Yesterday, I picked up a copy of Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition for the Xbox One. Having never played Diablo 3, and having only spent a small number of hours in my younger years playing Diablo 2, I wasn’t sure how I’d like the game. I’d heard it played like Torchlight and Torchlight II, but I’d also heard some mixed reactions during the PC launch of Diablo 3 back in 2012.
Folks, I’m here to tell you that Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition is Torchlight on crack, and it is awesome.
Exciting Gameplay
The gameplay for Diablo 3 is excellent. Enemies level up with your character, and you’re never left wanting for something to squash or explode. Co-op games are as easy as drop-in/drop-out, like the Borderlands franchise; simply set your game settings to friends only or public and you’re having fun slaying the minions of Hell with a close friend or random player in no time! You can play with up to three additional players at a time, and the enemies will become stronger or weaker depending on the number of player characters playing.
Loot is unique, so nobody can jump in and steal a piece of gear that you’re gunning for. Gold drops are shared, so if you pick up 12 gold, everyone playing with you gets 12 gold. The best part? All you have to do is walk over gold to pick it up. Previous Diablo players know why this is a big deal.
There are 5 classes to play: Barbarian, Wizard, Witch Doctor, Monk, and Demon Hunter. Physical characters like the Barbarian build up their special attack meter as they execute attacks, leading to ferocious attacks that can damage even the most heavily armored bosses. Magically-inclined characters like the Wizard have a magic meter that replenishes over time, allowing them to unleash powerful spells that can obliterate entire masses of enemies.
Every single class is fun right out of the gate. Even though they share attacks that are magically bound, the Wizard and the Witch Doctor have completely different approaches to battle. This leaves you with a different experience every time you pick up a different class.
Stunning Graphics
This release of Diablo 3 is beautiful, taking full advantage of the next generation consoles and their rendering capabilities. Textures are sharp and colors are rich, even in the sometimes dully-colored and war-torn lands of Sanctuary.
There’s a lot of detail work that’s gone into the game. Lanterns cast believable shadows and water flows as it should, gurgling and sputtering against rocks. It was surreal to realize that curtains in dungeons whipped and rippled when you tumbled against the wall they were affixed to. Weapon animations, especially elemental effects like lightening and frost damage, look excellent.
It’s simply a gorgeous game.
Fluid Controls
Let me start by reiterating that I’ve never once played Diablo 3 on the PC, Playstation 3, or Xbox 360. I have, however, played other games that started as PC titles and were ported to various consoles. I’ve also spent countless hours playing titles similar to Diablo 3. Based upon those experiences, I believe the control scheme of Diablo 3 for Xbox One and Playstation 4 to be very solid.
After you level your character up past level 10, you already have a handful of attacks to map to various controller buttons. Mapping these attacks is very easy, and then you’re ready to smash and cast. Every button on the controller is used, and none of the controls are remotely muddled.
A Fantastic Game
I’m excited to spend more time playing Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition. I’ve become hooked on a game that I had previously never had any interest in. The greatest part about UEE is the inclusion of both Diablo 3 and Reaper of Souls, the first expansion to the game. Have you tried the latest release of Diablo 3, and if so, what do you think of it? Let us know in the comments below, on Google+, Facebook, or Twitter!
Last Updated on November 27, 2018.
