Blockbuster, the DVD/game rental chain, has posted a 2009 Games Preview article and they include a paragraph on Diablo III. (But not Starcraft 2, oddly enough.) As we know, Diablo III has no release date (other than “when it’s ready”), and from what the D3 Team has said they’ve got a long way yet to go. That approach provides retailers all the cover they need to include D3 on their upcoming release lists. So they do. No, we won’t see D3 in 2009, but it’s fun to pretend.
A fitting sequel to PC classic Diablo II, with the easy interface, fast-paced action, and visceral gameplay of the original, Diablo III, promises Blizzard, is set to become the definitive action role-playing game. Players will create a hero from one of five distinct classes, such as barbarian or witch doctor, each equipped with an array of spells and abilities. As these heroes adventure through rich and varied settings, unravelling an epic storyline and engaging in combat with hordes of monsters and challenging bosses, they’ll grow in experience and ability and acquire items of incredible power. Which’ll be nice.
Better yet, their Diablo 3 page lists a December 7, 2009 release date, and classifies the game as a “shooter.” With accuracy like that, it’s clear that Blockbuster UK knows exactly what they’re talking about.