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Re-play: 'Diablo II' is a dangerous dependence

The game pulls players into its world.

Published Nov. 13, 2009

In the midst of anticipation for the long awaited and long overdue sequel, there are thousands of gamers still playing "Diablo II." Yes, there are still plenty of people addicted to the famous hack and slash released by Blizzard Entertainment in 2000. I will be the first to throw myself under the bus and say I recently became re-infatuated with the game.

One word: diversity. There are seven different warrior classes gamers can choose from, unless you're a caveman and haven't bought the expansion pack. These characters vary widely in their abilities to fight, heal, support or do magic, and each has its own advantages in opposing the onslaught of hell's minions.

There are even specific types of characters within classes depending on the abilities that the player focuses on. For example, the Druid character class can be broken down into elemental druids, shape-shifting druids and summoning druids. (Did someone say Smiterdin?)

Items are also diverse and many are specific to particular warrior classes. Certain magic, rare or unique weapons and armor have their own advantages and are imbued with attributes that will boost your character's damage, defense, accuracy, etc. Call yourself a master Necromancer all you want, but you aren't anything until you have perfect fortitude armor and the Arm of King Leoric wand.

Another endearing quality of the game I have grown to love so much is its gothic environments and storyline. Just because the "DII" world is 2-D doesn't mean it is lacking on realism or quality. The dark and ominous surroundings put the gamer in a world where all hell has broken loose, literally. This might be a little geeky to say (OK, maybe extremely geeky), but I get a sense of urgency from the environment. It's almost like the blood stained walls or the destruction of the local towns and villages are telling me that evil has just been through here and it is up to me as the hero to put an end to it.

The last thing I will boast about "DII" is that, unlike "World of Warcraft," online play is free. This has enabled me to feed my addiction through the years without burning a huge hole in my pocket. For this, I say thank you Blizzard for making a game so easily addictive and cost friendly I could flawlessly waste hours of my unproductive life away. I wouldn't change a thing.

Knowing how the Blizzard development team is about release dates, it is safe to say "Diablo III" will not be coming out anytime soon. That is fine with me. Honestly, who cares if "DII" is outdated compared to "WoW" or other modern gaming goliaths? "Diablo II" continues to be an outstanding and enduring example of action RPGs with its diverse gameplay and extraordinary environment. So take it off that dusty top row of your shelf or pick it out of the bargain bin at the store. Who knows what you will rediscover?