While we've been busy play testing the PC/Mac Beta Client, Blizzard, who seems to always be one step ahead of us, has been busy experimenting with the console version of the game. They originally announced back in November that they would be exploring Diablo on consoles at some point in time, and had job positions opened up for PS3 and XBox360 specialists. Just recently, PCGamer spoke with Jay Wilson about the concept behind a console version of the game.
Official Blizzard Quote:
One of the reasons why we're exploring the idea of a console version of Diablo 3 because we feel that the controls and the style of the game lend itself to a console.
This line of thinking is pretty hard to dispute because he pretty much hit the nail on the head. Sure, many diehard Diablo fans are going to argue and say that it just doesn't make sense on consoles because it isn't "Diablo" if it isn't on my computer, but there's no arguing the fact that these controls would feel great when used with a controller. The analog sticks would work wonders for spellcasting and movement, and ironically (or purposely!) there are just enough buttons on the controller to match up with the spellbar and UI.
Official Blizzard Quote:
With some of our early experiments in putting a direct control scheme into the game via a 360-like analogue controller, I've been, 'Oh this feels even better, with direct control...'
To help show off this direct control (because hey, who wants to hear me preach?), malu05 from SC2Mapster has made a demonstration of just what exactly Diablo with a console controller would look like. I'd also like to throw out there, that I was able to playtest the Torchlight 360 console version and the game really did feel much better with direct control. If you want to read my review of TL360, head to the RunicGamesFansite.
Torchlight seemed to work well with console controls. According to Runic Games it even sold more than the Steam version. I could definitely see a slightly stripped down Diablo 3 on consoles with arena and some of the battle.net stuff removed.
You can plug anything into your computer. You could probably find a way to plug your toaster into your computer.
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My place really was here. I was too foolish and stubborn to notice. But, what I truly hoped for then was here. Why do I always realize it When I've already lost it.
Yup, been playing World of Warcraft and Age of Conan with PS3 controllers, XBox Controllers, and Logitech PC controllers in the shame of PS3 controllers for years now.
Sometimes you need an adapter, most of the time you need a utility program that lets you map the keys (for Mac I use GamepadCompanion, for PC some program called pinnacle game profiler).
The downside, so far for me, is mouse cursor control; the analog sticks are alright, but they are not precise enough to use to control the mouse quickly - they would have to add WASD movement for D3 for controllers to work well I think.
Or use the Belkin (n52te) game pad for the PC. I swear by it for the last 5 years on WOW, and pretty much every other game. Use it with your left hand and the mouse in your right hand. Works great.
I wonder how long after the pc release the consule version would release?
It looks and seems like the could flow nicely with a controller, but I wonder how it would work with certain skills like Leap attack with the barb, or meteor with the wizard. When using these skills, you pick a certain point on the screen to either leap to, or shower with meteors. I'm not sure how you can do that with a controller, unless they just used a set distance for these skills, and you just aimed them from your player.
Now we know why the game will be realeased on 2012. Ty Blizzard.
I can tell you, that the console game will not be coming out at the same time as the PC. The only console that it might come out is the 360, but it's still a long shot. It's only been 6 or 8 months since they started writing code for the console game, if that.
I just hope if they do it they DON'T go to the 360.... if I want to run it on my computer from 10 years ago, I'd play diablo 2. I want to run it on something that's at least SOMEWHAT close to the power of a modern computer, and the 360 just isn't that.
I just hope if they do it they DON'T go to the 360.... if I want to run it on my computer from 10 years ago, I'd play diablo 2. I want to run it on something that's at least SOMEWHAT close to the power of a modern computer, and the 360 just isn't that.
I wanna see how they would expect to run a game the runs 24/7 online with a service that requires payment. PS3 is free online but 360 is pay to play for online service. (unless they make an offline game with online capabilities for the consoles which probably wouldn't be hard.)
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Went outside today, the graphics were ok. But the gameplay sucked
Gah, the way people support this whole console thing makes me sick... must rant.
Before I rant, get this: I have to say movement controls can feel better (its analog) and the fact you can more easily play on your big screen is fantastic.
// begin rant
Why would a Diablo fan argue that it isn't "Diablo"? Blizzard won't remove any content. Its Diablo. Fans arguing it isn't "Diablo" are ignorant. I realize thats not meant to be taken literally, but how else could you take it? Of course it can't be the exact same game. Surely they aren't gonna throw in some stormtroopers here, and a few Master Chiefs over there and call it Diablo. So how is it not Diablo? Again -- it is Diablo!
Claiming it "lends itself" to consoles is just nonsensical.
At this point, you may say "What a babbling idiot! No facts! He hasn't played it on console yet! Its gotta be so much better!" Oh-ho... Hold up. I have facts.
I bet these tasks are going to be SO much easier on console! I can't wait! I'm all giddy!!! So here's whats going to be easy:
Targeting mobs at the back of groups
Looking through inventory
Managing inventory
Dealing with vendors
Stashing goods
Selecting skills
Browsing stats
Picking up loot when theres a ton of loot
Experimenting with unlimited respec
Give me a break. Its going to be Menu Browser 3 unless they come up with some kind of break through in control devices. Oh wait! We have one on PC! Its called a mouse!
// end rant
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Official Blizzard Quote:
One of the reasons why we're exploring the idea of a console version of Diablo 3 because we feel that the controls and the style of the game lend itself to a console.
This line of thinking is pretty hard to dispute because he pretty much hit the nail on the head. Sure, many diehard Diablo fans are going to argue and say that it just doesn't make sense on consoles because it isn't "Diablo" if it isn't on my computer, but there's no arguing the fact that these controls would feel great when used with a controller. The analog sticks would work wonders for spellcasting and movement, and ironically (or purposely!) there are just enough buttons on the controller to match up with the spellbar and UI.
Official Blizzard Quote:
With some of our early experiments in putting a direct control scheme into the game via a 360-like analogue controller, I've been, 'Oh this feels even better, with direct control...'
To help show off this direct control (because hey, who wants to hear me preach?), malu05 from SC2Mapster has made a demonstration of just what exactly Diablo with a console controller would look like. I'd also like to throw out there, that I was able to playtest the Torchlight 360 console version and the game really did feel much better with direct control. If you want to read my review of TL360, head to the RunicGamesFansite.
Yes, he really is controlling the character with the controller!
Diablo III Analyst
SC2Mapster
You can plug anything into your computer. You could probably find a way to plug your toaster into your computer.
It looks and seems like the could flow nicely with a controller, but I wonder how it would work with certain skills like Leap attack with the barb, or meteor with the wizard. When using these skills, you pick a certain point on the screen to either leap to, or shower with meteors. I'm not sure how you can do that with a controller, unless they just used a set distance for these skills, and you just aimed them from your player.
so i find this a future development.
beats me to know why d2 wasnt ported to a console, its not like its allot of controlls <.<
I can tell you, that the console game will not be coming out at the same time as the PC. The only console that it might come out is the 360, but it's still a long shot. It's only been 6 or 8 months since they started writing code for the console game, if that.
This way i'll try to experiment playing D3 on my arcade fightstick!
wow
Ha. Bagstone.
That just feels... wrong..and inappropriate... and dirty..
..I like it
Before I rant, get this: I have to say movement controls can feel better (its analog) and the fact you can more easily play on your big screen is fantastic.
// begin rant
Why would a Diablo fan argue that it isn't "Diablo"? Blizzard won't remove any content. Its Diablo. Fans arguing it isn't "Diablo" are ignorant. I realize thats not meant to be taken literally, but how else could you take it? Of course it can't be the exact same game. Surely they aren't gonna throw in some stormtroopers here, and a few Master Chiefs over there and call it Diablo. So how is it not Diablo? Again -- it is Diablo!
Claiming it "lends itself" to consoles is just nonsensical.
At this point, you may say "What a babbling idiot! No facts! He hasn't played it on console yet! Its gotta be so much better!" Oh-ho... Hold up. I have facts.
I bet these tasks are going to be SO much easier on console! I can't wait! I'm all giddy!!! So here's whats going to be easy:
Targeting mobs at the back of groups
Looking through inventory
Managing inventory
Dealing with vendors
Stashing goods
Selecting skills
Browsing stats
Picking up loot when theres a ton of loot
Experimenting with unlimited respec
Here's a good reference for everyone. This is totally better than Diablo on PC, by leaps and bounds. YouTube video of Diablo on Playstation
Give me a break. Its going to be Menu Browser 3 unless they come up with some kind of break through in control devices. Oh wait! We have one on PC! Its called a mouse!
// end rant