Top 50 Video Games: Number 14

#14: Diablo
System: Playstation/ PC
Publisher: Blizzard
Released: 1998/1996
Players: 1-2/1-4


Rogue, Warrior and Sorceror do battle against King Leoric and his undead minions.


Diablo has three qualities that many great games of all kinds throughout time have had in common: It is simple, challenging and addictive. Diablo was the definitive action RPG. It's essentially a prettier version of Gauntlet with character advancement and equipment thrown into the mix. It's simple enough. The first time you walk into the dungeon and you see two skeletons running at you with weapons drawn, what you have to do becomes pretty clear. It's certainly challenging throughout, especially for us warriors. The addictive part largely comes from the staggering number of different items and equipment available in the game. After all, that Godly Breastplate of the Whale could be dropped by the next enemy you kill and just five more minutes couldn't hurt....

The game gives you three character classes to choose from. The Warrior is a melee combat fighter who can take a hit as well as dish one out. Mr Nachos the Warrior became obsolete and retired once he and Sypter the Sorceror got to high levels. He died too easily and just couldn't dish out the damage good enough anymore. The Rogue is a ranged fighter, a lady skilled in the ways of archery. I played the rogue the least of the three characters. Last we have the Sorceror. In the early game he's a sissy with a small spell selection, little mana and pink robes. Once he hits his stride though, he is far and away the most powerful character. He's the only one who can single handedly take down large groups of enemies without too much trouble. And make no mistake about it, you'll be battling large groups of monsters frequently.


A Rogue returns from Tristram via a Town Portal spell to enter the fray.


You'll constantly be facing down mobs of undead, acid spitters, lightning-shooting lizardmen, evil spellcasters and more. I remember the first time I walked into The Butcher's room hearing "Ahhh.....fresh meat!" then being chased and killed by the large red skinned demon. The game's graphics, particularly the light and shading effects were quite impressive. It looks like shit now, but at the time it was atmospheric and creepy. The music and sound were also strong as were the various death animations. The game had friendly fire between allies, and whenever we were each controlling a sorceror and the action got thick, we'd start launching fireballs and wind up killing each other.

For several months every Sunday was Diablo Day at Jimbob's house. I'd come strolling in with my Playstation and Diablo game in tow, say hi to his family then disappear into his room for the next 12 hours occasionally leaving to be fed and watered. Sometimes we'd move into the living room and play. Eventually Jimbob convinced his dad to give the game a try. His father wound up buying the game for the PC and staying up into the wee hours of the morning playing it. I enjoy spreading The Gospel wherever I go, converting followers to gaming like some digital Jesus. The game's replay value, between the items available and the fact that the dungeons and quests are randomized, is great. Diablo had a so-so expansion called Hellfire for the PC. It also had a sequel, but that is a story for another day.