Difference between revisions of "Diablo clone"

Latest revision as of 18:30, 15 June 2017

Diablo clone aka "Diablo-like" relates to a subgenre of action role-play-videogame (arpg) with Hack'n'Slash gameplay, named after the homonymous Blizzard videogame series.

As reported in the Hack and Slash definition in Wikipedia, great confusion is generated from indiscriminated use of arpg and hack'n’slash definitions, where: - the first term is too generic and could apply to “any rpg that can be played with a controller (cit.)", -HnS can be considered just a definition of a gameplay style (instead of a full distinct genre); can apply both to weapon-based beat-em ups (god of war, bayonetta, devil may cry, nier automata) or just simple and plain beat-em up's (Golden axe)...or also to well-known action rpgs like skyrim, with hacking and slashing present in some extent.

So, it's tough to define a pure "diablo clone", but it usually has this peculiar features:

• isometric/top down field of view

• real-time, action combat (no tactical pause, like in crpgs)

• emphasis put on mouse use (movement, main attack, low-level interaction with scenario limited to basic smashing stuff or pushing levers. "point-and-click")

• loot : wearable items, quest items, power-ups, gold, etc. (usually pickable by click on a text label: different colors, different rarity/quality)

• great attention to char performance development :leveling leads to increase of stat/skill points, many classes available

• only one character controlled by the player (opposite to party control seen in crpg)

The main focus of the game itself is not on a deep storyline, relations with npcs or plot twists, like in other rpg subgenres, but instead great emphasis is put on the sheer “power” growth of the player-controlled character: improving its performance (not just attributes int/dex/str/vit, but dps, elemental resistances, crit, etc).

This subgenre usually shows great replayability value, because to reach top level with a character, multiple playthroughs are required (Diablo 3 allows an adventure mode though, instead of replaying the main campaign). The possibility of creating multiple characters, each with different stat/skills’ assignation, extends further the game lasting appeal.

Notable titles:

• Diablo series (more precisely, the most "cloned" gameplay is that of the 2nd iteration.)

• Sacred series (1-2 and dlcs, 3rd episode is a isometric beat em up )

• Nox • Fate series • Titan Quest • Grim Dawn • Path of Exile • Darkstone: Evil Reigns • The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing • Loki: Heroes of Mythology • Deathspank • Kult: Heretic Kingdoms • Legend: Hand of God • Torchlight - Victor Vran - Vikings: wolves of midgard - Drakensang online - Marvel heroes

Notable exceptions and “borderline” titles, that have some but not all the "necessary" attributes of the genre:

• Borderlands series (First person shooter gameplay, with small progression in char building, mainly relying on higher level weapons)

• Dungeon Siege I-II (party based, pausable to giveorders, stil respects some other criterias)

• Silverfall (same as above)