DiabloFans

definitely not "every" 99. But after grinding Baal/Cow level for so long, the people who did do it themselves must have felt like bots anyway!

As i said before it's a bit early to say for sure how we're going to distribute them, but i don't think it's going to be art contests for the exact reasons Donsro mentioned. Not everyone can paint or write.

I guess we'll worry when the beta announcement is made and will come up with a solution later.

Giving keys to people who did some work with the wiki could possibly be a fair way to award people contributing to the community, but we haven't really discussed it just yet.

Quote from Vortrall

Ever through the first and second games you had the option to get the hell out of there with a quick tp, especially on bosses and enemies where I'm sure I used a whole damn book of those things. It's because of the tps that you can make more challenging encounters, knowing that players will have to escape more than once to refill their potions and come back swinging at full force. Even after going back, I always slapped down another portal, just in case.

To remove exactly this kind of approach to boss encounters they removed the Town Portals. They said (and i very much agree) that a "challenging boss" in Diablo 2 was a boss with loads of hit points and almost instant kill abilities that had the player drink loads of potions, stack up life leech and escape to town for refills. That's not how bosses are supposed to work and that's not how bosses will be in Diablo 3. We'll have to use some sort of tactic, avoid the special abilities and use health globes (potions are on a cooldown so 1-2 per boss fight at maximum) when they're most effective.

Quote from Vortrall

Not to mention the gigantic amount of waypoints you will have to use to cover the whole game effectively and efficiently, without pissing higher levels off that they have to run through so much crap every time, and pissing lower levels off that the next waypoint is too damn far away, beyond that army of monsters which will kill them in a heartbeat.

I don't think you can take away tps and call it a diablo game. That's all there is to it.

With a static outdoor world, we shouldn't have any trouble to find the Waypoints quickly. That's one of the things i'm not really worried about. Again, about having to kill hordes of monsters... using some sort of tactic will do wonders. And if we're too low on health, we can always run to the previous Waypoint or pop a potion to kill the monsters we have ahead.

I also think you can call Diablo any game that... has Diablo as a lore character. Even a RTS in Sanctuary with Nephalem, High Heavens and Burning Hells as factions would be Diablo. Well, at least to me. :cool:

Quote from Wolven

Do you still get that cool efect on your weapon when it has aditional elemental damage or did they remove that?

Yes you do. Less glow on the lower elemental damage, far more on the higher damage enchants.

Been waiting for this since i finished the first game. Together with Dragon Age 2, Skyrim and Diablo III they'll probably kill me.

Modern Warfare 3 is to be announced later this year.
If there was to be a medieval CoD i don't think they'd add fantasy stuff (magic etc), just the regular weaponry, maybe mounted fighting and siege weapons (catapult/balista). Would be a decent change, can't think of a medieval FPS (only Might & Magic that was fantasy FPS).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzMhh8zhTiY&feature=share

Couldn't resist!

Quote from Daanland

For the QQ'ing until unban happens, simply my point remains. Permaban until fingol becomes a porn star - not Phrozen sorry(I say this because in a recent Adult Forum Survey, Greeks make the least porn movies per annum whereas Swedes lead with the most per annum).

home movies count? cause i made some of those already

anyways, it seems we have to perma-ban both. permanently this time so they (and others in the forum) will get the message that we aren't simply fooling around!

great news indeed! let's hope Blizzard sees it and sends us some beta keys as a major community site

Quote from Alcovitch

If he had told us WHEN the beta was likely to start, that would have been news.

this.

now the fact that they are talking about a beta is encouraging. but we shouldn't get too excited before they talk about "when" there's going to be one.

I wrote a little somethin' somethin' on Armor Dyes a while ago, never posted it anywhere. Might as well share it here



In Diablo 2 no system existed to let personalize the look of your armor. In fact visually speaking, the only factor that could change your armor's appearance was placing a gem into a socket, to which the outcome wasn't always very appealing.
Armor Dyes, with the buzzword "customization" in mind what better way to personalize your character than to color each armor piece individually. Armor Dyes are items acquired through crafting, buying, or from drops. What supplies needed for crafting them, the rarity of a vendor selling them, and the drop rate of the dyes have yet to be spoken about officially.
The dyes are represented by a rather suiting vile of dye in your inventory, as seen in the pictures to the left and right. Each dye will also have some flavor text describing its existence in the world. Also, it seems dyes will have to be activated via right click, than placed in an armor slot via left click. This will help prevent accidentally dropping your dye into a piece of armor.

It's clear Blizzard brought this system up to par as a viable way to extensively personalize your character through coloring each separate piece of armor. Though they may not just be limited to colors.. More on this later.

As debuted in the 2010 Crafting Sanctuary Blizzcon Panel, Christian Lichtner talks about how the system is here to maximize the level of customization available to the player. Using the Wizard as an example, he touches on how some color dyes will be more rare than others. He uses crimson red as an example of one of the more rare Armor Dyes.



Armor Dyes may not be just limited to colors though, as Magistrate and I got some interesting Twitter responses on this topic.


The possibility for special effect Armor Dyes isn't out of the question. We saw must of the dyes at Blizzcon, but not all.

The future of Armor Dyes is not certain though. Not long before Blizzcon Bashiok commented on how the current system isn't set in stone. With the recent cut of the Talisman, Bashiok's words on this shouldn't be disregarded.


One thing is for sure, Armor Dyes will be yet another valuable way to customize your character in the world of Sanctuary.

You be the judge.

At gamescom, Blizzard has finally revealed their plans for end game in Diablo III. Called Inferno, we first got a hint about this in the beta interview where it was said that players would have more difficulties to face in the "Hell and Inferno" difficulties. While at the time we did not know exactly what inferno was, we do now.

Inferno will be a fourth and even harder difficulty that unlocks after beating the game through the Hell difficulty and getting your character to level 60. Designed as an end game objective for players, monsters faced in this difficulty will all be at least level 61. Designed with more HP, damage, resistances, and more aggressive AI, the monsters pose to face players with the most difficult challenge of the game. Along with this, some monsters and bosses will even have extra skills at their disposal that you will only see in Inferno.

The objective of the Inferno difficulty is to give players something to do once capped but would avoid running the same bosses over and over again like the Baal runs of Diablo II. The entire game will plateau in this difficulty meaning that there will be no one particular place that would be best to farm for items. Blizzard is hoping that this will give the players an incentive to repeat the entire content of the game while looking for the best items and not just one section repeatedly. Even if players find a particular area that maximizes results for their efforts, Blizzard said they will add incentives to run through the entire content.

Now for the incentive to put yourself through this challenge of Inferno. Blizzard has said that only the best of the best gear will drop in Inferno. Both statistically and visually, if players want to find the best gear for their characters, they will have to make their way through Inferno multiple times. Along with armor and weapons, other high-end items like top ranked runestones will only drop in Inferno.

With end game finally revealed, and Beta beginning in a "little while" what else could gamescom hold in store for Diablo III. Stay tuned on Saturday when Diablo's two performances and interview are being held for some more possible news.

There was also 14 new screen shots that were shown as well that you can find on our wiki.

You can also check out force's video covering this news as well.

And in case you did miss it:
It turns out that Diablo, himself (herself?) did indeed open the gates of Hell at Rudlofplatz on the 16th.




A special thanks to Lorgarn for sharing the pictures and evilenginen9 for informing on the Inferno news and hicksology for starting the discussion on the topic.

Quote from xdarkker

A beta key would be really nice. Signed up on facebook also now

LOL!!! u are here since early 2006, and your first post is after 5.5 years and not even in Diablo thread, that's hillarious

Mine?!?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNiR5ZTb_MA&feature=related

Yet still no game is willing to go all the way and just have the heroine be completely nude.

Quote from Silverchild

Quote from Leeodin

I really take issue with this... I have said in other posts; I just don't get why you feel like you derserve your items more than someone that just buys them?

Lets say player A wants a particular legendary item. He has to figure out where it drops, how to kill the mobs / boss, and also figure out an effective way to farm there. He will also probably fine tune his build and change his skill/passive/runes setup to be extra-efficent in that area. For example he might use a spell he does not normally use because it deal extra damage to the mobs there. He might also equip lots of +MF to help him in his quest. Player A is very dedicated, and it takes him a few weeks to drop his legendary. He his then very happy. Yay, good for you, Player A.

Player B goes on the RMAH and pay 80$ for the legendary.

You think both player deserve the item equally?

No I think the person who is willing to pay 80 bucks for it deserves it more, because he valued it on the same level as FOOD for him. He used the same currency he'd use to buy food, clothing, to pay for his house. He didn't just spend his free time, he actually WORKED for that item.

So in light of recent activity, I came across this relevant image:

A Monster's Life
Diablo in its most simple form is loot, skills, and monsters. Slaying monsters allows the player to level their skills, and gives them loot so they can kill more monsters. Developers have only three opportunities to showcase a monster in a game such as Diablo. First is during spawn, when the monster appears on screen. Secondly in combat, where the player interacts with the monster. Then finally in death, when the player receives their loot, and moves onto the next target. We'll be visiting each one of these stages with numerous examples to get an idea of how Diablo III's development team is flavoring each monster; having it tell a story through the brief time it's on screen. Throughout this article I will note encounters of all three types from 5 rich gameplay footage sources, the 2008 Barb/Witch Doctor Gameplay Trailer, 2010 Demon Hunter Gameplay Trailer Part one/Part two, the 2010 Monk Gameplay Trailer, and the 2010 Wizard Gameplay Trailer. Click the time stamp to skip to the time relating to the corresponding encounter. Open the time stamp in a new tab, then close after the example is over to navigate the article smoothly. Lets begin our tour through the lives of monsters in Diablo III.

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Spawning, first impressions


In 00:25). Shortly after we see a Grotesque, which itself doesn't have a unique spawn, but the Grotesque about to burst2:29). Next we see a 4:06). After slashing through those encounters the Barbarian comes across a 4:41). After acquiring a scripted full set of gear from the chest, the Barb leaps over a break in a bridge and uses 6:37), reinforcing the fact that these are indeed undead creatures we are dealing with. Later on we see a Dark Vessel transform into an Activated Vessel, who attacks the player viciously until destroyed (9:30). They have a nice death animation also, more on this later.

10:19). After slaying the mini boss, outside the dungeon we see some run-of-the-mill Zombies rising from the ground; still a nice touch (12:10). Next we see a Skeletal Summoner bring a Skeleton to life via a purple mist of energy (13:27). Thereafter we witness a slew of 13:43). Come (16:29) we see the huge Gnarled Walkers creek and rattle into combat. Finally the players encounter certainly the biggest creature seen thus far, the 18:50).

The 3 Bosses we've seen in game so far; Thousand Pounder, Siegebreaker, and Skeleton King
Dark BerserkerMoving along to the 0:29). Right after, the Treasure Seeker is encountered, more on him in the combat segment. (2:39) Ghouls once again surround the player via climbing up from below, and a large unnamed skeleton jumps from the ground wielding a large one handed mace. While not mini boss status, he is certainly unique. Next, though not a creature, we see a ghostly scene playing out of 3:00). Later we see Walking Corpses climbing out from an underground chamber at the top left of the screen (4:55). Lastly three 7:29).


Dune ThresherNow on the 0:31). Also in the mix at this encounter is a Lacuni Huntress who also can teleport, and is noted to have a lightning aura around her hinting that she is a lieutenant class creature. (1:38) marks our first encounter with three Dune Threshers. One dives under the sand and swims near the player. Following, the Monk is surrounded by Lacunis popping from the sand triggered by a chest (2:27). Next a Dune Dervish makes its first appearance, launching from the sand in a spinning fury alongside a few others, which seem to be spawning around a suiting large tornado (5:14). Come 7:47 the Tomb Vipers are spotted to the upper right. At a distance they are invisible, as they approach the player they appear as a glowing orb, and only when in close range they're seen in their true form.


During the first 1:30 of the Wizard Gameplay Trailer, 3:44). Most notable in this video though, we see the 4:50).



Combat, a role to play


First impressions over you want it dead, combat will get you there. Diablo 2 had a good variation of monster blends, keeping the player on their feet. As with most everything though, the D3 team is taking this a step farther, adding new monster types, each of them having different roles to play in battle.

During the 2009 Heroes & Monsters Blizzcon Panel, 28:34).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmcth0J5jRg&t=28m34sAdvance to 28:34 for monster archetypes
Monster Archetypes

• Swarmers - Weak, Typically Melee
• Ranged - Prjectile Speed, Arc, Direct
• Lieutenant - Resurrect, Buff, Spawners
• Elite - Tough, Stronger Attacks, or Both
• AOE - Point Blank, Line, Radial, Cone
• Weakener - Debuff, Slow, Drainer
• One Offs: Sleeper, Alarm, Bee Hive, Linked, Sapper, Thief

Through many combinations of those functions, different groups of monsters form different challenges, which each class has to approach suiting to their play style. During the 2010 Blizzcon Crafting Sanctuary Panel 2/4, 6:16). As you roll through the examples below, give some thought to the archetypes listed, and what one the monster is fulfilling.


Skeletal ShieldmenTo note some of these mechanics in action, starting in the 2008 Gameplay Video, Jay Wilson elaborates on how to properly approach a Dark Berserker. "These Berserkers have a powerful attack that does massive damage, it's best to avoid it, then retaliate while he recovers" (3:07). Jay goes on to describe the Dark Cultist and their threat on the field, "The Cultist that are joining the fight are weak and easy to kill, but the demon spawn the summon are not. The Barbarian must dispatch the Cultist quickly before he is overrun" (3:18). He goes onto explain how these two monsters complement each other, "Working together the Berserkers provide a tough obstacle, allowing the Cultist time to stack the odds against our hero." Next the Barb triggers the four 4:41). Afterward the player runs across a mass of 8:40). Also notice how the Skeletal Shieldman make a barrier between the player and the less resilient Skeleton Archers in the back.

BeastOur next encounter marks where two groups of Dark Vessels are seen; these monsters are high priority targets. In this case there are no other creatures around to distract the player, though even if there were, killing as many of the vessels as possible before they transform into Activated Vessels would likely be the best game plan (9:24). Soon after during the mini boss battle the Thousand Pounder reaches half heath, which sends him into a frenzy. This increases his movement speed, attack speed, and likely attack damage (10:52). These type of monster mechanics can make longer combat encounters more diverse and difficult. At 12:56 we see an example of a enemy charge attack by the 13:27). This I suspect is purposeful, and implemented into the AI of the Summoner to better surround the player. Next at (13:42) the Witch Doctor gets jumped by many Scavengers. Falling under the "Swarmers" archetype, these creatures attack in numbers, are melee, and rather easy to kill. Lastly in the 2008 Gameplay Video from 16:30 on we see an example of a multi tiered fight, beginning with the the Gnarled Walkers, climaxing with the Siegebreaker Assault Beast, and ending with the mass of Skeletons.

Male Demon Hunter During the Demon Hunter Gameplay footage, a strange creature is noted. This is the Treasure Seeker, this monster doesn't attack the player, instead it will run away in attempts to keep its stolen loot. With each hit the Treasure Seeker will drop gold, loot, or both (0:39). The next encounter introduces environmental hazards, note the huge metal grate on the ground, periodically bursting into a huge inferno which would most definitely harm the player (0:43). Next is something reminiscent of Diablo 2, when a Skeleton Archer fires upon the player from behind a barred cell wall (1:21). I remember that being extra annoying as a Barbarian in D2. Afterward marks an Elite class creature encounter, as the player reaches the center of a four way walk bridge, an event is triggered as Ghouls climb up from every direction surrounding the player, then a huge Skeleton jumps up from the ground, becoming a top priority target (1:21). Note how the Demon Hunter volts over the fiery grates to avoid taking unnecessary damage (3:43). Shortly after another environmental hazard is seen in the form of giant falling blades (4:42). Next we stumble upon an interesting mixture of monsters. A 5:58). Lastly three Dark Berserkers under command of an Dark Cultist make for a dangerous encounter (7:28).


Activated Vessel Concept Art, Treasure Seeker Reward Poster, Tomb Viper Concept Art Fallen shaman Right off the bat in the Monk Gameplay Video a few 0:05). These kind of choke points can make it hard to avoid from casters, thus why the Monk uses a damage reflection skill. At 1:28 as before we see the three 2:09). Shortly after the Monk sets off a sabotaged chest, causing multiple Lacuni Huntresses to spring from the sand (2:27). Following that, we see a melting pot of creatures including Lacuni Warriors, Lacuni Huntresses, 2:41). Next marks my favorite part of the video, where multiple clans of Fallen attack the four players at a choke point. Masses of fallen charge in as the front lines get mowed down while the players break through and finish off the few left behind (4:22). It's times like that where you feel the power of your character. At 5:13 a strange tornado coming from a rocky hole in the ground is seen. Around this tornado are swirling symbols on the ground, soon after the players enter the area multiple Dune Dervish leap from the sand. From 5:59 to 7:29 we see chaotic battles break out as the players enter an overtaken desert city now inhabited by the forces of Hell. Afterward are the 7:47). This could make for quick surrounds when venturing through dark tombs.

Unburied Lastly the Wizard Gameplay Video, while few mentions of intricate combat exist in this video, the ones that do are very interesting. After being threatened by the Skeleton King, the Wizard is attacked by Skeleton Shieldmen, that have excellent attack resistance, 1:53). Secondly we see a large lumbering 3:31). Lastly during the battle with the Skeleton King, the player has their large objective target (Skeleton King), yet all the while has to keep the Skeletons around her at bay (4:53).

Aside from regular foreseeable encounters as listed, there are also random events. As Jason Bender explains to us during the Crafting Sanctuary Panel, random encounters can occur in many places throughout the world, which are themselves randomized. "You could just be walking thought a swamp and boom, 500 Zombies pop up." Surely an overstatement, though the In Game Example gives us a realistic idea.



Death, the most important part of a Monster's Life


"One of the most important stages of any monster's life, is really, death." - Jill Harrington
Often times the most exciting part of an encounter with a monster is indeed its death. In Diablo 2 we had a handful of unique death animations. Many of you remember Epic Death Experiences (10:04)."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA6su8Mg__0&hd=1Advance video to 10:04 for Monster Deaths
Wraith and Ghostly OrbStarting with the 2008 Gameplay Footage, as mentioned in the Spawning segment we come across a 2:28). Next a defeated Wraith implodes before degenerating into a mist of ghostly energy (4:51). Third we have the death animation for the Activated Vessel, twitching as the demonic energy which brought it to life escapes upward until its body finally explodes, bits fly everywhere (9:45). Afterwards the player witnesses the death of the Thousand Pounder, his innards spray out and up, leaving just his skeleton laying lifeless (11:06). Following the mini boss we see how the Witch Doctor's Locust Swarm attack eats the flesh right down to the bone, more on these type of skill caused death animations soon (12:14). Next marks the death of an Skeleton Summoner, flickering for a split second, then bones and all degenerating upward into a purple mist (13:33). Later on the 16:35).


On the topic of deaths, special player deaths are in the game. At 17:28 we see the Siegebreaker Assault Beast, pick up the Female Which Doctor, roar in her face, and chuck her at the ground killing her instantly. Soon after, the Male 18:05). Shortly after the Siegebreaker falls, its body smoldering. It then catches on fire, falling apart as a demonic force flies out of it, opening 5 portals around the players where massive amount of Skeletons emerge (18:36).


In the Demon Hunter Gameplay footage we see the death of the large skeleton mentioned in all 3 segments of this article. Sadly his death isn't very interesting, as his body just goes limp, and falls off the ledge (0:37). I feel a giant explosion of bone would have been much more suiting. Secondly something neat happens. Due to the physics in the game the Dark Cultist's body flies past the camera (5:27).

Female MonkOnto the notable death animations in the Monk Gameplay video. Seeing as the Monk often uses combo moves, causing the monster to violently explode, sometimes what appears to be a unique monster death is just the end result of combination of attacks from the Monk, and not to be confused with the explosions of higher class monsters. Firstly the death of a Frozen Mage, its limbs fly outward falling and scatting nicely due to the in house physics engine (1:32).


Lastly for our Gameplay videos, during the Wizard footage, we have an Unburied's death animation. Falling backward and decomposing down to its rib cage (3:45). Suiting since after all it is just a multitude of corpses bound together by demonic forces. We don't get to witness the death of the Skeleton King, that is left to our imaginations.


Aside from standard death animations, there are also critical kill deaths which have their own effects. During a 2008 D3 Blizzcon Panel, Monster Deaths were showcased. Jay Wilson goes on to talk about how during a critical hit kill the monster will explode, and also show which primary damage type ended its life. He then talks about what you've just seem through a multitude of examples, how certain monsters have unique specialty deaths. Lastly he showcases how skills with specific damage types effect monsters differently. We see how the Witch Doctor's Locust Swarm eats the flesh off its victims, how Burst of Acid melts the flesh off, and how rare monsters are filled with a lot of energy, so they obviously have to explode upon death.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdxzTV2qhLsDiablo 3 Monster Deaths - BlizzCon 2008
Another great example of how different damage types effect the death animation of monsters is at 50:10 in the Diablo III Gameplay Panel, Blizzcon 2010; where the Wizard's Hydra skill is showcased, showing how each of the five Runestones effect it, and the effect it has on its victim's death animations.


The Diablo universe would be nothing without the monsters which inhabit it. Blizzard is going the extra mile to make sure our experiences with them this time round are varied, and challenging. I hope you enjoyed our journey through the life and death of monsters in Diablo 3. Thank you for reading, see you next time!

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More Diablo you say? Ophion also covered creature encounters, in the Diablo Chronicles. Further into the chronicles he details the randomization of these encounters through the Diablo series, some new creature behaviors in Diablo 3, Boss mechanics, and discussion of some character/follower mechanic evolution. Swing by the article and get your read on.

It's not too late to vote in our most recent poll, Cooling Down with Cooldowns, or listen to Force's DiabloCast XVIII, The Armory Will Expose You! where the Trio talks about skill cooldowns, beta speculation, and much more.

Also be sure to check out ScyberDragon's How Soon is Soon™ article where Diablo 3's unknown release date is discussed.

Dying for more? Check out Don_guillotine's Editorial on death, and the toll it could take in Diablo 3.

Everyone take 5 and go get a beverage.

I assure you internet drama is the last thing you need in your lives.