Diablo III Catch-All 2.0

@krev82

Send me a message when you're on. Via steam or whatevs. I'll run you through.

Not with a sword, though.

Getting back into D3 after a few months away. I have a monk at 40 if anyone is interested in cranking up the MP tonight.

Looks like Jay Wilson is moving on from the Diablo 3 team.

http://us.battle.net/d3/en/forum/top...

Ron Pardo, the Chief Creative Officer, chimes in on page 106 of the thread trying to take the heat off Jay.

http://us.battle.net/d3/en/forum/top...

This is all very interesting news. I can't see anything immediate happening, but maybe there will be a reason to look at Diablo 3 later this year.

CrawlingChaos wrote:

This is all very interesting news. I can't see anything immediate happening, but maybe there will be a reason to look at Diablo 3 later this year.

I wouldn't read too much into it. The original development team probably moved onto their next project by now, and Jay was probably helping transition the "live" team (aka Team B) to handle maintenance and support of the game. Now he's free to work on other stuff.

As for reasons to look at the game this year, we will likely start hearing about the first expansion towards the end of the year. Probably at BlizzCon if that happens.

I've been on an ARPG kick this week, starting with a chunk of Torchlight 2 and finishing with a weekend of Diablo 3 pub farming runs with my 60 (15) Witchdoctor. Here's my initial compare/contrast list. (Note I'm only about 20 hours into T2, while approaching 200 in D3).

1. Itemization: T2 is superior because of the depth (enchanting, gems, better affix generation), though I much prefer the look of items in D3. Maybe this will change when I reach the "endgame" grind of T2.

2. Combat: D3 is so much better in this department that I'm surprised there is even a debate. D3 plays like a highly polished arcade game, yet still has tactical decision points baked into mechanics (Do I pop my defensive now, or later? do I move out of these walls? Mortar/desecration, do I move in close or stay away?) T2, while fun enough, feels like a slightly more fluid version of D2 (run away, heal up, then return).

3. Character building: I prefer the old school way this is handled in T2. I like placing attribute points and skill trees. Yes, you can mess up, and yes, you might want to level another Berserker later to try a new build, but that's part of the fun of this kind of game to me. Still, it is certainly fun and convenient to rework my D3 build when I'm getting tired of the my character works.

4. Story: Bleh. I enjoyed parts of the story of D3, but upon repeat, it is painfully obvious just how bad it is. I'm too early in T2 to say for sure, but so far its a snooze fest like T1. I think the problem in T2 is that none of the characters have any life to them. They just feel like plot devices.

5. Maps: I prefer the larger, sprawling, less linear maps of T2.

6: Auction house and always online: Once the initial technical problems were sorted out the always online aspect of D3 has not been a problem for me. The auction house however is something I avoid. I sells things, but I only rarely buy anything. (I'm made enough to buy the expansion, btw).

Overall
With all that said, you'd think that I'd be leaning toward T2, but that's not the case. I still have a lot more fun playing D3. The feel of the combat, the atmosphere of the world, all draw me in. Recently, I've started playing in pub farming runs, and it's just a lot of easy (don't have to talk to your party-mates) fun. Still, I want to give T2 a solid completion before I write it off. But, hell, Path of Exile is entering open beta soon... where do I find the time?

I've actually tried playing D3 again recently, and I don't know what's causing it, but I get this hitching/hiccuping issue that's really damn annoying. It seems tied to unresponsive commands with the client when it's happening, so I suspect that it's some sort of latency issue with my connection to the servers.

Highly annoying, but since I don't play on a "pro" level it's not gamebreaking.

It's also odd because I don't get this problem with Starcraft 2 or WoW.

1.0.7 is coming up and it has some interesting stuff. I'm mostly interested in the new crafting system and the bump in xps on higher MP's. The new crafting system looks like a good carrot outside of the AH. I like the idea of having some slots where rares/crafted will be better than loot drops (that was often true with the glove slot in D2).

On the MP changes I definitely think there needs to be more compelling reasons to bump up the Monster Power. I enjoy higher monster power a lot more, because it's more challenging, but the rewards are consistently better on MP1. I've played around a bit and I'm worried that they might not have bumped the rewards quite enough but it's definitely a step in the right direction.

There was only one change to Witchdoctor's, sadly, but it looks like a solid one and it's opened up a new build for me. They improved Soul Barrage runed with Well of Souls and made it a very effective single-target ability with some multi-target utility as well. I grabbed a mojo with a bonus to Spirit Barrage just to get ready for the change.

Hollowheel wrote:

2. Combat: D3 is so much better in this department that I'm surprised there is even a debate. D3 plays like a highly polished arcade game, yet still has tactical decision points baked into mechanics (Do I pop my defensive now, or later? do I move out of these walls? Mortar/desecration, do I move in close or stay away?) T2, while fun enough, feels like a slightly more fluid version of D2 (run away, heal up, then return).

Yeah, I feel like this really got lost in some of the discussions of things like loot and the AH. To me the core of D3 is the skill system and the great, moment-to-moment combat. It blows away every other ARPG I've played. I think there's an interesting discussion here about the value of building a good progression versus the value of creating solid gameplay. Personally I fall on the gameplay side.

StGabe wrote:
Hollowheel wrote:

2. Combat: D3 is so much better in this department that I'm surprised there is even a debate. D3 plays like a highly polished arcade game, yet still has tactical decision points baked into mechanics (Do I pop my defensive now, or later? do I move out of these walls? Mortar/desecration, do I move in close or stay away?) T2, while fun enough, feels like a slightly more fluid version of D2 (run away, heal up, then return).

Yeah, I feel like this really got lost in some of the discussions of things like loot and the AH. To me the core of D3 is the skill system and the great, moment-to-moment combat. It blows away every other ARPG I've played. I think there's an interesting discussion here about the value of building a good progression versus the value of creating solid gameplay. Personally I fall on the gameplay side.

This is also what made me love D3. The fact that the core combat loops are so tight and well conceived just kept me coming back for more, regardless of what else was wrong with the game.

The truth is I don't generally like the sort of combat that D3 represents, but I enjoy it in D3 since it's so exceptionally well executed. My tolerance for even slight dips in quality (as with Torchlight 2) is really low since it's not a style I'm generally compelled to play.

gore wrote:
StGabe wrote:
Hollowheel wrote:

2. Combat: D3 is so much better in this department that I'm surprised there is even a debate. D3 plays like a highly polished arcade game, yet still has tactical decision points baked into mechanics (Do I pop my defensive now, or later? do I move out of these walls? Mortar/desecration, do I move in close or stay away?) T2, while fun enough, feels like a slightly more fluid version of D2 (run away, heal up, then return).

Yeah, I feel like this really got lost in some of the discussions of things like loot and the AH. To me the core of D3 is the skill system and the great, moment-to-moment combat. It blows away every other ARPG I've played. I think there's an interesting discussion here about the value of building a good progression versus the value of creating solid gameplay. Personally I fall on the gameplay side.

This is also what made me love D3. The fact that the core combat loops are so tight and well conceived just kept me coming back for more, regardless of what else was wrong with the game.

The truth is I don't generally like the sort of combat that D3 represents, but I enjoy it in D3 since it's so exceptionally well executed. My tolerance for even slight dips in quality (as with Torchlight 2) is really low since it's not a style I'm generally compelled to play.

I'm loving the D3 lovefest.

So many end of the year gaming podcast discussions emphasized Diablo's problems. It's nice to hear that I'm not the only person that is enjoying the game, and continue to love it as it improves.

Yeah, this is a breath of fresh air after all the harsh criticism over the AH and what not. I still enjoy it, I'm close to hitting 60 with my WD, then I'm going to start a Barb to have every class at 60. The WD is so much fun!

My only issue with D3 is that the itemization just isn't terribly exciting or interesting. The core gameplay is worlds better than Torchlight 2 though, which I found to be a snoozefest. I hop into D3 every once in a while, but it has to contend with the new shiny. Doesn't help that D3 runs like crap on my Mac, where I'm most likely to have a spare minute here and there to play. I do hope the expansion is interesting though.

complexmath wrote:

My only issue with D3 is that the itemization just isn't terribly exciting or interesting. The core gameplay is worlds better than Torchlight 2 though, which I found to be a snoozefest. I hop into D3 every once in a while, but it has to contend with the new shiny. Doesn't help that D3 runs like crap on my Mac, where I'm most likely to have a spare minute here and there to play. I do hope the expansion is interesting though.

I would love more depth to itemization and better crafting (not just the dribbles of improvement they've been offering).

And though it might might make some Diablo players cringe, I think ideas like reforging and item re-skinning (ala WOW) might be nice additions -- especially if used as a significant item/gold sink.

Finally, I would be thrilled if weapons were adjusted to be a little less "stat stick".

D3 is also "hop on every once in a while" for me. However, when I do it, I tend to binge for a few days. Just like D2.

I'd love a reforge/reskinning option. I was hoping D3 would do more with Dyes, but sadly it didn't. I'm a sucker for customization, as are a lot of people, and D3 is ripe for more options along those lines.

ahrezmendi wrote:

I'd love a reforge/reskinning option. I was hoping D3 would do more with Dyes, but sadly it didn't. I'm a sucker for customization, as are a lot of people, and D3 is ripe for more options along those lines.

I agree with the dyes... the fact that legendaries can't be died is irritating. Make that simple change and this game suddenly becomes a lot more interesting for me!

Also agree with the positive sentiment. I haven't picked up D3 in a while (been binging on the other lootfest, Borderlands 2), but . I played TL2 all the way through with an outlander, thought it was interesting, but haven't picked it up since. I'm at well over 300 hours now with D3... sickening I know.

300? Pssh, I've got 300 on my DH alone. I'm nearing 600 total. Even considering I spent $90 on the CE, I think D3 is the best bang for my buck game I've ever bought.

ahrezmendi wrote:

Yeah, this is a breath of fresh air after all the harsh criticism over the AH and what not. I still enjoy it, I'm close to hitting 60 with my WD, then I'm going to start a Barb to have every class at 60. The WD is so much fun!

I think Diablo 3 gets short shrift because people had really high expectations, both due to its long development cycle and the legacy of Diablo 2's success. It's a well designed and well executed game by all rights, but it was never going to become a gaming touchstone in the way Diablo 2 did (simply because there is so much more out there now).

Another thing is that Diablo 3's faults start showing more the longer you play. The AH, the weird difficulty curve, and itemization frustrations all just accumulate over time, and by the time you quit you're more likely to remember those things than the fun you used to have when the game was still fresh.

Diablo 3 was not my favorite game of 2012, but it was right up there. For me it was definitely a success even though it lacks the "legs" its predecessor had.

gore wrote:

Diablo 3 was not my favorite game of 2012, but it was right up there. For me it was definitely a success even though it lacks the "legs" its predecessor had.

Wait until the expansion is released and then revisit this statement. Most people forget that D2 didn't have legs until after LoD was released.

Copingsaw wrote:
gore wrote:

Diablo 3 was not my favorite game of 2012, but it was right up there. For me it was definitely a success even though it lacks the "legs" its predecessor had.

Wait until the expansion is released and then revisit this statement. Most people forget that D2 didn't have legs until after LoD was released.

Well, personally, it's not going to matter much. I played Diablo II straight from launch right on through LoD, with just an occasional break. I know I'm not built for that any more, no matter how good D3x ultimately is.

Even though I'll buy the D3 expansion and will almost surely enjoy it, I already know I will only get a month or two out of it. Part of that is just due to getting older, but I think it's also due to how the video game market has exploded and online communities no longer build in the same way around single games.

There are some exceptions to that (MOBAs, WoW, Starcraft), but I don't think the core design of Diablo lends itself to that same kind of longevity. It lacks the huge timesink progression of an MMO, and it doesn't have the e-sport components that make the competitive stuff stick around. And frankly, I'm glad it's not trying to be those things, because I like it for what it is.

gore wrote:

There are some exceptions to that (MOBAs, WoW, Starcraft), but I don't think the core design of Diablo lends itself to that same kind of longevity. It lacks the huge timesink progression of an MMO, and it doesn't have the e-sport components that make the competitive stuff stick around. And frankly, I'm glad it's not trying to be those things, because I like it for what it is.

Agreed, and that is exactly why D3 worked for me. I'm old and have kids. As much as I would love to spend my evenings raiding or mastering DOTA2, etc. I simply don't have that luxury anymore. I can still have fun with D3 and build reasonably well geared character over a period of several months.

One of the other problems with waiting for the expansion is that I highly doubt it will be released on the same schedule as the D2x was. (a year later) If so, they'd better get on with the announcement and the beta because release is only 4 months away.

Carlbear95 wrote:
ahrezmendi wrote:

I'd love a reforge/reskinning option. I was hoping D3 would do more with Dyes, but sadly it didn't. I'm a sucker for customization, as are a lot of people, and D3 is ripe for more options along those lines.

I agree with the dyes... the fact that legendaries can't be died is irritating. Make that simple change and this game suddenly becomes a lot more interesting for me!

Also agree with the positive sentiment. I haven't picked up D3 in a while (been binging on the other lootfest, Borderlands 2), but . I played TL2 all the way through with an outlander, thought it was interesting, but haven't picked it up since. I'm at well over 300 hours now with D3... sickening I know.

Hey I still got 3 Infernal Machines waiting to see what kind of trouble we can get our WD's into...any special time to look for you?

Oldgoat wrote:

Hey I still got 3 Infernal Machines waiting to see what kind of trouble we can get our WD's into...any special time to look for you?

Hey Hey.. I'm on here and there, have some time this week, and I haven't used any of my machines either. Look me up.

I started a hardcore wizard. I just killed the skeleton king and it was pretty harrowing. HC mode has breathed some new life into the game for me.

Finally finished Inferno today. Now what?

tuffalobuffalo wrote:

I logged in just fine this morning. It's fun so far! I'm going to have to go and add everyone's battletag, though. That will take awhile.

Well if you feel done, then you might be done. I've always found the Diablo games are perfect to play for awhile, quit for awhile, then play again months later. If you still have the itch, then start a new toon, grind Paragon levels and/or loot hunt.

Hollowheel wrote:
tuffalobuffalo wrote:

I logged in just fine this morning. It's fun so far! I'm going to have to go and add everyone's battletag, though. That will take awhile.

Well if you feel done, then you might be done. I've always found the Diablo games are perfect to play for awhile, quit for awhile, then play again months later. If you still have the itch, then start a new toon, grind Paragon levels and/or loot hunt.

That's from forever ago! I never have gone back to Diablo III. Too much on the plate these days. Maybe I'll go back to it sometime, but I don't see that happening any time soon.

tuffalobuffalo wrote:

That's from forever ago! :) I never have gone back to Diablo III. Too much on the plate these days. Maybe I'll go back to it sometime, but I don't see that happening any time soon.

According to my friends' list, no one did. There's a sad, steady drop-off of GWJers in my Friends list. 200 days, 150, 90, 30... Some seem to login to check their character, but 99% are gone.

I'm planning to play a little bit again once 1.0.7 comes out.

Me too. I'm going to level up a wizard on monster power 10 when the patch drops.

Just soloed 2 of the 3 realms on mp10, woot. Couldn't do maghda and skel. king though, her flies and arcane just hurt too much and my 2.79aps is apparently not enough to keep the ubers perma-frozen, for the other two realms it was enough to keep them from hurting me but her arcane sentries or fly away move could sneak through the tiny gaps .