hardest working employee at GameBizCo Inc. Playing everything from Goombas to no name thugs, Min gets beat up on a daily basis but loves every minute of it. He always wanted to work in the gaming industry and was originally hired as an intern. After years of getting coffee, his big break came when someone called in sick... and the rest is history.
First Appearance: Watchmen: The End is Nigh
Middle Manager
Middle Manager works in the Human Resources department. He runs staff meetings and interviews prospective employees. The other 90% of his time is spent playing Freecell on his computer.
First Appearance: Another Videogame Webcomic?!? An Introduction