Correct, hence why I put, on the PS3 in my post. My point was, it's been on the console for a while, maybe not for the 360 but it's been out for some time. Blizzard is not going to support the old consoles and that is just the plain truth. It's a sad day when you have to retire the old but with the new comes all the updates and new goodies.
Paul, that just happens to be the dumbest comment I have read all day... Congrats.
As for the OP, yes, the console is a patch behind and the effects will be seen only on the PS4 and XB1.
Also, Diablo has been out for the console for some time now, on the PS3. As for hack n slash dungeon crawlers go, it is by far the best port of a PC game I have ever played. With 2500 hours in on the PC and about 1000 on the console, I will say the game is great on both platforms with the PC edging it out in some ways but the console performing loot drops better IMHO.
Are we talking about the legendary items that are now account bound? Are you selling "loot runs"? Seems like the account bound idea killed the AH all by itself and the fact that the paper-DPS builds will suffer in the higher torment levels with too low toughness that will come with all the newer gear. The AH needed to go and the underground trading will be gimped by the AB idea. Glad to see it too. The AH was a cancer and I am glad it is gone.
If the game was to be played as you say, "as intended" from start to finish each run through then the developers would not have made it possible to select any Act, any dificulty, at any time... The game as intended is for those who like to customise their experince. So no matter how loudly you cry about how others are playing the game, that fact will never change.
Having played the console version for a few weeks now I have to say, I am all for the soulbound ideas. Trading becomes a moot issue when you find everything you need and then some. Heck, I have nothing that anybody needs because they too are finding everything they need! When everybody's needs are met by self found gaming, then trading becomes a thing of the past.
Yes, it is possible. But the real question is: Why are you playing with people who drift far from the group? If you miss a leg because of that then I would not play in that particular group.
If I was not busy watching paint dry I would definitely take the time to watch you play but with the new house and all... I am swamped!
GL with the HC character!
The one thing I would say is trust your gut. Consider that there is a level progression for each act but that is not nearly as prevalent as it is when you hit Inferno. Keep in mind that the first three levels may be tough but the wall you hit in Inferno is more like a pre-1.04 patch D3 and can be like hitting your head on a wall. Take it slow; give weapons and armor that you would have otherwise discarded in SC a chance in HC. Heck, when I found one, I used a Sever with CD on it just because in Act III and IV, the bonus damage to Demons was a win/win for me. Remember, red gems are your friends in weapons as hard damage trumps CD/CC when at low levels. Also, stay away from public games where you are not familiar with the people. Too many horror stories of folks jumping into games and getting insta-gibbed due to people AFK or dragging baddies into safe zones. Never happened here but reading these forums tells me it is a danger to avoid like the plague.
Your story completely encapsulates the reason I have stopped playing SC and completely moved over to HC. The intensity is pure bliss and with each character I roll, I look forward to the rush of adrenalin when coming up against some devastating champ packs and elites.
I say increase it but keep a cap on it. 36% would be fine. Heck, the people using it would more than likely use it to farm XP or loot anyway. Kiting is already a breeze so I see it being used more for a fun factor than a necessity.
As for the OP, yes, the console is a patch behind and the effects will be seen only on the PS4 and XB1.
Also, Diablo has been out for the console for some time now, on the PS3. As for hack n slash dungeon crawlers go, it is by far the best port of a PC game I have ever played. With 2500 hours in on the PC and about 1000 on the console, I will say the game is great on both platforms with the PC edging it out in some ways but the console performing loot drops better IMHO.
http://www.diablowiki.net/Battle.net_Balance
GL with the HC character!