We have rounded up some more reviews for the console versions of Blizzard’s critically-acclaimed-but-hotly-debated action-RPG Diablo III, starting from Co-Optimus, 5/5 for both the overall game and its co-op mode.
When the PC version of Diablo 3 launched, I was pretty disillusioned for a number of reasons. After about a month of playing it, I put the game down (with a fair amount of disgust) and never picked it back up. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be singing such praises of the console version over a year later. The console version was the version of D3 that I didn’t know I wanted. The console team for D3 made me remember why I love Diablo. It’s the worthy successor to Diablo 2 and more than worth your time if you own a console.
Forbes, scoreless.
Ultimately, Diablo III on PlayStation 3 is a lot closer to what I’d hoped for than the vanilla launch of the game on PC.
There’s still not enough randomness and not enough replay value, and it’s still lacking that great, dark Gothic atmosphere of Diablo II.
But with the most problematic aspects of the game removed and really awesome shared-screen local co-op added, not to mention the cool dodge move, this is in many ways the couch co-op game I’ve been waiting for this entire console generation.
Push Square, 9/10.
Aside from some graphical and interface niggles, Diablo III has made the transition to the PS3 exceptionally well. The addictive loot loop remains intact here, and it’s furthered by the addition of an excellent couch co-op mode. With several classes to sample and a seemingly never-ending supply of gear, this is an impressive port of an already outstanding game.
Games Xtreme, 9.3/10.
No Auction House, No Online DRM whatsoever and no barriers to enjoyment means that the console version of Diablo III has hit all the right buttons for me.
The load times aren’t bad, there’s a checkpoint save system which is sensible and if you die you’ll lose 10% durability on your items, which can be repaired in town. You can respawn at a checkpoint, your corpse or even in town. Blizzard has thought of everything to make the game fun.
So if you want fun and you love randomized loot fests in a dark fantasy kingdom, with a neat story, great cgi and interesting classes Diablo III is for you.
TPreview, 9/10.
Diablo 3 has made the leap to console gracefully, and is even improved over the PC version thanks to the lack of the auction house and inclusion of the dodge mechanic. When the expansion hits, assuming it comes to all platforms at once we’ll be tempted to play it on the next-gen rather than PC, where we’ll get the best of both worlds with console controls and PC graphics. As it stands Diablo is admittedly a slightly hollow single-player experience after the first few hours, but if you’ve got people to play with or don’t mind matchmaking it can easily last you 100 hours or more. It might not be endless and eventually gets repetitive but with an expansion on the way it’s well worth the money.
Digitally Downloaded, 4/5.
It must be said that the skills and inventory interface is a little less clean as it could have been. For instance – it took me a little while to realise that that tiny number at the bottom of the screen was the amount of money I’d get for selling an item at a shop. And though the controls are mapped well to the PlayStation DualShock, it must be said that aiming, even with the auto-aim being very generous, makes it a little too difficult to pick up individual enemies in those hordes. That hurts the strategic merit of the game, and makes the harder difficulty levels a little harder than they needed to be.
That quibble aside, this is a masterful port of a masterful game. It might well not be the perfect top-down clickathon that the world was hoping for when it was finally released after years in development, but it’s a fine entry with superb multiplayer credentials and deserves props for nailing one of the most addictive formulas out there.
Press-Start, 4/5.
The console version of Diablo 3 has been in development for a considerable amount of time since the PC version was released. It is clear to me that this is the way that Blizzard wanted the game to be played on the home console. I was extremely addicted over the past week and couldn’t put the game down. Playing with friends was an amazing time and really let the game shine. Diablo 3 is most praised for its streamline nature of content, the addictive combat, loot in abundance and pretty spells. The game had very few bugs and I look forward to hearing news about the upcoming possible expansion Diablo 3. Taking all of this into account I could comfortably recommend this to any PS3 or 360 owner.
Gaming Evolution, 9/10.
You can easily see; whether playing on PC or home console, Diablo III was designed with consoles in mind. The action is fast paced and addicting. The loss of battle.net account support and action house may be a downer for some, but the inclusion of local co-op, reworked inventory system and a seamless online experience more than makes up for the minuses. Diablo III is an action-RPG that will test your resolve and dedication to eradicate all evil. Four acts, four difficulty levels, and hours upon hours of gameplay, Diablo III is one of the best; if not the best, RPGs of 2013.
Gamer Horizon, 9/10.
When I first saw Diablo III’s logo when they first unveiled it, I noted that the III in the logo was so subtle that the logo could easily be misread as just Diablo. In a way, I understand this now more than I ever did: Seeing the logo for Diablo III appear on my console made me feel that, while many gamers familiar with the series know that this game is part of a trilogy, console gamers are just barely being introduced to the series. Diablo III shows Blizzard’s best foot forward in developing a game that’s catered to a brand new audience and, with the company’s recent announcement of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, I for one am hopeful and excited about the possibility of continuing my character’s adventures beyond what this version of the game has to offer. If you’re itching for a co-op experience outside of the shooter genre that’s deep, rewarding, and something that’s easy to pick up and play, Diablo III fills that role and, in my opinion, will continue to do so for a very long time.
PSNation, 9.5/10.
I’ve saved the world so many times, that I can’t even begin to count how many. But most of the time, I end up doing it alone. Oh sure, there are perks to defeating the wicked wizard and claiming all the glory for yourself. But the journey tends to be more memorable with companions.
Diablo III makes the journey a painless endeavor, and one that considers every possible combination of player configurations. It compensates for less players by toning down the difficulty, while increasing the challenge when your buddies jump in. It changes up the environment to keep things from growing stale and even when you’re visiting the same locals for a second or third playthrough, the difference in the character classes vary enough to make it an almost-new experience. If you’re still on the fence about this game with concerns regarding its port from the PC game, rest assured, Blizzard did well. They did very well.
Quarter to Three, 4/5.
Is the PC version of Diablo III better? In some very important ways, yes. But as a console game, Diablo III is outstanding. There is no comparable experience on console systems. Sure, there are some perfectly good action RPGs for your console, such as the Marvel Ultimate Alliance games, Sacred 2, and Borderlands 2, all with their own foibles and unique selling points. But there is nothing with Diablo III’s breadth, accessibility, and richness. Welcome to my living room, Blizzard. It’s about time.
MTV Multiplayer, 9/10.
PC gamers and console gamers are a decidedly different crowd, and they don’t always see eye to eye on things. The mouse and keyboard crew typically have a much different segment of games to choose from, and, up until recently, they rightfully “owned” “Diablo.” However, this console update for “Diablo III” makes the game not only accessible, but also more enjoyable for gamers that are more comfortable with a controller in their hand; especially the ones that like to share a couch with their fellow adventurers. Blizzard did a great thing here and listened to the community while working within the restrictions of the consoles to create an entertaining experience, opening up the door for some potential fans that might have missed the original release of “Diablo III.”
