So, a little game called Diablo 3 came out this week, heard of it? If so, you’ve probably heard very little about the actual game and more about the technical difficulties created by Blizzard requiring an internet connection for what should be a single-player game with multiplayer modes. Can’t log in because the servers are busy? No game for you. Can’t log in because Battle.net is undergoing emergency maintenance? No game for you.
In addition, there’s an upcoming game called Torchlight 2. Created by a team of former Blizzard developers, these guys have proven that they’re capable of making a first-rate loot-driven action RPG. Their next game, releasing soon, will not require an internet connection, support LAN multiplayer, and cost only twenty dollars. It’ll almost certainly provide more bang for your buck than Diablo 3 with its $59.99 price tag.
When you take all of the above into account, many people are asking why anyone would buy Diablo 3.
Because it’s still a really good game. Yes, the internet connection requirement is not ideal, and it’s only to support that dumb auction house (which hasn’t even been implemented yet as of press time). Yes, the constant server problems at launch that prevented almost everyone from actually playing the game are an embarrassment to the company. Neither of those problems override the positives. If nothing else, Blizzard happens to be really good at presentation, and all of the fully-voiced dialogue (your character included) presents the narrative in the most compelling manner I’ve seen since BioShock. The skill and rune systems allow for hundreds of ways to customize your character’s fighting style to your liking. The multiplayer options make playing with your friends an incredibly simple process, so you’re never forced into gaming with the unwashed masses when you tire of going solo.
Oddly enough, the biggest issue I’ve had with Diablo 3 is that I’ve been asked multiple times to defend my purchase for some reason. The existence of Torchlight 2 has driven more than a handful of gamers into a this-or-that debate, the likes of which I haven’t been a part of since I was trying to convince all the kids on the playground that Super Nintendo was better than Sega Genesis. It used to be that buying a game because it was fun was justification enough. When did we regress back to the days of “There Can Be Only One”? I can understand if you can only afford to buy one or the other; in that case the price tags have made your choice for you.
But for those of us who are fortunate enough to not be so cash-strapped, why is Diablo 3 now the wrong choice? Check the internet or your favorite gaming message board. I’m sure you’ll see a ton of arguments being made about why Diablo 3 does not warrant a purchase. The problem is, none of those reasons have anything to do with the game being bad. Seriously, at what point did Diablo 3′s internet connection requirement become more important than its gameplay?
In fairness, I have to admit that game developers have been adding a lot more baggage to their most popular titles lately. From Bethesda’s bug-ridden releases to Capcom’s love for on-disc DLC, many gamers are reaching a breaking point. I’m merely sticking to my own personal philosophy of paying for games I enjoy. When the additional “features” begin to significantly interfere with my enjoyment, then I’ll stop buying them. For now though, I get more out of playing Diablo 3 than I lose from the need for an internet connection. This means that I’ve made the right choice with my purchase. Your mileage may vary.
