Diablo 1 on GOG?

[haphazard1]

So I see that the original Diablo has shown up on GOG, apparently with both 'original' mode and an updated, recent Windows/computer friendly version. As someone who never played the original, but has played some of the more recent games in the genre such as Path of Exile and Diablo 3, would this be worth giving a try? Or is it now too dated to be worthwhile, and a more recent game would be a better option? (If it matters, I have not played Diablo 2 either.) I do play a lot of old games such as MOO, original XCOM, etc. so I don't mind older graphics and interfaces, but those are turn-based games. I am not sure an action game would hold up as well to the passage of time.

Any thoughts from the Diablo vets here at RB?

[Zytac_the_Mage]

Well, (from the back of my mind) Diablo was one of the games I sunk many hours into because of some great features:
- great storyline
- RPG and fantasy stuff
- well done interface
- randomized dungeon creation (one of the best random dungeon generators at its time)
- the urge to find or craft even better items (randomized)

Graphics look dated today, but will hold up if you think of many current indie-retro-grafix games.

And you could complete it after all, at least with the latest patches installed (which should be in the GOG release).

Currently, there are some mods exisiting (e.g. on MODDB), but compared to the mod scene for other games more of mediocre quality.
But modding scene for Diablo might be starting again with the non-DRM release on GOG.

So it's a definite "buy" recommendation here!

[KingOfPain]

Diablo 1 maybe out dated but I will still rank it right at the top as far as action rpg goes. It has a  slower pace when compared to the newer games, but that is not a bad thing. It is tile based, the toons walks slower and generally move slower, and that is what makes every move and seconds count.

It has got to be the most tactile game, as if you can feel every hit you land, every hit you block. You can almost feel your shields breaking, you can almost feel being hit, physically (although that's a mental state). When you slash down a Hidden you can feel that satisfaction of chopping down on slushy flesh (sound effect helps a lot here) . It is the slower pace that allows the game mechanics to shine.

Buy it and play it, and you will understand why Diablo III was such a disappointment to the lot of us who started with D1 and D2

[superdeath]

Still hoping some of you want to start up another diablo 2 fun game of some kind :P

[haphazard1]

Thanks for the comments and thoughts on Diablo, Zytac and KoP. I think I will go ahead and pick up the game.

[KingOfPain]

Still hoping some of you want to start up another diablo 2 fun game of some kind :P

Someone in the Off Topic is talking about "Diablo II is being rebooted", so just maybe...

[haphazard1]

Having fun with this so far. Thanks for the positive feedback, all. The sound effects are especially well done, and really contibute to the atmosphere of lurking dread. The graphics are not what you would see today of course, but are quite functional.

[haphazard1]

Continuing to enjoy this game. The core action loop of the game is fun: explore, fight, collect loot, slowly improve your character. It is easy to understand why it was a hit. Having dealt with the Butcher and the water supply problem, my hero is venturing deeper into the labyrinth....

Thinking ahead, what is the state of Diablo 2 these days? I have read a lot of positive things about the sequel. Any problems with getting it running on a modern computer?

[KingOfPain]

No problem on Win10 installations. There are lots of instructions on youtube

Diablo 2 also get 2 thumbs up around here, and around here is one of the best source for Diablo and Diablo 2 both. This is the home of Diablo Variants. Variants as in we impose role playing restrictions to make the game more fun and challenging, such as going naked and wearing cursed items.


If you want to get the most out of these 2 games, have a look see where RB all began -  Realms Beyond Diablo

*Yes, we do have websites for various games

[haphazard1]

Thanks for the info, KoP. I do often forget that the specific game realms sites exist.

I have read about variant characters for Diablo, particularly on Sullla's web site. I think I should get at least one or two victorious play throughs the regular way before trying that, though. Need to learn the basics first and figure out what I am doing before trying to push the boundaries too hard. I am still figuring out things that are probably simpler than basic to veteran players.