GAME: DIABLO 3

SYSTEM: PC

PRICE: R479

AGE RESTRICTION: 16

Diablo 3 is online only, and the servers on release are not able to cope. This means that when Battlenet is down you can't play, and when it is up there may be a lag.

While I understand exactly why this is happening, it is impossible to test a server for high traffic until you receive the high traffic.

It was Activision Blizzard's choice to make a single-player game that required you to log on.

Once you have managed to start playing, it is a lot like Diablo 2, minus permanent choices.

As you level up the stats distributed for you, the abilities for that level unlock.

This means you can change your build on the fly, but also means you aren't picking skills specifically to gain better ones later.

You aren't compromising the way you want to play the game, but at the same time those compromises were an important part of defining your character and playing style. This makes your character less unique, but also makes it much quicker to pick up, so it represents a step sideways for the series.

The overarching plot is good - but no better than what came previously.

The player companions each have their own stories, but they are cliche s.

Aesthetically, it is gorgeous and 3D adds a lot - the enemies are suitably gruesome and the cartoony comic-book look works.

The music is as always excellent, but the voice acting is uneven.

Overall the game is a disappointment. Without the server issues it would be okay - I certainly had fun when I could play it - but I suggest you delay buying it for a month until those server issues are dealt with.

THE GOOD

Solid aesthetics, solid gameplay, solid plot .

THE BAD

... if you can actually play it. Battlenet's server issues make this game literally unplayable for long periods. Without these the game would merit a 7.

RATING: 2/10