I've never played Diablo. Ever.

[Anthony1]

I was listening to a Retronauts podcast the other day, and it was all about Diablo. I remember when Diablo came out, and was considered to be a really great game, etc, etc, but for whatever reason, I never ended up playing it. I'm thinking about trying to find a Diablo disk somewhere, and give it a try. The question I have, is that for somebody that has never, ever, played this game, is there a specific version that I should focus on getting ahold of, and will it run ok on a modern PC, or will it run too fast?

[DefaultGen]

.....

[RugalSizzler]

AHHh Yesss I remember that game. It was on a news cast one Saturday when I could not find any cartoons to watch.

Of course it was with the creator talking about a whole new form of gameplay and stuff. Where you would have to talk to this and that in order to get somewhere.

The original Diablo is a great game indeed. You should see how you can zoom in on the action that awaits you and explore the world of Diablo. Really nice game. I had a chance recently to buy this game with a box and book but did not buy it.

The game was out around the time of Mario 64 and Final Fantasy 7 was out. I miss those days chasing after girls in the school yard and playing with pokemonLOL

Pokemon ruined my lifeROFL

[Snapple]

I agree with Default. Diablo 2 is better than the original Diablo in just about every way. Also, the Lord of Destruction expansion pack is close to essential. You really don't need to play the original Diablo to jump right into Diablo 2.

And whether you play the original Diablo or Diablo 2, DO NOT forget to update to the latest version. Blizzard puts a lot of work into patching their games to make them more balanced and have more features. D2 in particular is so different between 1.00 and 1.10.

Diablo was the best thing in the universe when it came out, but that was ten years ago. It's not that it's a bad game now, because it's not. It's still great, but D2 is just... better.

Diablo or Diablo 2 should run fine on your computer, I think. Both run fine on my computer, but then again, I don't have a high-end computer, so your mileage may vary.

I hope you enjoy playing whichever version you decide to play. It's really easy for anyone to pick up and play, and it's 99% action with very little time spent in town. The controls are a breeze; point and click where to move, point and click where to attack, right click to use a special move, use hotkeys to change special move, bring up the character screen, or bring up the inventory.

The only thing that stinks about being new to Diablo or D2 is that very few people online are new. There won't be many people who will want to go slowly questing with you, although obviously the whole game is soloable. Most people when they create a new character want to be "rushed" through the mandatory events by a high level player so they can get to levelling for PVP.

But still, very easy to pick up game. It's elegant in its simplicity, yet it's still deep with the way you can design your characters, allocate your skill points, and organize your equipment.

[Cornelius]

D2 is probably a better game, but it is also much easier and less tense. I also think the original has better music and sound effects. Lastly, in D2 any character can kill everything after leveling enough. Not so in D1, where a Sorcerer can pretty much never kill one of the Succubus clones (yellow IIRC) without considerable time investment. Well, that's how I remember it anyway, it has been a long time. Oh, and I quit playing D2 around the time the 1.10 patch came out, so I don't know about all the changes that made.

One of the funny things I recall about both games is that my favorite parts in each were both towards the very beginning. In D1 the Butcher just really freaked me out every time and that was on the 2nd or 3rd lvl. In D2 for some reason I liked the first cave the most, no idea why.

edit ps. I think it is worth playing D1 if for nothing other than the butcher. And if not him, then the invisible melty guys that make a great sound when they die and can freak you out when they sneak up on you.

[RugalSizzler]

I think it is worth playing D1 if for nothing other than the butcher

The creator of the game was talking about the first area where the family was like The Butcer slaughtered my wife and children etc and then you went threw the first dungeon to eventually find a mad butcher in a chef costume.

Or was that the same person you complained in the begin of the area. Really really funny stuff.

I remember also seeing Miyamoto playing Super Mario 64 as if he never play a game in his lifeLOL and was breifly more funnier then the man who never played Super Mario in life.

Waht was the name of that show again?????

[Lady Jaye]

Just get the Diablo battlechest. It costs next to nothing and is still easily found.

[Poofta!]

diablo 2 and the expansion are 10 bucks each new at gamestop right now. id recommend getting them. lets put it this way... every modern dungeon crawler uses diablo as a template.

[TurboGenesis]

I never played any pc games :embarrassed:
(only emulator games have I play on pc)

[Snapple]

The Battle Chest is a good idea. I have that, too. Probably really cheap now.

The only thing annoying about the Battle Chest is that it doesn't include Hellfire. If they're going to include Diablo, Diablo 2, and Lord of Destruction, how can they leave out Hellfire? Also, the huge strategy guide for D2 also included in the BC is really outdated if you upgrade to 1.10.

[Haoie]

I haven't either. I don't think I'm into the whole idea.

Which is ironic, since I want to play Neverwinter Nights.

[Anthony1]

So, there isn't a single player part of Diablo at all? It's online only? I honestly don't know crap about it, lol.

[p_b]

So, there isn't a single player part of Diablo at all? It's online only? I honestly don't know crap about it, lol.

No, there is a single player part. IIRC it´s the same as the online game, but simply single :-)

[DigitalSpace]

/me has never played Diablo either

[cyberfluxor]

Diablo 1 : Great game. Multi-player today is dead, years ago it was overloaded and hacked out the ass too. Once Diablo 2 came out the original population drained quickly. Everytime I go onto B.net and talk about Diablo 1, most don't know jack crap about it! The community is lacking roots. If you must play Diablo though, I suggest the PSX version simply because there's added lighting effects, shadowing and some bonus stuff. The downside of the PSX version is load time! Dear god there's a long wait between areas.

Diablo 2 : Buy the expansion; so many extra goodies, period. There's still a community on-line, though much smaller than it use to be. I suggest playing some single-player first (maybe beat it once), then go B.net to see what's the fuss. There are a lot of friendly people on there (including myself) but look out for those PKers. If you play Softcore, nothing much to worry about there (other than losing EXP when you die), but play Hardcore and you get 1 life, then it's all over. HC is the way I play, adds more edge to the game. :D



I never played any pc games
(only emulator games have I play on pc)

Shame on you. Any PC or MAC have tons of available games. Although emulation is very nice you need to look around to fill up some harddrive space! Use that RAM.


The only thing annoying about the Battle Chest is that it doesn't include Hellfire. If they're going to include Diablo, Diablo 2, and Lord of Destruction, how can they leave out Hellfire? Also, the huge strategy guide for D2 also included in the BC is really outdated if you upgrade to 1.10.

I thought it was left out due to being unofficial, or something. So wouldn't Sierra have to pack it in?


So, there isn't a single player part of Diablo at all? It's online only? I honestly don't know crap about it, lol.
There are single player modes for both, however single player lacks certain runes and items. Also you can't play Hardcore or change difficulties in single player. Then of course some characters have skill builds that benefit from partying up, something that lacks in single player. So really Diablo 2 is oriented around being multi-player.

[thegardentool]

Diablo is a great game. One of the coolest things in the game is the dynamic map so it will never be the same twice, although in single player I believe it is the same each time with the same character.

Hellfire was the unoffical expansion made by Sierra. It added a lot of cool stuff into the game and if you can find a copy cheap, try it out. I had a lot of fun on dial-up multiplayer with both Diablo and Hellfire.

Diablo 2 is great as well as it added a whole lot of goodies. It was great playing on battle.net in the day, but sadly I left just before the 1.10 patch.

I never did buy the expansion for it as I went from Diablo 2 to Ultima Online then back to Diablo 2 while I waited for Shadowbane. I'm acutally going to go buy it at Gamestop tomorrow since it's only $10.

But man, back when I was playing in 1.09 I was so decked out in dupes it was unbelievable how easy that game was. I had just about all the best dupes for my barbarian as well as one of the rarest dupe swords. It was such a rare dupe, people swore up and down it was legit. Too bad I last all my pictures when my hard drive crashed last year.

[BHvrd]

I prefer the original Diablo myself, mainly for atmosphere. I dunno the original just has held up better over the years and just still has that classic feel. Diablo 2 is good too, but more complicated. Play Diablo 1 first imo.

Btw, when you go online and in a dungeon people can kill you and steal your loot and you ear, yes "your ear becomes their trophy" so be careful MUAHAHAHAHAHA, you have been warned.

[FABombjoy]

Yes, you have played Diablo, if you've played one of these games:

Rogue
Angband
Trouble of Middle Earth
Nethack
Fatal Labrynth
Everquest
World of Warcraft

...or any of the other 1,000 Rogue clones that I can't name off the top of my head.

[Flack]

So, there isn't a single player part of Diablo at all? It's online only? I honestly don't know crap about it, lol.

Diablo for the original PlayStation is single player. If you're just wanting to check the game out inexpensively, that might be a good way to do it.

[Lady Jaye]

I never played Diablo online. I'm just not an online gaming fan. But this said, the game (well, at least Diablo II, dunno about the first one) is still supported for online play by Blizzard after all these years...

BTW, you can still download a playable demo of Diablo and Diablo II off Blizzard's site: http://www.blizzard.com/diablo/ and http://www.blizzard.com/diablo2/demo.shtml

[Snapple]

Diablo is a single-player game first and foremost. You don't ever have to touch online if you don't want, and you can still enjoy it greatly. If you hate playing games online, do not let that talk you out of playing Diablo, really.

I like playing online though. It's fun to take on a huge bad guy with a group of guys and topple him, then go crazy trying to scrounge on the ground for PHAT LOOTZ before anyone else picks it up.

Plus, it's easier to get the rarest stuff by trading than finding it all. And you can PVP online. If you want.

[Trebuken]

Diablo for the original PlayStation is single player. If you're just wanting to check the game out inexpensively, that might be a good way to do it.

The PS1 version generally costs mnore than the PC Version. I think the PC version holds up better graphically as well, though it still looks dated with fe to no options to adjust the video on the PC.

You can play through Diablo fairly quickly so you might as well go for that to warm you up for 2. You will really be missing out on the multiplayer though. The origianl was awesome with four players at the highest difficulty....

[stargate]

Diablo 2 (online) remains one of the best gaming experiences I have ever had. Just a fantastic experience altogether.

[cyberfluxor]

The PS1 version generally costs mnore than the PC Version. I think the PC version holds up better graphically as well, though it still looks dated with fe to no options to adjust the video on the PC.

You can play through Diablo fairly quickly so you might as well go for that to warm you up for 2. You will really be missing out on the multiplayer though. The origianl was awesome with four players at the highest difficulty....

Correct about the prices. I found a PSX copy for $1 a few weeks ago, but that's not very common to see. I originally bought my copy a few years ago for $20 at a Game Stop. I've seen a few others pop up for $15-25 recently so yeah, I was lucky. And as for on-line, it's pricey. PC version, $5 is boardline over paying.

Graphically I don't agree. The PSX version was released after the PC and was modified. It had the same engine but upgraded with new shading features. Also it's a 1 or 2 player game, however playing with 2 can be bothersome as there's lag at times while the system is thinking about those 2 players; get a horde of monsters on the screen and it's lag city.

And 4-player, it was all about that. Of course it wasn't as fun when everyone hacked and duped the Godly Plate of Whale or Osmosis and whatnot, but it had its moments. I highly suggest that if you decide to get the original let us know, you can make private games on B.net.

[Jorpho]

Hellfire was the unoffical expansion made by Sierra. It added a lot of cool stuff into the game and if you can find a copy cheap, try it out. I had a lot of fun on dial-up multiplayer with both Diablo and Hellfire.

Ahh, so it was unofficial. That would explain why it's not in the Battle Chest.

Considering how it has been out of print for a while despite the continuing popularity of Diablo, I imagine it might command quite a price eventually.

[CreamSoda]

I've never played the Diablo series either, I know I am missing out on a great series. I would love to try D2 sometime, but I don't need another game to eat up all my spare time.

[exit]

I remember getting Diablo when it first came out and then the disc got ruined not even 2 weeks later.

[skaar]

The Battle Chest is a good idea. I have that, too. Probably really cheap now.

The only thing annoying about the Battle Chest is that it doesn't include Hellfire. If they're going to include Diablo, Diablo 2, and Lord of Destruction, how can they leave out Hellfire? Also, the huge strategy guide for D2 also included in the BC is really outdated if you upgrade to 1.10.

Hellfire wasn't official.

Also, it sucked.

[64Bits]

I would also recommend the battlechest. I prefer Diablo 2 over D1 by a large margin. I played D2 online for something like 5 years, and competitively (with clans and such) for about 2. Online, it is EXTREMELY competitive, and difficult to get into unless you have a friend that can supply you with items and such.

[stargate]

I would also recommend the battlechest. I prefer Diablo 2 over D1 by a large margin. I played D2 online for something like 5 years, and competitively (with clans and such) for about 2. Online, it is EXTREMELY competitive, and difficult to get into unless you have a friend that can supply you with items and such.

I don't necessarily agree. There are still plenty of cool people online and you can always play by yourself until you get some experience. I have never had a problem finding cool people to play with and never found it to be overly competitive unless that is what you are looking for.

[BIGMIKE]

one of the greatest games ever landed in my Psx pile on accident. a buddy of mine bought the game and guide and couldn't do a thing with it. he let me have a go at it and it was all over. i pop it in all the time. i can't even recall the hours upon hours of joy it brings me. great levels. lots of goodies to find. nice quests and minor quests. must say i enjoy the potion trick and the black mushroom hunt. big maaaaaaaaagic with the tavern sign is a blast as well.
in sayin all this about the first. i have never even seen the sequel. is that blasphemy.

[Damaramu]

Ahh, so it was unofficial. That would explain why it's not in the Battle Chest.

Considering how it has been out of print for a while despite the continuing popularity of Diablo, I imagine it might command quite a price eventually.

Interesting that everyone is saying Hellfire isn't official. What's the story behind this? Cause you know, my disc says The Only Authorized Diablo Expansion Pack.

[ASSEMblerEX]

You missed out on a great game. Diablo II was dated graphically when it came out though. Still fun.

[cyberfluxor]

Interesting that everyone is saying Hellfire isn't official. What's the story behind this? Cause you know, my disc says The Only Authorized Diablo Expansion Pack.
Maybe unofficial isn't the right word but two things come to mind:
1) With Hellfire installed you can't play Diablo on B.Net.
2) It wasn't sold with Blizzard packaging.

So it might really be a licensing thing.

[Damaramu]

Ahh...that's what I thought. It was a licensed expansion pack. I'm not sure why people kept calling it "unofficial".

[Icarus Moonsight]

The friends I grew up with and I were BIG into Diablo and Starcraft back in the day. In fact it was these games that forced my hand in me buying a modern PC. I still was using my Zenith XT all the way up to 98. 48 MB hard disk and all. :D I still, more than likely, have more hours invested into battle net than here. :o I'm going to run against the stream and recommend the original over the sequal however. It was and still is (in my heart anywho) THE multiplayer dungeon hack and slash.

You could also try Mythos. It's free to dl and play online and it's made by a majority of the Diablo 2 team. http://www.mythos.com/ The game was made to test the Hellgate London servers.

Have fun!

Edit: I just went and checked and Mythos appears to have gone to invitation. You can still submit an email to receive an invite though.

[evildead2099]

Hellfire wasn't official.

Also, it sucked.

Hellfire was an official, licensed product. It was developed by Sierra On-Line rather than Blizzard, however.

Although it added some good features (particularly the ability to run your way through town, which made marketing trips less tedious), the actual game was virtually the same. It would have worked well as a patch, but as a commercial expansion pack, it was disappointing.

For those who like Diablo and its sequel, I recommend Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption.

Rune Jade was a Dreamcast game that was supposed to play like Diablo, but was unfortunately only released in Japan.

[starfox316]

Yeah, Diablo is ok.

Age of Empires is better though, in fact any of the AoE games stand up pretty well to Diablo.

[Cornelius]

Yeah, Diablo is ok.

Age of Empires is better though, in fact any of the AoE games stand up pretty well to Diablo.
I like apples ok. Oranges are better, though.

[Snapple]

I like apples ok. Oranges are better, though.

Good answer.

I don't see how you can compare Diablo and Age of Empires. It's like saying, "Tetris is okay, but Xenogears is great." How does that help anyone?

[PsychedelicShaman]

The original diablo is great, the atmosphere is so great. Even though the graphics aren't great, you are pulled into the game with the music, sound effects, lighting etc. Diablo II is great as well, I played the hell out of it, but whenever I get the diablo itch, I usually find myself going back to the original. Also, instead of going single player or creating a private b.net game, just make an ipx network game. That way you still get different premium items, elixers, and you can farm bosses for equipment every reconnect, but you don't get dropped from the server. Best way to go imo.

[carlcarlson]

The original diablo is great, the atmosphere is so great. Even though the graphics aren't great, you are pulled into the game with the music, sound effects, lighting etc. Diablo II is great as well, I played the hell out of it, but whenever I get the diablo itch, I usually find myself going back to the original. Also, instead of going single player or creating a private b.net game, just make an ipx network game. That way you still get different premium items, elixers, and you can farm bosses for equipment every reconnect, but you don't get dropped from the server. Best way to go imo.

agreed, that's what I ended up doing. I can't help but feel like that's cheating a bit though, because the game was meant to be played without respawning monsters. anyway, I found a bunch of old pc rpgs at goodwill a week ago (planescape, arcanum, pool of radiance), and now the diablo itch is back. problem is, none of my games are here, they are all at my parents house, so I'm stuck playing the D1 demo. fortunately I also tried out sacred, and that is a great update of diablo. I just ordered it and it's expansion online, and can't wait to get sucked in.

diablo 1 and 2 are the only games I ever played heavily online. and i mean HEAVILY. I loved all of the different ways you could play in the second, and I loved collecting ears in the first (i know, I was a meanie). I can still remember how exciting it was the first time I caught someone muling. that's all I did for weeks after that, just tried to bust people.

[Jorpho]

Wasn't Diablo partially inspired by roguelikes such as Nethack?

[skaar]

Hellfire was an official, licensed product. It was developed by Sierra On-Line rather than Blizzard, however.

Hence why it isn't in the battle chest. It's not a Blizzard product.

Also, it still sucked ;)

Play Diablo II. Diablo is only really still fun if you were a fan of it to begin with. It used to be a LAN party favourite back in the day for us. Hooray for DOS networking.

[skaar]

Wasn't Diablo partially inspired by roguelikes such as Nethack?

I could see it. It was a hell of a neat title at the time. Good soundtrack too - better than Nethack's any day. ;)

[FABombjoy]

Wasn't Diablo partially inspired by roguelikes such as Nethack?

It's the same fundamental idea.

(psst.. I already posted a comment like this on the first page) ;)

[evildead2099]

Play Diablo II. Diablo is only really still fun if you were a fan of it to begin with.

I own Diablo, its sequel, and the commercial expansions to both games. I enjoy them all, for different reasons (yes, even Hellfire, despite its disappointing nature).


It used to be a LAN party favourite back in the day for us. Hooray for DOS networking.

I agree that it was cool to rig up a LAN for DOS gaming way back in the day, but Diablo was a Windows product that made extensive use of Direct X. In other words, it wasn't supposed to be run in DOS.

[FantasiaWHT]

I'm rare, but I liked D1 better than D2. I got bored quickly with D2 for some reason, tried playing through a few times and always wound up walking away in the beginning of the 2nd chapter. D1 I've played through more times than I can count.

I think the PSX version is signficantly worse graphically than the PC version, I don't know how you could compare the two.

[Kitsune Sniper]

So people know, there -was- an official Diablo release with Hellfire.

http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/diablo-hellfire-bundle

Apparently it's extremely rare, though.

I've also never played Diablo. I've heard it's like Neverwinter Nights, and I -hated- Neverwinter Nights, so I'm afraid I'll hate this one too.

[Lady Jaye]

Well, it's less RPG-like than NWN, but yeah -- if you didn't like Neverwinter Nights, chances are that Diablo won't gel with you either.