Upon the promise of gold a trio of mercenaries and one injured scholar brave the lands of plagued monstrosities to unlock and enter in to a temple.

But it is not gold that they find in there, instead, a blood ritual that summons the ultimate evil, Lilith.

With Lilith summoned, all hell breaks loose once again upon Sanctuary.

Diablo IV is the much anticipated new title from Blizzard and it does not disappoint.

You’ll select your playable character from the character classes available; Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer, Necromancer, and Druid.

Naturally each have their own skill sets from magic through to brute strength.

You can mold your character to your liking with a wide menu of aesthetics and appearance options then once you’re all personalised and named your hero, it’s now up to you traveller. Save Sanctuary alone.

For those that have played Diablo previously, especially Diablo III, you’ll be in a familiar territory.

Maps vary in size but still have an overall linear path. It pays to explore and I do mean pays as there is a lot to be discovered.

A mini map floats to the top right of your screen, but the full map can be accessed via controller (or keyboard) button. It’s also within this Pause Menu you can check up on your Challenge progress, join or start a Clan, add or find friends, and spend any Platinum you may have on outfits and armour. This Shop refreshes every few days with new goods.

It’s also here that you can use real-world money to buy Platinum coins, if you wish. It’s not a pay to win, but it is a pay for better gear scenario.

You’ll encounter core narrative and side quest giving NPC’s that are going to not only reward you for helping them out but also questing (as well as combat) is the way to Level up.

But not every NPC is to be trusted. Encountering other players may also happen, if you have cross-platform on you can meet with PC, Xbox and PlayStation players.

With Gear inventory and Skill Level’s this is now a pop-out side menu with a zoom if you need it.

Drop Gear, change Gear on the fly and when you have Skill points, you’ll find that the Skill tree branches off into a couple of areas.

Spent a valuable Skill Point but regret it? Not a worry, providing you have enough Gold you can get a ‘refund’ which enables you to choose another Skill.

Once you’ve got your new Skill you’ll need to assign it to a key on your keyboard or controller. Initially the assign slots are locked until you gain a few Skills and Level up a wee bit.

Another option within the Inventory and Abilities pop-out is a special section attributed to your characters special skills. You can upgrade a specific ability, or just totally sacrifice it with a beneficial trade-off.

NPCs are everywhere depending on the environment, especially in towns or human populated areas. Chat with them, as you never know what they may need and rewards you’ll get for completing an objective for them.

Combat is melee via your primary weapon, which can also be swapped out for something more death-dealing as you progress or your character class skills. Example, spells if you’re a Sorcerer, necromancy if you’re playing as the Necromancer. You get the idea.

Depending on your current Skill Level, gained by acquiring Experience (EXP), this will determine how difficult foes will be to take down.

There’s no shortage of things to kill and if you’re up against an enemy that is seeming to be impossible to kill, if you can, come back and tackle it when your Level is higher, or when you have better Gear or powers.

Asides from loot that you’ll find along your adventure, you can buy and sell if you locate a vendor. Same said for potions too.

Gear has varying stats, as do weapons. Higher the armour, the better you’re going to fare in a battle.

Graphically Diablo IV is darkly detailed. And I really do mean detailed. Blizzard have put a lot of demonic love into the environments, all environments, from the open areas through to caves, caverns, dungeons and towns.

Even gear and items have had a graphical makeover.

It’s been 11 years since Diablo III and 6 years since the Necromancer Edition.

While we did see the more entry-level mobile / PC crossover game release, Diablo Immortal (which I’m a frequent player of) last year, and Diablo II remastered, Diablo IV is THE Diablo game you need to be deep within right now.

Infact it’s the most epic RPG as of writing this review, in my opinion.

Diablo IV is for newcomers to the franchise, it’s for the more seasoned demon slayers and the best in the series.

Go solo, or go online just remember, blood is the key. See you in Sanctuary traveller.

The post Diablo IV (Xbox Series X|S) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

SteelSeries, KontrolFreek and Blizzard Entertainment has unveiled a new collection of limited-edition gaming gear that celebrates the fusion of the darkness of the original Diablo, progression elements of Diablo II, visceral combat of Diablo III, and vast overworld of Diablo IV.

With inspiration drawn from the Diablo universe, the limited-edition collection brings the world of Sanctuary to life through the award-winning Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Headset, Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse, QcK Heavy XXL Mousepad, SteelSeries Artisan Keycap, and KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks. As a bonus, players who purchase select items from the limited-edition collection will receive an exclusive in-game cosmetic item for Diablo IV.

First up is the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless | Diablo IV Edition.

Engineered with the Nova Acoustic System, featuring HiFi audio, supercharged by the Sonar Audio Software Suite, and delivering 360° Spatial Audio, the Nova 7 lets gamers hear the finite details that others don’t.

Gamers can amplify the sounds of the expansive overworld and listen to two audio streams at once with simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, easily swapping between PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Switch with USB-C. Stay in the action with a 38-hour battery and a fast charge function for six hours of use after just a 15-minute charge. Players will experience noise-free communications as AI algorithms guide the ClearCast Gen 2 mic to clean up both incoming and outgoing audio in team chat. The ComfortMax System delivers 4 points of adjustability and breathable AirWeave Memory Foam cushions for marathon sessions on any platform. The Arctis Nova 7 Diablo IV Edition includes an in-game item, specifically designed for the Diablo IV x SteelSeries collaboration.

The Diablo IV Edition Aerox 5 Wireless Gaming Mouse is designed to help the most steadfast of heroes hold steady in the face of darkness and drive back the minions of Hell. Players can instantly access their library of skills with 9 programmable buttons and the TrueMove Air Sensor delivers unrivaled precision and accuracy. As the lightest multi-genre wireless mouse on the planet, it weighs in at 74g while providing up to 180 hours of battery life for marathon sessions. Using Quantum 2.0 Wireless and Bluetooth, gamers can play with untethered ultralight freedom on multiple devices while safeguarding against spills with AquaBarrier™ technology.

The Aerox 5 Wireless Diablo IV Edition includes an in-game item, specifically designed for the Diablo IV x SteelSeries collaboration.

The Diablo IV Edition QcK XXL Heavy Mousepad serves as a gateway to the world of Sanctuary.

The pinnacle of surface performance, innovation, and style, the QcK heavy mousepad has been engineered with exclusive micro-woven cloth for maximum control and optimized for low and high CPI tracking movements. and a 900 mm x 400 mm x 4 mm playing surface provides players with maximum control. An extra thick, non-slip rubber base eliminates unwanted movement.

SteelSeries gaming mousepads are engineered for all levels of play and are highly recommended by esports pros.

Customization is key, especially with a keyboard.

The stunning Diablo IV Edition SteelSeries Artisan keycap is inspired by the Diablo IV hell gate. Each individual key cap has been crafted into a mold, then cast and hand-painted with an embossed emblem depicting Diablo’s demonic visage. Very limited, there are only 2,160 of these legendary items in the world.

And lastly the Diablo IV Edition KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks feature an official laser-etched design and blood-red colorway that have been designed to help immerse players in the fight for the fate of the world.

A versatile low-rise profile provides players with more grip, and increases control, as they hack, slash, and cast to conquer the nightmarish dungeons and besieged towns of Sanctuary. Adding 5.5mm of height to original stock controller sticks for increased arc distance and precision, the low-rise Thumbstick reduces the amount of force required for movements, decreasing hand fatigue, improving accuracy, and enhancing overall control. (A special collector’s edition set of Thumbsticks with a Heroes Cube case will be available on the launch day of Diablo IV and includes an in-game item, specifically designed for the Diablo IV x SteelSeries x KontrolFreek collaboration.)

As part of the Diablo IV x SteelSeries collaboration, Diablo’s sound engineers have created an official EQ preset that allows players to take their in-game sound to another dimension utilizing the SteelSeries Sonar Audio Software Suite.

Sonar is industry-leading audio software that delivers powerful sound customization through the first pro-grade parametric EQ for gamers. Specifically designed to turbocharge any headset for gaming and provide a limitless ability to control sound across games, immersive spatial audio, team chat, and the microphone, Sonar allows gamers to adjust every individual frequency and hear the sounds that matter the most. Sonar is part of the SteelSeries GG software ecosystem that includes Moments, the free app that allows gamers to clip, edit, and share gaming highlights, and SteelSeries Engine, which powers its award-winning line of mice, keyboards, and headsets.

In Diablo IV, the demon Lilith and the angel Inarius united to create the world of Sanctuary in their desire to escape the Eternal Conflict between Heaven and Hell. But now, decades after the events of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, they are bitter enemies who have resorted to war against each other with their respective followers. The lands of Sanctuary have become plagued with ceaseless demons, and only the most steadfast of heroes will be able to hold in the face of darkness. Players will enter the world with their choice of five classes—the shapeshifting Druids, agile Rogues, elemental Sorcerers, brutal Barbarians, and cunning Necromancers. As players grow in power, they can build their gameplay experience in directions that appeal to them, experimenting with skill trees to showcase complimenting spells and abilities.

The Diablo IV x SteelSeries x KontrolFreek collection is available now.

The post STEELSERIES, KONTROLFREEK & BLIZZARD TEAM UP appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Worldstone is shattered, and it now falls to the heroes of Sanctuary to fend off the terrors rising in its wake.

Blizzard Entertainment today announced that beginning 3 June 2022, players in most regions across the world will take up the call to defend against the Burning Hells in Diablo® Immortal TM, the first Blizzard game designed from the ground up for mobile, with the remaining regions in Asia-Pacific gaining access a few weeks later.

In addition to offering an uncompromised AAA experience on mobile, the most ambitious game released in the Diablo franchise’s 25-year history will enter into Open Beta on Windows® PC at launch.

Diablo Immortal supports both cross-play and cross-progression, allowing Sanctuary’s heroes to join the fight with each other regardless of platform while being able to seamlessly transition between mobile and PC gameplay. The Open Beta on PC will contain all game features, including cross-play and cross-progression, and upon conclusion all progress will be maintained.

“The demons of the Burning Hells are ready to be slain in the most expansive Diablo game that Blizzard has ever released,” said Mike Ybarra, president of Blizzard Entertainment. “As Blizzard’s first game designed from the ground up for mobile, it was important to us to deliver an experience worthy of the franchise, so we did a lot of testing, incorporated a lot of feedback, and created a game that we’re very excited to share with players. We’re looking forward to unleashing this epic new entry in the Diablo franchise, and we can’t wait to join everyone in Sanctuary.”

With the fate of Sanctuary in their hands, players will choose between six iconic Diablo classes – Barbarian, Crusader, Demon Hunter, Monk, Necromancer, or Wizard–and embark on a journey through eight unique zones and the great city of Westmarch.

They will join up with new and familiar Diablo characters, including the franchise’s patriarch Deckard Cain, on an expansive quest to hunt down the shattered pieces of the corrupted Worldstone before the forces of the Burning Hells can gather them for their own sinister plans in an epic all-new story taking place between the events of Diablo II and Diablo III.

Diablo Immortal features a MMOARPG (massively multiplayer online action-RPG) social experience that’s completely new to the series. Players will share a massive world with others as they explore Sanctuary, form Warbands with up to eight members to take on group challenges such as the intense Helliquary raid bosses, and join Clans with up to 150 friends to earn challenging Clan Achievements.

The game also features a robust faction-based PvP system. With the Cycle of Strife, players can band together to fight in an ongoing war in which the top player of the server will earn the Eternal Crown to become the leader of the Immortals. This puts them in the position of having to continuously defend their reign across a series of modes including brutal 1v30 showdowns.

Diablo Immortal will be free-to-play with optional in-game purchases, ensuring the core game experience will always be free.

Developed by Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase, Diablo Immortal will be available at launch on iOS, Android, and Windows PC via Battle.net.

Over 30 million players have already pre-registered across all platforms to gain access as soon as the game launches, preparing themselves for the battles to come. All players will receive the stunning Horadrim Cosmetic Set to celebrate this significant milestone when the game launches.

This is just the beginning, as new content will be released regularly to players for free in the years to come, including new zones, dungeons, and character classes.

The post Release Date for Diablo Immortal – Mobile & PC appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

It was the millennium. Y2K was a thing that really never happened and it was also the year that Diablo rose back up and in to the hearts of RPG gamers.

Twenty one years later Diablo II is reborn for those that loved it back then and new aspiring dungeon crawlers to take on and defeat.

The story picks up directly from the first Diablo game (1196) where in a place known as Sanctuary an unknown hero has recently defeated Diablo – but he also tried to contain the dark beasts essence within himself.

It doesn’t work out too well for him as the essence corrupts him, causing demons and other worldly terror beasts popping up where ever he goes essentially wreaking havoc and killing indiscriminately.

Stories of this corrupted hero go far and wide and it is a curious group of warriors that seek to find out the truth behind the tales.

They enter in to the Rogue Encampment in search of this now dark and cursed hero. Finding him and his friend Marius surrounded by fiery destruction, your story begins.

To begin with you will have a cast of seven classed characters to choose from; Amazonian, Necromancer, Barbarian, Sorceress, Paladin, Druid and Assassin.

As you can imagine from their namesake, each characters skills are dependant on their class. For example the Necromancer is able to raise the dead and use underworld magic.

There’s no customization other than naming your warrior.

This remake of Diablo II can be played on or offline. But, you will need an active internet connection to play, as the game relies on your either creating or login in to Blizzard’s Battle.net.

You are ushered in to the game with a few quick and easy exploratory tasks that see your enemies skill levels on the lower than low side.

As you complete more missions and kill more beats your skill level will raise up. Once you get to a new skill level you’re also rewarded with being able to spend skill points within the skills tree on new combat techniques.

It doesn’t take too long for your Inventory to fill up though.

From hidden environmental spots to chest and loot that your defeated foes drop you’ll come across beefier armour and weapons.

Your Inventory is a grid filled with slots. Small stuff, like health potions, will fill in just one allotment. But something larger, say a melee weapon or bow and arrows is bigger thus takes up a few slots.

To equip something it’s drag and drop, and while you’re navigating around in the Inventory based menu’s you’ll come across the function to bind spells and actions to controlpad buttons.

You’ll run out of carrying space super quick. you can opt to drop some of your hoarded goodies to pick up new stuff, but if you’re able to I recommend stashing it in a storage chest to use or sell later.

There in-game vendors, ready to take your gold you’ve found or earned from those that you kill in exchange for potions, weapons, armour and more.

Diablo II Resurrected is an explore game. If you’re going to play this to just get through the task dished out by NPCs you’re going to miss out on a lot.

Hidden dungeons and more secrets are littered throughout an enclosed but open environment.

Replayability of Diablo II Resurrected is extremely high – even if playing offline.

This remaster has varying modes of play that offer up differing difficulties such as perma-death.

You can play the vanilla original as it was over two decades ago, or play the version with all of the expansions.

Diablo II Resurrected is your game, your story within a larger and engrossing narrative.

Diablo II Resurrected is an ode to the original, with 4K cinematics, cross-save, gameplay that you can’t stop playing and one of the best lores in video gaming in a franchise.

Diablo is the mother of all modern RPGs.

The post Diablo II Resurrected (Xbox Series X) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

On 24th of September 2021, players around the world can save Sanctuary from certain doom in Diablo II: Resurrected.

The remastering of Diablo II and its Lord of Destruction expansion, two landmark entries in the company’s genre-defining action role-playing series.

In Diablo II: Resurrected, the original game’s iconic 2D character models become fully realised 3D heroes who inhabit a boldly re-envisioned dark fantasy world of Sanctuary rife with rich, and often gory, detail.

To take advantage of today’s modern gaming hardware, Diablo II: Resurrected supports up to 4K resolution and includes fully remastered 7.1 Dolby Surround audio.

Those who still fondly remember the ambiance of the original game’s gripping storytelling sequences can also look forward to all 27 minutes of cinematics, recreated with stunning high-fidelity visuals that faithfully reproduce the critically acclaimed originals and match the spirit of the modernised game’s graphics.

While Diablo II: Resurrected takes full advantage of today’s modern gaming hardware, it also preserves the timeless hack-and-slash gameplay that is as engrossing and enjoyable today as it was twenty years ago, with a few quality-of-life updates Diablo veterans have been clamouring for, such as a larger stash and automatic gold pickup.

Players experiencing teary-eyed nostalgia as they relive fond memories of spinning hammers and exploding corpses can seamlessly swap between the modern graphics and the original 800×600 resolution experience with the push of a button.

“The Lord of Terror has demanded that we remaster Diablo II, and we are excited to do his bidding by bringing Diablo II: Resurrected to PC and console players this September, with cross-progression† so everyone can enjoy it on their preferred system,” said J. Allen Brack, president of Blizzard Entertainment.

“We also look forward to welcoming new and returning Diablo players to our upcoming multiplayer open beta. Their feedback will help us put the finishing touches on a game we hope players will continue to enjoy for many years to come.”

A Diablo II: Resurrected multiplayer open beta will take place on supporting platforms in August 2021, featuring five of the final game’s seven highly customisable character classes for players to choose from, the Amazon, Barbarian, Paladin, and Sorceress from the core game, as well as the Druid from the included Lord of Destruction expansion.

The Necromancer and Assassin will be available when the game officially launches.

Developed by Blizzard Entertainment and in-house studio Vicarious Visions, Diablo II: Resurrected will be available at launch on Windows PC via Battle.net, and on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

Players who preorder Diablo II: Resurrected or the Diablo Prime Evil Collection will receive a Heritage of Arreat transmog for Diablo III (available in-game by 24 September), which gives Diablo III barbarians access to the iconic blue war paint and leather armour of the Diablo II barbarian.

Preorders also unlock early access to the open beta test taking place in August 2021 on supporting platforms.

The post Diablo II: Resurrected Reopens the Gates of Hell in September appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Diablo II, one of the most acclaimed titles in PC gaming history, returns . . . and Hell has never looked better.

Blizzard Entertainment has revealed Diablo II: Resurrected, the definitive remastering of Diablo II and its Lord of Destruction expansion – two hallmark entries in the company’s genre-defining action role-playing series.

Diablo II was hailed by Time magazine as “arguably the best role-playing game of all time, the best dungeon-crawler of all time and the best PC game of all time.”

Diablo II: Resurrected welcomes back veteran heroes and invites a new generation of players to experience the game’s sinfully dark storyline, thrilling loot chase, and visceral hack-and-slash gameplay with modernised visuals that take advantage of the latest gaming hardware.

Diablo II: Resurrected takes the 2D sprite-based classic and brings it into the present with full 3D physically-based rendering, dynamic lighting, revamped animations and spell effects – all stunningly delivered in up to 4K resolution.† All 27 minutes of the game’s classic cinematics, chronicling the journey of the mysterious Dark Wanderer, are being remade – shot for shot – from the ground up.

The nightmarish sounds of Sanctuary and its memorable soundtrack have also been reinvigorated to support Dolby 7.1 surround sound. By levelling up the game’s audio and visual capabilities, Diablo II: Resurrected will showcase the depth of gameplay and hallmark designs that continue to entertain players around the world to this day.

“Diablo II was a pivotal game for Blizzard and millions of players around the world. With Diablo II: Resurrected, we’re excited to bring this classic back to PC and also to consoles – with cross-progression on supported platforms – so that players can relive their memories, or experience Diablo II’s timeless gameplay for the first time, on their platform of choice,” said J. Allen Brack, president of Blizzard Entertainment. “With the new high-resolution audio and video in Diablo II: Resurrected, the game is as fun and engrossing today as it was twenty years ago.”

For those who would prefer a more nostalgic experience, players will be able to freely switch back-and-forth between the modern graphics and the original experience at any time with the press of a button.

While Diablo II: Resurrected may look like an all-new game, Diablo II’s signature gameplay and systems are completely intact, quirks and all, adding a few highly requested quality of life improvements, such as a shared stash.

Diablo II: Resurrected features seven highly customisable character classes for players to choose from – the Amazon, Barbarian, Necromancer, Paladin, and Sorceress from the core game, as well as the Assassin and Druid from the included Lord of Destruction expansion. Players will be able to make each character their own by selecting skills and talent builds, crafting and socketing items, collecting complete gear sets, acquiring unique arms and armour, assembling Rune Word combinations, and much more.

Diablo II: Resurrected is an all-inclusive package containing a lifetime of adventures. It will take players to the deadly world of Sanctuary, where they will face Diablo, the Lord of Terror, and the forces of Hell through all four thrilling Acts of the original Diablo II campaign. They’ll meet beloved mentor and scholar Deckard Cain, fight alongside the Archangel Tyrael, and encounter other pantheonic characters who have become an indelible part of gaming history.

This edition also includes all of the content from the Lord of Destruction expansion, with the journey continuing into Act V, where players will brave the dangers of Mount Arreat before facing Baal, the eponymous Lord of Destruction.

Diablo II: Resurrected will be coming later this year to Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

With cross-progression between supported platforms, players will be able to play as their characters – and keep all their stuff – no matter what supporting platform they’re playing on.

Brave souls can seek out more information, as well as opt in for a chance to participate in an upcoming PC technical alpha test, at www.diablo2.com.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and its contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

The post Blizzard to Resurrect Diablo II appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

An ancient evil threatens to engulf Sanctuary in darkness, and new heroes have been called upon to face challenges the world has never seen before. Today, Blizzard Entertainment announced Diablo IV, the highly anticipated next entry in its genre-defining action–role-playing series. The newest instalment of Diablo was announced during BlizzCon 2019, where attendees were eager to be the first in the world to play a public demo of the game. Diablo IV draws players into a grim story line and gives them the freedom to explore and forge their own path across the most expansive and intense vision of the world of Sanctuary—a bleak and shattered hellscape bereft of hope and beset by demons.

True to the franchise’s roots, Diablo IV will deliver visceral combat, gruesome and varied monsters, an epic hunt for legendary loot, and endless playability and progression. Players will find a lifetime’s worth of adventure scattered across a land rooted in unique ecologies and inhabited by dangerous new foes. They’ll delve into randomised dungeons packed with unpredictable adversaries and unimaginable treasures. While continuing to fully support solo and coordinated party play, Diablo IV will also provide opportunities for groups of players to encounter each other in the same shared world—whether to tackle bigger challenges… or possibly even slaughter one another in player-vs.-player combat.

“Sanctuary has been a home to Diablo players for more than 20 years, and it’s with our own deep passion for the series and a deep appreciation of the community that we announce Diablo IV today,” said J. Allen Brack, president of Blizzard Entertainment. “We’re excited to be returning to the dark, quintessential Diablo gameplay that players love while expanding the world and story in new ways, and we can’t wait for more people to be able to experience it.”

In Diablo IV, players will attempt to bring hope back to the world by vanquishing evil in all its vile incarnations—from cannibalistic demon-worshipping cultists to the all-new drowned undead that emerge from the coastlines to drag their victims to a watery grave. For the first time in the series, Sanctuary will be a contiguous, seamless landmass comprising diverse regions ranging from the burning desert of Kejhistan, to the verdant werewolf-infested forests of Scosglen, to the harsh and rugged wilderness of the Dry Steppes.

At BlizzCon, Blizzard revealed the first three of Diablo IV’s character classes, all playable at the show:

• The Barbarian, known for their unparalleled strength and brutal melee combat, utilises a new and more powerful system in battle, Arsenal, which arms them with the ability to carry and rapidly switch between four different weapons at a time by assigning them to individual attacks.
• The Sorceress hearkens back to their Diablo II roots and shapes the elements to obliterate their foes by impaling them upon jagged spikes of ice, electrocuting them with bolts of lightning, or raining flaming meteors from the sky.
• The Druid is a savage shapeshifter whose updated playstyle empowers them to fluidly transform between werewolf, werebear, and human form to unleash the raw power of nature’s fury on the forces of the Burning Hells. 

These three iconic characters honour the legacy of the franchise and exemplify how Diablo IV builds upon the series’ history by preserving the core Diablo fantasy while allowing players to explore untapped gameplay possibilities with fresh inspiration. Players will be able to experiment and discover countless character builds through customisable talent trees and skills, a deep loot system filled with legendary and set items to collect, runes and rune word combinations, and even personalised mounts for traversing the open world. 

Diablo IV is being developed using modern technology that pushes the franchise to dark, new depths. This technology is at the heart of everything players will see, hear, and feel—delivering much higher fidelity and a more engrossing experience. It opens up countless possibilities for the Diablo series, from smooth character animations, such as the Druid’s fluid shapeshifting, to the seamless, vast overworld players will travel across in search of the next loot-filled underground dungeon. Ultimately, Diablo IV will ground players in a grittier and deadlier world.

Diablo IV is currently in development and will be coming to PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

The post Diablo IV Revealed appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Blizzard Entertainment and GOG.COM have teamed up to re-release select classic Blizzard games, beginning with Diablo, Blizzard’s legendary 1996 action role-playing game that introduced players to the harsh—and deeply rewarding—world of Sanctuary.

The original Diablo is available now via digital distribution for the first time ever on GOG.COM. Players looking for the authentic Diablo experience can play the game as it was in 1996, with period-appropriate 20 FPS SVGA graphics, and the ability to matchmake through the classic version of Blizzard’s Battle.net online-gaming service. Blizzard and GOG.COM have collaborated on an updated version of the game, which includes out-of-the-box Windows 10 compatibility, and a host of bug fixes. Players can choose either version of the game from a launcher.

“We were bummed that these iconic games weren’t available to our players, so we‘re very happy to work with the crew at GOG.com to rectify that,” said Rob Bridenbecker, Vice President and Executive Producer, Blizzard Entertainment. “This has been a long time coming and we hope our players will be excited to jump back into these classic titles. “

In addition to bringing back the first Diablo, Blizzard is planning other GOG.COM re-releases of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II.

“Crawling through the original Diablo’s dungeons, together with Blizzard, is a feeling of pure excitement,” said Oleg Klapovsky, SVP at GOG. “It’s a personal thing for many of us, and the most wished-for game in our community. Taking the first few steps beneath the Tristram Cathedral, listening to the guidance of Cain the Elder—it’s all coming back, for old souls and newcomers alike. “

Diablo is available now via GOG.COM for Windows PC only.

The post Diablo is Resurrected appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Diablo rises yet again, but this time round you can defeat the devil himself anywhere and everywhere, whenever you like.

Blizzard’s behemoth and epic Diablo III released first for PC in 2012.

A year later followed the console version in 2013 and DLC’s over subsequent years that just kept the demon hunting and cavern pillaging going.

Diablo III picks up the story some twenty years after the second instalment. You are placed in Sanctuary, a fantasy world that is overrun with Angels, Demons and swathes of the undead. You assist Leah who tried desperately to save her Uncle, Deckard Cain, a n old seer that foretold of Diablo’s uprise and the impending darkness that was about to ravage their world.

Yourself, a stranger to these lands is asked by Leah to assist in tracking down the source of the carnage… and all roads lead to hell.

Diablo III – Eternal Collection sees eight selectable characters all available from the get go, each character has their unique skills, weapons and armour. Barbarian, Crusader, Demon Hunter, Monk, Necromancer, Witch Doctor, Necromancer and Reaper are all there from the start – each also having their own backstory, which comes in to the narrative of the game at times aswell.

The dungeon crawling RPG will see you killing hordes of enemies across vast maps and varying locales, collecting loot and gear, Levelling Up your abilities, picking up side Missions and ultimately facing off against the mighty Diablo.

The Nintendo Switch version; Diablo III – Eternal Collection  is the currently up to date, complete edition with all of the DLC’s included; Necromancer and Reaper of Souls and all content which includes 7 classes, 5 acts, and seasons upon seasons worth of gameplay and demon-smashing goodness.

Aptly named The Eternal Collection, this complete edition for Switch, is endless play – especially if you go online.

Diablo III (even without the expansions) had a solid single player / offline campaign that was 80+ hours to get through (if you’re a completest like me). Add in the DLC’s and unlockables after you complete the game then you’re going to be set for a very long time.

There are Nintendo Switch exclusives included. You will find shards of Zelda’s sword throughout the world of Sanctuary. Also included is the Cucco companion pet, a Triforce portrait frame, and an exclusive transmogrification set that will let your heroes sport Ganondorf’s iconic armor. Oh, there’s also the unique cosmetic wings.

Nintendo’s hybrid console, Switch, continually amazes and impresses me over again as to what the console can handle.

Diablo III – Eternal Collection also includes Online and Switch to Switch multiplayer.

The likes of Doom and Wolfenstein II were an astounding port in their own right – but here we have a massive RPG that plays seamlessly.

On dock mode (when on a bigger screen) you will notice some of the graphical compromises in the FMV / in-game cinematics. While I noticed, and others will too, it is fair to overlook this, as it does not affect gameplay and is totally understandable given the size and endless game content included and crunched on to a cartridge.

While hardcore Diablo fans vented discontent at no Diablo 4 being announced at this year’s Blizzcon – and the sorrow-filled gasps that Diablo was instead being ported to mobile, they need to equip themselves with a Switch and get back in to the third instalment.

Diablo III – Eternal Collection is the ULTIMATE Nintendo Switch game to own.

The post Diablo III – Eternal Collection (Switch) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Blizzard Entertainment today unveiled the next game in the storied Diablo franchise, Diablo Immortal, a mobile massively multiplayer online action–role-playing game for Android and iOS devices. For the first time ever, Diablo players will be able to answer the call to battle on their phones.

Six iconic and highly customisable Diablo character classes will be available in Diablo Immortal—Barbarian, Crusader, Demon Hunter, Monk, Necromancer, and Wizard—each with new powers and abilities, with more playable classes planned for future updates. Designed to be a living, breathing, and constantly evolving experience, Diablo Immortal will regularly introduce new storylines, new playable character classes, new loot, and all-new challenges—which you can face side-by-side with your friends . . . or foolishly choose to confront on your own.

Players will have many opportunities to meet and socialise with other demon slayers while wandering the wilds of Sanctuary, or while conducting less-dangerous business—like upgrading gear, crafting items, or forming groups before setting off on their next adventure—in the city ofWestmarch, Diablo Immortal’s sprawling central hub.

In their quest to cleanse Sanctuary, players will embark on all manner of thrilling expeditions, including taking part in dynamic events across unique public zones, and hacking and slashing their way through instanced dungeons. From the peaceful town of Wortham to the ancient Library of Zoltun Kulle to the suffocating jungle island of Bilefen, players will explore familiar vistas and until-now undiscovered corners of Sanctuary.

Diablo Immortal is co-developed by Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase, who in addition to having developed some of the most successful mobile games in history, has been a longtime partner of Blizzard in China.

“Diablo Immortal takes the series’ dark, gothic fantasy world of Sanctuary and inimitable Diablo gameplay, and puts it in your pocket,” said J. Allen Brack, president of Blizzard Entertainment. “With their incredible passion for Diablo and proven mobile expertise, the development team has spawned an ultra-responsive and breathtakingly beautiful mobile game, and we can’t wait for players to get their hands on it.”

The transition from mouse-and-keyboard or controller to mobile touchscreen device was designed to feel completely natural, intuitive, and fun in Diablo Immortal. Directional controls make it easy to move heroes around the world, and activating a skill is as easy as holding a thumb down on a skill to aim, then releasing it to unleash hell on your foes. And reinforcements are always only a tap away thanks to the native Blizzard Battle.net UI designed specifically for Diablo Immortal, which allows you to chat and form groups with ease in the middle of the most frantic battle.

This new chapter of the blockbuster Diablo saga takes place between the end of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction and the beginning of Diablo III. Leading the invasion of Sanctuary is the demon known as Skarn, Herald of Terror—Diablo’s most powerful lieutenant—who now rallies a new demonic army. Skarn intends to gather the fragments of the corrupted Worldstone and use them to resurrect Diablo.

Go Immortal on your mobile.

The post Diablo Goes Immortal appeared first on Shane the Gamer.