Episode 19 - Diablo

Diablo 1 laid the groundwork for the action-RPG genre way back in 1996. We have Diablo to thank for genre staples like colour-coded loot, elite mobs and town-portal scrolls. But since then, ARPGS have evolved into incredibly complex beasts, with sprawling skill trees, crafting systems and character customisation that makes Diablo 1 look quaint in comparison.

But is high-complexity necessarily better than a game which is simple and refined? Are more realistic graphics with their anti-aliasing and 3D Graphics better than basic yet haunting hallways? Has Diablo 1 stood the test of time, or is it better left forgotten as a relic of the ARPG genre?

In this episode, we discuss:

• What creates good atmosphere? How well does Diablo 1 immerse you in its experience, and how does it compare to modern ARPGS like Diablo 3 and Path to Exile?
• The amount and types of loot available to you while playing through Diablo is quite limited - does this make loot feel more meaningful, or does it just make the game less interesting?
• Pat and James continue their classic argument about respecs. Are respecs something every game should have, or is something essential lost when you can change the nature of your character with ease?

We answer these questions, and many more, on the 19th episode of the Retro Spectives Podcast!

If you enjoyed the show and would like to continue the conversation, feel free to head on over to our Discord which you can find here or on our website. Thanks for listening!