DIABLO 3 CONSOLE VERSION

Yes, more of me babbling about Diablo 3, but this time, in a *gasp* positive way!

So, recently I installed D3 again on my PC, thinking that after all this time, the game deserves another chance, since it's a game I REALLY wanted to like, but couldn't. After two hours of play, I uninstalled it again, the game just couldn't keep me interested with all the bulls**t around(crap loot/AH, no offline version and online problems mainly).

But today, I stumbled upon a few articles about the CONSOLE version of D3, and most of them seemed to describe the console version as the definite/best/proper/non-beta version of the game, even stating things like "the console controls fit the game nicely, perhaps even better than mouse+keyboard","the game feels right" and so on.

I was intrigued. An offline version of the game, with much better loot, no AH ---> basically all I wanted from the start (because the core gameplay itself, the monster-slaying, was probably the only thing that felt right in the PC version).
I was pessimistic, and I still have lots of other games to play, but I gave in, I decided to give the game yet another chance. I went to the nearest store and picked up a PS3 copy.

And oh my god am I glad that I did. The game feels almost completely different from the PC version, even if it really isn't, just a closer camera, different control scheme (that after some getting used to actually works GREAT), offline version, better loot, and some minor tweaks (like the fact that healing potions restore 60% of your health instead of pre-set ammounts, FINALLY, this actually makes so much sense, on the PC version potions became worthless pretty fast)

It's amazing how new/exciting the game feels, I almost feel like I'm dreaming. I might actually play further than normal difficulty this time.

Now don't get me wrong, there are still issues, the story/presentation is still the same horrible mess(Azmodan and Belial just made me facepalm, Deckard's/Leiah's fate too), there are far too few usefull item prefixes/suffixes and unique items don't really offer much diversity like they did in Diablo 2. The maps are still the same: not randomized enough and after a playthrough or two you feel like you've seen it all, especially the outdoor areas that stay mostly the same. And there are slight problems with precise targetting (nothing I didn't get used to after a few dozen minutes though).

Can't comment on the skills and viable builds, since it seems that some are changed a little, some a LOT, but I would guess that with the better loot and lower CD on potions, more builds become viable in the console version.

And the dodge function is pretty nifty at times, and fun to use. The combat itself feels a lot different actually, I don't know if they changed the encounters/monster density, or if it's because of the control scheme, but I am much more invested in it.

TL,DR: The console version of D3 is (in my opinion) better than the PC version, with offline play/better loot and no AH. GET IT.
And since it's for consoles, if it still isn't your cup of tea, you can get some of your money back and sell it to a store. If you feel like Diablo 3 should feel/be much better than it is, give the console version a try. Seriously.

Differences FAQ: http://us.battle.net/d3/en/forum/topic/9280998875


PS: I am aware of the upcoming expansion/loot patch and the closing of AH in March, but they still decide to keep the game online, which for me is one of the major offenders. The console version will also get the expansion, probably just a bit later (not really excited about it, only one new class and story seems meh, but might get it if I get really hooked on the console version). It is not certain if it will get future patches, Blizzard and Sony are still sorting things out as far as I know. For now, the console version is where the real demon-slaying fun is at.