Diablo II is the sort of game that makes you say, “I’ll just play for an hour,” and then suddenly realise it’s three in the morning.
Released in 2000, this legendary action RPG drops you into a dark fantasy world filled with demons, monsters and an absolutely ridiculous amount of loot. Your main goal is to hunt down Diablo and his equally nasty brothers, but the journey is where the real fun begins.
The combat is fast, satisfying and wonderfully chaotic. There are several character classes to choose from, each with their own abilities and playstyles. Whether you fancy smashing enemies with a Barbarian, casting spells as a Sorceress or summoning an army of the undead as a Necromancer, there’s plenty of room to experiment.
And then there’s the loot. Weapons, armour, gems, runes and countless other items constantly tempt you to keep exploring. Finding a powerful new piece of gear can completely change your character, which makes even another dungeon run feel worthwhile.
The dark atmosphere is another massive highlight. The gloomy environments, creepy enemies and brilliant soundtrack create a world that feels genuinely dangerous. It’s not exactly a cheerful place for a relaxing holiday, that’s for sure.
The graphics have obviously aged, and some of the inventory and interface mechanics can feel rather old-school. But the core gameplay remains incredibly addictive.
Image via Emily Morrow
