Diablo Podcast

The Diablo Podcast is a weekly (or more often) podcast produced by The Unofficial Diablo Site, Diablo.IncGamers.com. Hosted by prominent Diablo community member Flux, TDP covers recent news and controversial issues in the Diablo community, features in-depth discussion and debate about game issues, and hosts regular interviews with game developers and members of the Diablo Community.

• New episodes are posted regularly on DiabloPodcast.com.
• Listeners may also subscribe through iTunes.

Contents

TDP Episode Guide

Brief summaries of each episode. Click the "view it here" links to see the full news posts and links to grab each episode via iTunes, YouTube, or via the direct mp3 file.

2011 Episodes

Episode One

The first episode features Flux and Elly discussing the early days of DiabloII.net, their visit to Blizzard North in 1999, the Diablo II beta, and the news that Diablo III was originally developed as an MMORPG, back at Blizzard North in 2001. That conversation is followed by part one of Flux's interview with Diablo creator Max Schaefer, in which Max answers questions about the early design goals of Diablo I-III, and discusses the new version of Diablo III. The show wraps up with a bit more from Flux and Elly, as they digest Max's revelations and talk about security issues in MMORPGs

• Original air date: April 11, 2011.
• Length: 58:52
• View it here.

Episode Two

This episode features Flux and Elly discussing the surprisingly-positive fan reaction to episode one, as well as fake D3 play-tester news, Blizzard's relentless (and annoying) social media marketing, and the sticker shock inflicted by BlizzCon 2011's just-announced ticket price. Following that discussion is part two of Flux's interview with Diablo-creator Max Schaefer. In this half hour Max answers questions about Torchlight and Torchlight II, along with Runic Games' design philosophy and shares his thoughts on current trends in the RPG community.

• Original air date: April 18, 2011.
• Length: 1:03:19
• View it here.

Episode Three

This episode is a listener's guide to Blizzcon, with Flux interviewing Rush, Neinball, Exile, and Dana about their experiences attending past Blizzcons. What's the show like, is it really that big, how bad are the lines and the food, how do they compare to Blizzard's international WWI events, what's it like to be there cheering with everyone else when new games are announced, and more. All covered in great detail in this episode.

• Original air date: April 25, 2011.
• Length: 1:01:46
• View it here.

Episode Four

This episode opens with half an hour of Flux discussing Blizzard's social media marketing with Wolfpaq777 and DiablosMinion. Neither of the guests are very enthusiastic about the ongoing Facebook and Twitter approach Blizzard is taking. The second half of the show is all about the BlizzCon 2010 PvP Arena demo. Flux speaks with three fans, Exile, Dana, and Neinball, about what it was like to play the demo, which class they chose, if they played on a team, how successful they were, and much more.

• Original air date: April 28, 2011.
• Length: 1:17:20
• View it here.

Episode Five

Flux talks with Ilyak and Neinball about the new item news: no-binding items in Diablo III and the first details about how Item Sets will be crafted and scale up over time. Plus bonus Mad Cow sound effects!

• Original air date: May 2, 2011.
• Length: 49:37
• View it here.

Episode Six

Flux interviews Ryithos about his adventures in Cosplay. Crafting foam swords, getting onstage at Blizzcon, meeting his future wife, and going eight hours without peeing; it’s all in a day’s work!

• Original air date: May 5, 2011.
• Length: 48:46
• View it here.

Episode Seven

Flux interviews New York Times reporter Seth Schiesel about his recent article on Diablo III, his visit to Blizzard Irvine and play time on Diablo III, his thoughts on Diablo III’s economy and Auction House, and Blizzard’s PR initiatives and fansite disapproval. Plus bio info about how Seth came to write about video games for the NYT.

• Original air date: May 9, 2011.
• Length: 1:25:10
• View it here.

Episode Eight

In this episode Flux speaks with Neinball and Wolfpaq about yesterday’s Diablo 3 beta time-frame announcement. Hear conversation about the likely duration of the beta, the content of the beta test, and much more, including superhero movie digressions and Conan quotes.

• Original air date: May 10, 2011.
• Length: 50:04
• View it here.

Episode Nine

In this episode Flux speaks with Wolfpaq, DiablosMinion, and The Eliminator about the the newly-revealed Followers system. The majority of the guests, and the host, are fairly displeased with the Normal-only/single player-only implementation of D3′s potentially awesome Mercenary system.

• Original air date: May 16, 2011.
• Length: 1:06:31
• View it here.

Episode Ten

In this episode Flux interviews KuangTu of Diablo3.cc about his recent visit to Blizzard Irvine, his interview with Jay Wilson, and what it’s like running a Chinese language Diablo III website.

• Original air date: May 19, 2011.
• Length: 46:54
• View it here.

Episode Eleven

How will guilds be supported in Diablo III? How could they have been served in Diablo II? What lessons will Blizzard learn from guilds in WoW? All issues tackled on this episode. Guests include Exile, Neinball, and Wolfpaq.

• Original air date: June 3, 2011.
• Length: 50:22
• View it here.

Episode Twelve

In this episode Flux and Wolfpaq talk about skillrunes, with in depth analysis of the recent skill runes videos and plenty of first hand play anecdotes about using skill runes in the game.

• Original air date: June 6, 2011.
• Length: 1:22:51
• View it here.

Episode Thirteen

In this episode Flux interviews three fans who got hours of play time on the Diablo 3 demos at Blizzcon the past few years. The guests talk about their play experience, their favorite classes, what they liked best and worst, and much more.

• Original air date: June 10, 2011.
• Length: 54:03
• View it here.

Episode Fourteen

Flux goes in-depth into Diablo III’s items with Wolfpaq, DiablosMinion, and Neinball. Item modifiers get the most attention, with discussion of intriguing new mods like Ornate and Peerless. Other item issues covered include item colors, armor dyes, end game gear selection, gem stats, twinking, self-rushing, and much more.

• Original air date: June 17, 2011.
• Length: 1:05:39
• View it here.

Episode Fifteen

Flux, Neinball, and The Eliminator debate the function and method of trading in Diablo III. What lessons can be imported from WoW’s Auction House? What are the major differences in Diablo III that will force alterations to the WoW style of AH? Why was trading such an ordeal in D2?

• Original air date: June 20, 2011.
• Length: 34:10
• View it here.

Episode Sixteen

In this episode Flux, Wolfpaq, and The Eliminator discuss other ARPGs. Though some of them have been fun, why have none of the “Diablo Clones” been anywhere near as satisfying as the original games? What’s special recipe did Blizzard North unlock that no one has (yet) replicated?

• Original air date: June 22, 2011.
• Length: 33;56
• View it here.

Episode Seventeen

In this episode, Flux, The Eliminator, and DiablosMinion discuss Diablo III on Battle.net. What features will be included? What will the financial model be? What forms of “added value” could Blizzard graft on to pinch a few more pennies for Bobby?

• Original air date: June 24, 2011.
• Length: 31:56
• View it here.

Episode Eighteen

Flux and The Eliminator discuss the Monk’s skills and the recently-revealed changes to his combos. Have they been dumbed down? Do Runestones modify all levels of combos, or only the final big level? Also, the “Spirit” vs “Monk spunk” debate rages.

• Original air date: June 29, 2011.
• Length: 38:54
• View it here.

Episode Nineteen

Flux and Elly talk about the recent news items and answer fan questions from YouTube and Facebook. Runestone skill changes, fake D3 Q&A tester reports, Demon Hunter artwork ennui, and more.

• Original air date: July 1, 2011.
• Length: 36:23
• View it here.

Episode Twenty

Elly again joins Flux as they run down the week’s news, plus mailbag questions. Topics covered include the vanishing Book of Cain, D3 at the Gamescom expo, skill caps in Diablo III, and more.

• Original air date: June 8, 2011.
• Length: 27:19
• View it here.

Episode Twenty-One

Flux, The Eliminator, and Neinball discuss the big news that some high level Diablo III skills will have very lengthy two-minute cooldowns. Also, why neither of them bought the D3Here guy’s story.

• Original air date: June 24, 2011.
• Length: 41:24
• View it here.

Episode Twenty-Two

Flux, The Eliminator, and Neinball discuss World of Warcraft’s newly-enabled Dungeon Journal. This in-game tool provides stats for monsters, loot drops, boss attacks, maps, and much more. What would a feature like this mean for Diablo III?

• Original air date: July 14, 2011.
• Length: 31:23
• View it here.

Episode Twenty-Three

Flux and Elly recap the past week’s Diablo III news, including the surprising two-minute skill cooldowns and their PvP implications, a pending respecs system reveal, and yet more waiting for the Diablo 3 beta to begin.

• Original air date: July 16, 2011.
• Length: 30:48
• View it here.

Episode Twenty-Four

Flux and Elly recap the busy week in Diablo 3 news, including new Followers information, new details on item drops in large parties, and a set date for the ATVI conference call. Beta start date announcement coming soon?

• Original air date: July 22, 2011.
• Length: 28:42
• View it here.

Episode Twenty-Five

Flux is joined by Neinball and Exile as they answer listener questions about the Diablo 3 Beta. When will it start (soon!), how long will it last (less time than you expect), how do you get into it, and much more.

• Original air date: July 27, 2011.
• Length: 46:06
• View it here.

Episode Twenty-Six

Flux and Elly tackle the week’s news with much EXCITE as the beta draws near and info leaks from Blizzard’s pre-beta media event. Can the hosts wait until Monday to start spilling the secret info?

• Original air date: July 30, 2011.
• Length: 27:36
• View it here.

Episode Twenty-Seven

Discussion of the smashing new Diablo 3 news on the imminent D3 beta, Auction House and RMT, Battle.net Banners, the Intro Cinematic, and more.

• Original air date: August 1, 2011.
• Length: 51:46
• View it here.

Episode Twenty-Eight

More discussion of the smashing new Diablo 3 news on the imminent D3 beta, big changes to skills, traits, runestones, retcon twists, and more.

• Original air date: August 2, 2011.
• Length: 28:12
• View it here.

Episode Twenty-Nine

Flux and Elly tackle a very busy week’s news, touching on the Auction House, big changes to skill runes, and disappointment at the lack of a Diablo 3 Beta test start date.

• Original air date: August 5, 2011.
• Length: 26:45
• View it here.

Episode Thirty

Flux interviews Chris Wilson, lead designer of Path of Exile, on that upcoming F2P action RPG’s innovative features and the start of its beta test.

• Original air date: August 12, 2011.
• Length: 45:54
• View it here.

Episode Thirty-One

Weekly News Attack, August 12, 2011

Flux and Elly tackle the news rush, with commentary on D3′s cinematics, item and experience sharing in parties, Max Schaefer’s comments on D3, the upcoming Gamescom expo, and more.

• Original air date: August 15, 2011.
• Length: 29:50
• View it here.

Episode Thirty-Two

Real Money Auction House Debate

Flux, Wolfpaq, and Nico debate the ethical, financial, and gameplay issues of the Diablo 3 Real Money Auction House. One guest is for it and the other is against it, so all PoVs are covered.

• Original air date: August 16, 2011.
• Length: 56:59
• View it here.

Episode Thirty-Three

Weekly News Attack, August 18, 2011

Elly and Flux tackle the weeks Diablo 3 news, with commentary on beta delays, the Inferno difficulty level, Gamescom pictures and info, fan reactions to the Real Money Trading Auction House, and more.

• Original air date: August 20, 2011.
• Length: 24:14
• View it here.

Episode Thirty-Four

Quests, Story, and Skills

Diablo 3′s early gameplay is very structured and linear, with few player options early. Too cattle chute-y without enough exploration? Also, the guys debate the new and major changes to the skill system.

• Original air date: August 20, 2011.
• Length: 50:27
• View it here.

Episode Thirty-Five

Inferno

The recently-revealed Inferno serves as Diablo 3′s highest difficulty level. Flux, Neinball, and The Eliminator jump into the fire and fan the flames of this burning issue.

• Original air date: , 2011.
• Length: 43:24
• View it here.

Episode Thirty-Six

Weekly News Attack

Elly and Flux tackle the weeks Diablo 3 news, with commentary on the awesome leaked skill and runestone videos, Jay Wilson deja vu interviews from Gamescom, Max Schaefer trolling D3, fan love for Inferno, and more.

• Original air date: August 27, 2011.
• Length: 41:18
• View it here.

Episode Thirty-Seven

Tinfoil Hats, Ten Character Limits, and Legendary Items

Multiple topics on this week’s show, as Flux, Neinball, and DiablosMinion object to Diablo III’s ten character limit, debate legendary item graphics, debunk RMAH conspiracy theories, and wonder why the Monk looked so weak in the recent skill videos.

• Original air date: September 1, 2011.
• Length: 37:18
• View it here.

Episode Thirty-Eight

Weekly News Attack

Elly and Flux tackle the weeks Diablo 3 news with discussion of the resource bulb animations, first play through plans, Diablo 3 DLC, unique character names, and Blizzard North memories.

• Original air date: September 3, 2011.
• Length: 31:51
• View it here.

Episode Thirty-Nine

Hardcore! (Part One)

Flux is joined by Wolfpaq and new columnist Xanth for a mega-discussion about all things Hardcore. On this first part the guys cover the differences between SC and HC players, new character goals, the shared stash, in-game HC graveyard, Inferno difficulty, and more.

• Original air date: September 6, 2011.
• Length: 49:33
• View it here.

Episode Forty

Hardcore! (Part Two)

Flux is joined by Wolfpaq and new columnist Xanth for a mega-discussion about all things Hardcore. In part two the topics include the Hardcore community and eliltism, the lack of Real Money Trading in HC, the Hardcore Arena, and more.

• Original air date: September 7, 2011.
• Length: 46:07
• View it here.

Episode Forty-One

Weekly News Attack

Flux and Elly delve into some of the interesting news items of the past seven days including the new skill interface, the skill switch, graphic setting comparisons, music and always a crowd-pleaser, death.

• Original air date: September 12, 2011.
• Length: 33:27
• View it here.

Episode Forty-Two

Economy and Trading

Flux and Neinball speak with Azzure, the head economist of a new Diablo III site dedicated to studying the trends and tactics of the Diablo III economy and trading system. Gold sinks, inflation, deflation, the Auction House, real money exchange rates, and much more.

• Original air date: September 17, 2011.
• Length: 53:50
• View it here.

Episode Forty-Three

Weekly News Attack

Flux and Elly recap a very busy week of news, with discussion of Diablo 3′s leaked item graphics, PayPal coming to Battle.net, D2 players eligible for the D3 beta, big changes for the Demon Hunter, new skills for all other classes, our new Diablo 3 economy site, and more.

• Original air date: September 19, 2011.
• Length: 39:05
• View it here.

Episode Forty-Four

Beta Tester Interview: Thomus

Flux interviews Thomus about his 40+ hours of play in the Diablo 3 Friends & Family beta test. Everything is covered; difficulty, magic find, quests, the economy, the problems with the Auction House, crafting, all five character classes, and much more.

• Original air date: September 20 2011.
• Length: 1:02:00
• View it here.

Episode Forty-Five

Skills and Skill Runes

Discussion of the skills and skill runes, now that all has been revealed. Flux, Wolfpaq, and Eliminator debate and describe the most interesting skills and rune effects for all five classes.

• Original air date: September 26, 2011.
• Length: 55:49
• View it here.

Episode Forty-Six

Beta Tester Interview: FludDaStud

Flux interviews FluddaStud about the 80+ hours of time he’s played in the Diablo 3 Friends & Family beta test. Everything is covered; difficulty, magic find, quests, the economy, the problems with the Auction House, crafting, all five character classes, and much more.

• Original air date: Septemnber 29, 2011.
• Length: 47:57
• View it here.

Episode Forty-Seven

News Attack

After a brief break due to Blizzard distracting us with the beta we are back for another News Attack Vidcast. In this week’s episode we share our beta gameplay experiences, which classes we’ve been playing, also recent news such as the new information and images on all the DiabloWikiArmor Dyes, dubious item naming, game pausing and Diablo 3 at DiabloWikiBlizzCon 2011. Mixed in with our usual chit chat and even some impressions (bad).

• Original air date: October 17, 2011.
• Length:
• View it here.

Episode Forty-Eight

Blizzcon 2011 Arena PvP

Blizzcon 2011 offered a brand new PvP Arena demo, with never-before-played level 60 characters. Wolfpaq and The Eliminator speak to Flux about how much they enjoyed their their dozens of Arena games at the show.

• Original air date: October 26, 2011.
• Length: 59:11
• View it here.

Episode Forty-Nine

David Craddock’s Blizzard North Book

Flux interviews David Craddock, author of a new book about Blizzard North. The book contains new info from dozens of ex-Blizzard employees about their years of work on Diablo 1, 2, and 3, up until the studio was shut down in 2005.

• Original air date: October 31, 2011.
• Length: 51:14
• View it here.

Episode Fifty

Blizzcon 2011 Overview

BlizzCon 2011 had new info about all three of Blizzard’s titles, and on this show Flux speaks with Neinball and Grug about their experiences at the show. They liked it all, but the Diablo 3 Arena demo was the best, naturally. Even better than the WoW Panda xpack, which both guests insist is not an elaborate practical joke.

• Original air date: November 6, 2011.
• Length: 49:45
• View it here.

Episode Fifty-One

TL2′s Travis Baldree Interview + Commentary

Flux interviews Runic Games’ president and lead developer Travis Baldree about all things Torchlight 2. What makes the sequel so much bigger and better than TL1? Plus added commentary on the inevitable Diablo III comparisons, and even a bonus TL2 track from Matt Uelmen.

• Original air date: November 20, 2011.
• Length: 1:23:50
• View it here.

Episode Fifty-Two

Max Schaefer Interviewed

Flux interviews Runic Games’ CEO Max Schaefer about Torchlight 2, plus memories of the creation of Diablo II, Blizzard North’s other projects, more tidbits on the earliest version of Diablo III, and more.

• Original air date: November 24, 2011.
• Length: 44:54
• View it here.

Episode Fifty-Three

D3 Beta Issues and RMAH Beta Testing

Flux and D3 economy expert Azzure talk about current Diablo 3 beta issues, compare D3 to D2 (which both guys are playing due to D3 beta boredom), and discuss the newly-enabled Real Money Auction House.

• Original air date: December 15, 2011.
• Length: 1:02:41
• View it here.

2012 Episodes

Episode Fifty-Four

Great Beta Debate Part 1

Flux, Wolfpaq, and The Eliminator discuss various play issues in the Diablo III Beta. Topics include their favorite classes, D2 play styles in D3, the best and worst skills, items and crafting, sound effects and music, and much debate on the “too easy” issue.

• Original air date: January 6, 2012.
• Length: 1:07:05
• View it here.

Episode Fifty-Five

Great Beta Debate Part 2

Flux, Xanth, and Neinball discuss various play issues in the Diablo III Beta. Topics include more on the “too easy” debate, the fact that both guests play different D3 char types than they did in D2, evaluations of D3′s lore and atmosphere, and much more.

• Original air date: January 12. 2012.
• Length: 52:13
• View it here.

Episode Fifty-Six

Big System Changes

Flux, Wolfpaq and the Eliminator chew the recently-revealed system changes, plus share stories about recent interesting happenings in their beta testing time.

• Original air date: January 27, 2012.
• Length: 50:37
• View it here.

Episode Firty-Seven

D3 Beta Patch 10 Debate

Azzure and Neinball join Flux to debate the big changes in the Diablo 3 beta patch 10. After a week of testing, how are the new attributes, changes to crafting, new respec system, and changes to item drop rates/qualities working out? And is it enough to offset the big nerf to the difficulty?

• Original air date: February 3, 2012.
• Length: 54:17
• View it here.

Episode Fifty-Eight

Beta, Fatalities, and Delays

The Eliminator and Bladelaw join Flux to discuss recent Diablo beta news and views, plus the removal of player fatalities, the latest release date delay, the issue of Inferno difficulty, and more.

• Original air date: February 16, 2012.
• Length: 50:56
• View it here.

Episode Fifty-Nine

The Great Beta Patch 13 Debate

Grug and Azzure join Flux to discuss the Diablo 3 Beta patch #13. How does the new skills/runestones system far in theory (pretty well) and in practice (dreadful UI)? Also discussed: chat channels, game play flow, class reports, and much more.

• Original air date: February 20, 2012.
• Length: 57:58
• View it here.

Episode Sixty

Beta Patch 13 Class Discussion

Flux hosts a roundtable discussion covering all five classes in the Diablo 3 beta. After a week of testing since the big Diablo 3 Beta patch 13, how does our expert panel view things? Which skills and rune effects are the best? Which classes are awesome and which need some more work?

• Original air date: February 28, 2012.
• Length: 1:17:12
• View it here.

Episode Sixty-One

News Attack! – Release Date, Magic Find, Monsters

Elly joins Flux for the return of the Weekly News Attack. This week’s show covers the buzzing release date rumors, Diablo 3s lacking socialization tools, the new skill and rune system, monster hit points doubling, magic find sharing, and more.

• Original air date: March 7, 2012.
• Length: 33:48
• View it here.

Episode Sixty-Two

News Attack! – Release Date Revealed, PvP Removed, Site’s15th Anniversary and more

Elly and Flux cover all the latest Diablo 3 news. Diablo 3 finally gets a release date but loses PvP. Also Jay Wilson keeps telling us the late game is super hard, and the recently-hacked bonus beta content seems to support his words.

• Original air date: March 17, 2012.
• Length: 46:07
• View it here.

Episode Sixty-Three

Naked Runs, Hardcore, and Beta Difficulty Swings

XanthHC and The Eliminator join Flux to discuss playing naked and/or Hardcore in the Diablo 3 beta, plus the big difficulty changes made in Patch 15, everyone’s most/least favorite classes, Skeleton King strategy, and more.

• Original air date: March 31, 2012.
• Length: 1:04:31
• View it here.

TDP #64: Reveal and Release Countdown

Flux and Elly team up for a news attack Diablo 3 podcast. Topics include B.net’s D3 beta tech problems, “global play” news, melee monster hit range, the official D3 reveal countdown promotion, and more.

• Original air date: April 19, 2012.
• Length: 38:55
• View it here.

TDP #65: Character Customization and Release Plans

Wolfpaq and Neinball join Flux to discuss the rose-tinted glasses that are keeping some D2 fans from accepting D3. Also D3′s lacking(?) character customization options, and release day plans.

• Original air date: May 5, 2012.
• Length: 54:40
• View it here.

TDP #66: Beta Reflections and Bashiok Encounters

Flux is joined by Grug and Azzure to talk about the highs and lows of the recently-concluded Diablo III beta test. All of the guys were lucky enough to be in the Beta almost from the start, and with the help of numerous fan suggestions in a big beta forum discussion thread, they review the highs and lows of the Diablo 3 Beta.

• Original air date: May 13, 2012.
• Length: 43:41
• View it here.

TDP #67: Diablo 3 Bold Predictions

Our Diablo III predictions podcast includes short conversations with eight members of the Diablo community, as they predict how the Diablo III experience will unfold. Not every guest was asked exactly the same questions, but most of them got most of the questions, which included the following:

Name the most and least popular classes shortly after launch. Will they differ for hardcore? Will there be a major hack or cheat or dupe or other problem requiring a patch fix within the first few months. Will Followers be essential, irrelevant, or something in between in Hell and Inferno? Will the RMAH take off with players paying up to the $250 max price cap within the first month? How long will players take to beat Inferno softcore and Hardcore? When will PvP be patched in? When will D3X be announced and when released? Can you make a bold prediction for the 6th class?

• Original air date: May 19, 2012.
• Length: 50:03
• View it here.

TDP #68: First Week of Diablo III

Flux, Azzure, and Grug discuss the first week of Diablo III, both in-game and around the Diablo community. Both guests and the host are relatively pleased with the game, though one guest has some strong reservations about a few things.

The launch is discussed and the panelists debate whether the extensive negative press coverage of Diablo III’s “rocky” launch was a big deal or a big overreaction. Most of the show is concentrated on the gameplay, and there is much discussion of first reactions to the retail client after so long in the tiny Beta. Other game issues include everyone’s first character(s) and goals, character builds and rune effect experimentation, issues with the item system’s limited variety, randomization issues with outdoor and indoor areas, and reactions to Inferno being beaten in four days.

• Original air date: May 22, 2012.
• Length: 1:01:52
• View it here.

TDP #69: Good Second Impressions, Item Problems, and Difficulty

Flux chats with Xanth and Neinball about Diablo III’s second week, and the guys debate going great and what needs work. Topics include character builds and early progress, play styles, reactions to the full game, issues with the economy, the difficulty curve and Inferno, the story and cliffhanger ending, and more. All of the gameplay issues get a Hardcore evaluation as well, since that’s Xanth’s area of expertise.

The second section of the show kicks in around 56 minutes, when Xanth and Neinball check out, and Flux starts a new quick chat with Exile. Exile explains why is his Witch Doctor is level 59.9, talks about the economy and the GAH, revisits some of his pre-game predictions, and more.

• Original air date: May 29, 2012.
• Length: 1:10:23
• View it here.

TDP #70: Inferno Says “No!”

Flux is joined by Hardcore expert Xanth for a wide-ranging discussion of all things Diablo III. Topics include Xanth’s Hardcore success (two level 60s and a 59, only two of whom were dead at the time the show was recorded), and how it’s possible to survive playing HC when most players die repeatedly against most nasty boss packs, The build style, the attitude towards using defensive skills, the overgearing and different emphasis on HC chars marks them as very different than Softcore chars, even ones played by careful players.

Other topics include Inferno issues, the mega gear check it provides, the ironic way many players are hobbling themselves for Inferno by Auction House overgearing in Hell, and mixed-laments that so few offensive skills can be used in the end game.

• Original air date: July 5, 2012.
• Length: 1:05:48
• View it here.

TDP #71: Garwulf’s Conversation

Long-time, old-time Diabloii.net columnist Garwulf, AKA Robert Marks, is the guest and my goodness does he have a lot to say. Fortunately he’s pretty good at saying it, so hear him discourse on his new book project, his place in the origins of video game journalism, the evolution of ebook publishing, and his interactions with Blizzard back in 2000, when he published the first official Blizzard ebook and the first official Diablo fiction, Demonsbane.

• Original air date: July 10, 2012.
• Length: 1:00:53
• View it here.

TDP #72: Inferno Prescriptions

Flux talks all things Inferno with long time podcast guest Wolfpaq and first time guest Muggs. Both guests have extensive experience with Diablo III’s end game and enjoy it, though they’ve each got a list of features that could/should/need to be improved and upgraded. Inferno-related topics include what’s good about the end game, issues with the end game items, D3′s “never level again” experience curve, the Auction House as a blessing/curse/necessity, fast games with Nephalem Valor stacks, pros and cons of the crafting system, nostalgia (or not) for customizable runestones, and much more.

• Original air date: July 16. 2012.
• Length: 1:10:11
• View it here.

TDP #73: Quitting or Not?

Flux is joined by Grug and The Eliminator to talk about their Diablo III experiences thus far. One guest is still really enjoying the game while the other... not so much.

• Original air date: 20 July, 2012.
• Length: 1:00:18
• View it here.

TDP #74: The Great Demon Hunter Discussion

Flux is joined by long time guest Wolfpaq and first time guest JrMint for a podcast focused (almost) entirely on the Demon Hunter. Both guests and the host have played the class extensively, and we cover every aspect of Diablo III’s pewpewpew expert. Pros and cons of the class, best and worst builds, discussion of almost every skill, favorite rune effects for various situations, passive skill choices, build options and variety, and brainstorming wish lists for ways to improve the class.

We tried to keep the show interesting for experts AND accessible for newcomers, so in addition to debates about the best Inferno builds and high end gear talk, it includes basic info about how the class works, explanations by the guests why they like the DH the best, what new DH players should keep in mind, and more.

• Original air date: 25 July, 2012.
• Length: 1:07:31
• View it here.

TDP #75: Barbarian Battle Royale

Flux is joined by regular guest Xanth and first time guest Sarnakle to discuss all things Barbarian. Why is the class the most popular in the game, what types of play styles are most popular, what are the best and worst (and most fun novelty) skills and rune effects, sword/board vs. dual-wielding vs. two-hander, the best Inferno builds, the magic of Critical Hits, selecting a Fury-spender, defensive options, PvP expectations, and more.

There’s even a bonus digression into Diablo III’s lacking multiplayer incentives, which are largely responsible for the lack of public games (especially in Inferno Hardcore) and how that could be addressed by the developers.

• Original air date: 10 August, 2012.
• Length: 1:20:08
• View it here.

TDP #76: v1.0.4 Class and Legendary Previews

Flux is joined by two first time guests, Danthar and Philter, to discuss everything about the v1.0.4 patch previews. Last week brought previews for improvements to Legendary Items as well as the Barbarian, Demon Hunter, Monk, Wizard, and Witch Doctor, and on the show we discuss all of those, along with other imminent patch issues. The patch should go online Tuesday, August 21st, and we’ll record another podcast next weekend after five days of patch testing, to discuss the features and changes.

• Original air date: 20 August, 2012.
• Length: 1:11:27
• View it here.

TDP #77: v1.0.4 First Week Play Test Reactions

Flux is joined by Muggs and Philter to discuss everything about the v1.0.4 patch after a week of play testing. Everyone is a big fan of most of the v1.04 changes, though there are still issues that can be improved, here and there. Topics include changes to the game on the whole, the Paragon system, improved (or not) item finding, changes to boss modifiers, easier multiplayer gaming, and specific changes to the Demon Hunter, Wizard, Barbarian, and Witch Doctor.

• Original air date: 28 August, 2012.
• Length: 1:01:53
• View it here.

TDP #78: Paragons, Items, and Farming

Flux is joined by JrMint, Azzure (briefly) and Xanth to talk about all sorts of issues created by the v1.04 patch. All the guests are playing a lot and enjoying the game much more than they did prior to the patch, but not everything is perfect just yet, so there’s plenty to discuss.

• Original air date: 5 September, 2012.
• Length: 1:13:52
• View it here.

TDP #79: v1.05 Preview, Inferno Nerfs, and Auction House Fixes

Neinball and Philter join Flux to discuss recent Diablo III news, including the v1.0.5 feature previews, Inferno nerfs, skill changes, item and economy issues, and Auction House problems and solutions.

• Original air date: 17 September, 2012.
• Length: 1:01:34
• View it here.

TDP #80: TL2 vs. D3 Features + v1.0.5 Preview

Flux, Wolfpaq, and Xanth compare key features in Torchlight 2 to Diablo 3. The item system, character customization, and much more are handled very differently in TL2, with pros and cons. Also includes a D3 v1.0.5 patch preview.

• Original air date: 24 September, 2012.
• Length: 1:07:23
• View it here.

TDP #81: v1.05 Soon and Returning Diablo Players

Flux is joined by Xanth and Exile to discuss about the imminent v1.05 patch, Monster Power, Magic Find changes, and more. Exile hasn’t played D3 in months, but says that v1.05 might pull him back in.

• Original air date: 16 October, 2012.
• Length: 52:59
• View it here.

TDP #82: The D3 Expansion Debate

Flux is joined by Exile to speculate on all things Diablo 3 expansion. Class and item makeovers, improved B.net features, new monsters, new game modes, Act Five’s setting, and more.

• Original air date: 20 November, 2012.
• Length: 57:51
• View it here.

TDP #83: PvP Delays and Dueling

Flux and Xanth discuss the Diablo 3 PvP system delays and the abrupt change from a team deathmatch to duel system. Disappointment, relief, and surprise are the order of the day.

• Original air date: 20 November, 2012.
• Length: 54:38
• Watch, listen, or download.