Diablo is a hack'n slash action Role Playing Game (RPG) that was released in late 1996. And almost all gamers who like to play RPGs, have become a fan of it in a very short time. Then, in summer 2000, came the second title in the series, Diablo 2, which later became the favorite game of millions of gamers worldwide for many years. Even now, after more than 10 years, a large number of people continue playing this game and its various mods created by many fans.

Blizzard Entertainment, the creator of Diablo series, made an announcement on June 2008 that turned millions of fans' dreams into reality. They said that they had been developing the third game and trying their best to make it the best hack'n slash RPG ever.

While we are waiting for the release of Diablo 3, let me talk about what is so special about Diablo series, especially Diablo 2, that even after 10 years, the game is able to make itself played by a large number of gamers.

As a long term Diablo 2 player, I can say that this game has the right combination of characteristics an action RPG should have in order to keep the interest of the player alive for a long time. The first thing I want to mention is the story of the game. I really don't remember another game with such an interesting and captivating story. The game starts with an opening cinematic which tells the beginning of the story. Even at that instant, you can feel the greatness and the charm of the game. As you proceed through the acts, by the way there are 5 acts including the expansion, new cinematic videos continue telling the story creating an increasing curiosity and attention. I am quite sure that most of the Diablo players have watched those videos countless times to better get into the game world.

The game has three difficulty options as normal, nightmare and hell; where normal is the easiest and hell is the hardest. Once you complete the game in a difficulty level, the next one will be unlocked and you can continue playing with your character but this time with an increased difficulty and a more challenging world. Better items and greater fun comes with the increased difficulty, and that is the main point that makes gamers play it again and again.

As in all other RPGs, there is a leveling system in Diablo 2 as well. You gain experience by killing creatures and once you have enough experience, your character levels up. There is a level cap in Diablo 2, which is 99, and the game developers had implemented a unique idea which I find to be very successful. It is close to impossible to get to level 99, let me explain it like this: The amount of experience you need to gain a level, increases exponentially with each level and although the amount of experience you gain in the increased difficulty areas increase as well, after a certain point, (like around level 80) it takes more and more time to level up. This is brilliant right? What else could keep the players' focus on the game?

The item system in Diablo 2 is also a really unique and wisely crafted part of the game. Just like the three difficulty levels in the game, items also have three levels as normal, exceptional and elite. At the beginning of the game, you start with getting normal item drops and as you progress in the game and level up, item levels as well as their quality also increases. In my opinion, this system simply is what made Diablo 2 that much successful.

Additionally, all that magic, rare, unique and set items; miscellaneous gems, runes and the limitless combinations you can create, enrich the game and take it to a level where you will not get bored even after hundreds of hours of gameplay.

You now have a better idea about Diablo 2 and I highly suggest you try it if you haven't yet. I am sure you will like it if you are on good terms with action RPGs. Besides, it will be a good idea to do so before Diablo 3 comes out.