The Inside Scoop on Gaming

Sometimes less is more, Diablo proved that. Sometimes more is less, Diablo II might be leaning in that direction. Keep in mind the only version of Diablo II that the majority has seen is the beta stress test (BST). The real deal should be better.

For those games living under a virtual rock here is a synopsis of what the Beta is all about. Of the 5 available classes, only the barbarian is available to play. While the game is much bigger than the first Diablo, only a handful of dungeons are available to explore in the BST . Most of these dungeons are one level jobs. The game for the most part is easy. I have only had a couple of close calls soloing every dungeon in the BST. Blizzard said it wanted to empower players early on, it worked (maybe too well).

Diablo II BST play is essentially the same as Diablo, but with a few add-ons that bring it closer to a basic RPG. The skills are a good step forward. You get to improve or add a new skill each level. The beta only opened up the first band of skills in the one class, barbarian. You could play only these and that makes for some interesting selections as the game progresses. What kind of barbarian do you want to be? Sure hacking and slashing will be part of it (duh) but do you want the ability to find potions in a snap, make the denizens flee at your battle cry or simply hit things real well.

Magic items are not vastly different than the first Diablo, but there is more selection in the from of a few new capabilities and class restrictions. This should be improved upon in the final release. The equipment in the beta was varied and some of the new weapons are good add-ons (javelins, 1/2 handed weapons, throwing knives, etc.). One great option is the ability to fight with two weapons (or one weapon with a shield like the original). Not all classes will get this, but it gives the Barbarian a distinct advantage.

From what can be seen in the beta, Diablo II has improved its quests. There are about as many quests in the beta for Diablo II as in its predecessor. Which is not complimenting Diablo II so much as showing a real weakness in Diablo. A great part of the quests in Diablo II is the fact that you get two really great rewards. The first is training in an available skill of your choice. The second quest gives you the ability to have a hireling. This is handy for single play, as that rogue archer can see farther than you and is smart enough to stay out of the way. However, there is not much interaction with your hireling, you can not heal them or talk to them. But the good news is should your hireling die, you can sign another one on for a small fee.:)

When Diablo II is released I expect better graphics and improved game play will be added. The Diablo BST, gives us a taste but really it is for the marketing and engineering departments of Blizzard and not the games. The Diablo II BST looks good and it has been fun kicking the tires. However, all this being said, the additions to the BST really has not moved much beyond the hack'n'slash genre. Not that this is a bad thing. But people expecting more might be disappointed, for now. Wait 2-3 weeks and see if it lives up to the hype.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 2 (Sparse)

Diablo II: Beta Stress Test
Author: Blizzard Category: CRPG Company/Publisher: Blizzard Line: Diablo Cost: 49.99 Page count: n/a Playtest Review by Wes Johnson on 06/15/00. Genre tags: Fantasy	Sometimes less is more, Diablo proved that. Sometimes more is less, Diablo II might be leaning in that direction. Keep in mind the only version of Diablo II that the majority has seen is the beta stress test (BST). The real deal should be better. For those games living under a virtual rock here is a synopsis of what the Beta is all about. Of the 5 available classes, only the barbarian is available to play. While the game is much bigger than the first Diablo, only a handful of dungeons are available to explore in the BST . Most of these dungeons are one level jobs. The game for the most part is easy. I have only had a couple of close calls soloing every dungeon in the BST. Blizzard said it wanted to empower players early on, it worked (maybe too well). Diablo II BST play is essentially the same as Diablo, but with a few add-ons that bring it closer to a basic RPG. The skills are a good step forward. You get to improve or add a new skill each level. The beta only opened up the first band of skills in the one class, barbarian. You could play only these and that makes for some interesting selections as the game progresses. What kind of barbarian do you want to be? Sure hacking and slashing will be part of it (duh) but do you want the ability to find potions in a snap, make the denizens flee at your battle cry or simply hit things real well. Magic items are not vastly different than the first Diablo, but there is more selection in the from of a few new capabilities and class restrictions. This should be improved upon in the final release. The equipment in the beta was varied and some of the new weapons are good add-ons (javelins, 1/2 handed weapons, throwing knives, etc.). One great option is the ability to fight with two weapons (or one weapon with a shield like the original). Not all classes will get this, but it gives the Barbarian a distinct advantage. From what can be seen in the beta, Diablo II has improved its quests. There are about as many quests in the beta for Diablo II as in its predecessor. Which is not complimenting Diablo II so much as showing a real weakness in Diablo. A great part of the quests in Diablo II is the fact that you get two really great rewards. The first is training in an available skill of your choice. The second quest gives you the ability to have a hireling. This is handy for single play, as that rogue archer can see farther than you and is smart enough to stay out of the way. However, there is not much interaction with your hireling, you can not heal them or talk to them. But the good news is should your hireling die, you can sign another one on for a small fee.:) When Diablo II is released I expect better graphics and improved game play will be added. The Diablo BST, gives us a taste but really it is for the marketing and engineering departments of Blizzard and not the games. The Diablo II BST looks good and it has been fun kicking the tires. However, all this being said, the additions to the BST really has not moved much beyond the hack'n'slash genre. Not that this is a bad thing. But people expecting more might be disappointed, for now. Wait 2-3 weeks and see if it lives up to the hype. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 2 (Sparse)

Diablo II: Beta Stress Test