Traveler, stay awhile and listen…
Platform(s): PC (Windows)
Release Date:
(GOG) March 7th 2019
(Original) December 31st, 1996
Genre: Action RPGPrice: $9.99 USD
Player(s): 1-4
Format: Digital
Developer/Publisher: Blizzard
FAQ
What is this game?
Diablo is an action RPG where you descend into a randomly generated dungeon, growing your character with experience and loot, in order to confront the Prime Evil, Diablo.
How does it play?
You direct your character (either a Warrior, Sorcerer or Rogue) from an isometric perspective with your mouse (like controlling a unit in an RTS). As your character grows in experience you will be able to unlock new skills to supplement your standard attacks with hotkeys.
What's new with the GOG release?
The GOG listing of Diablo removes the existing DRM (no CD-key required) and comes with two versions of the game. The first is the original release with a minor tweak to preserve its 4:3 aspect ratio on modern screens and the second is a, GOG built, DirectX version. The game is now supported on Windows 7, 8 and 10.
That DirectX version allows for visual changes (different kinds of scaling, MSAA, resolutions and refresh rates) to customise how the game is treated on your monitor.
Does the DirectX version use new assets or support higher gameplay framerates?
No. While you can change how those visuals are scaled to your screen you are still going to be playing with the original SVGA graphics at 20FPS.
Can I still play online?
Yes but to access the servers for Diablo the original version of the game must be used and tweaks to your router's ports must be made…
https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/7842
Only LAN is supported in the DirectX release.
Does this come with the "Hellfire" Expansion?
The update was added to the game on June 5th, 2019.
Why is this not on the Blizzard launcher?
The original Diablo is not compatible with the "Battle.net stack" and thus cannot be sold there (it is incompatible with the modern infrastructure of that platform).
Aside from the game what's included in this release?
You get a digital copy of the game's original manual
*Apparently the OST was only for preview purposes.
Hardware Specifications?
Minimum system requirements:
System: Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Graphics: DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
DirectX: DirectX 9
Storage: 1 GB available hard disk space
I'm a new player to the game. Any good starting guides?
Aside from reading the included manual, this guide from levelskip contains some good information for new players.
https://levelskip.com/rpgs/Diablo-Tips-and-Tricks-for-Beginners
What about Warcraft 1/2
Both those games will be coming to GOG at some point in the future.
https://www.resetera.com/threads/warcraft-1-and-2-will-be-releasing-on-gog-com.103923/
Media
Reviews
Metacritic - 94
Gamespot - 9.7/10
A title that combines the elegant simplicity of an action game and the addictive storyline of an adventure game with the personalization and exploratoration of an old-school RPG... The best game to come out in the past year, and you should own a copy. Period.
Yahoo 10/10
A feast of atmospheric entertainment. While it might tire after a while, you'll likely get your money's worth long before that point, and moreso if you venture into the chaos that is Battle.net, where life takes on a whole new meaning and the hours slip mysteriously away. Diablo is a landmark game.
PCGamer 90/100
RPG fans have waited for this one for a long time, and they won't be disappointed.
Links
GOG
Arstechnica Article
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