In case you’re wondering why everyone at work suddenly got “mysteriously ill” today or why your college classrooms look like a ghost town, allow me to fill you in: Diablo III went live yesterday and, for North Americans, in the wee hours of the morning today. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Macgasm content was a little… light for the next 24 hours.
I kid. I kid. Josh is hogging the review copy.
Diablo III is the third instalment in Blizzard Entertainment’s ridiculously popular Diablo series that began in 1996 and puts you against hordes of foes in a dark swords-and-sorcery world in which evil is trying to take charge. While not as in-depth a role-playing game as others like Baldur’s Gate, the Diablo series helped to popularize RPG-style video games and spawn an endless series of copycat titles, essentially becoming the template for an entire genre. Blizzard, who is no newcomer to monstrously popular gaming, released the first sequel (Diablo II) in 2000. Now, the third game in the series is poised to become the crown jewel of the franchise, having already shattered multiple pre-sale records and become the most pre-ordered PC game in Amazon.com’s history. Fans can expect much improved graphics and the sort of deep, rich storyline that Diablo is known for.
As has been their practice since the Diablo II expansion, Throne of Baal, Blizzard has included both Mac and PC versions of this game in the same box and on the same discs, so you don’t have to worry about that part. Even better, you can grab Diablo III via digital means by heading to Blizzard’s site and purchasing a download.
In the meantime: Keep lots of ice in your freezer. Your mouse-clicking finger is gonna need it.