Diablo

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1444 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,231 out of 1444
  2. Mixed: 144 out of 1444
  3. Negative: 69 out of 1444
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  1. GrimalkinFel
    Feb 20, 2021
    9
    Now *this* is a true timeless classic of a game. As much as I enjoy D2, this first entrance into the franchise is what does it for me. It is likely due in some part to nostalgia bias speaking, as I grew up watching my mum playing this when I was little, then playing it myself. But I will do my best to speak from an objective point of view.
    tl;dr: 9/10 only because there is of course that    Now *this* is a true timeless classic of a game. As much as I enjoy D2, this first entrance into the franchise is what does it for me. It is likely due in some part to nostalgia bias speaking, as I grew up watching my mum playing this when I was little, then playing it myself. But I will do my best to speak from an objective point of view.
    tl;dr: 9/10 only because there is of course that retro game clunkiness present in a couple of features. I'm trying to be objective here but for the record my nostalgia would give it a 100/10 :P

    Pros:

    > Replayability. I've played and re-played this game countless times. Its replayability is off the charts. Fully randomised maps, randomised enemies from a pool, randomised quests from a pool of I think 4 for each section. So many ways to make each and every play-through unique. I've never had the same run experience twice.
    > Art style. Hoo boy, that dark and gritty gothic style lends itself so well to the subject and the setting, and complements the graphic capabilities of the time. Even today in 2021 I would say that graphically it holds up decently. It's not perfect by any means, but it looks almost like something faux-retro that an indie team might put out today. But it IS actually retro, and back when it was released, it was ground-breaking in its detail and variety.
    > Music. Holy christ on a biscuit the score in this game is SO. FREAKING. GOOD. Atmospheric, chillingly eerie and dripping with creep factor. The orchestral choir vocals of the dungeon theme. That little guitar riff in the catacombs. The deep, booming drums in the caves. The distorted baby cries in the hells. And we must not forget those iconic opening strums of the Tristram theme, which creates such a safe harbourage in tone from the chaos of the descent below the cathedral. I cannot express enough how much I adore the score, I listen to it casually on the regular.
    > Horror. Just go look at the butcher's room. For real though, the game can get downright suspenseful when you're waiting for the next enemy to come running toward you out of the shadows or from around a corner. Sure, it's not P.T. or anything, but it achieves what I think is an impressive amount of thrill and suspense for such a simple top-down dungeon crawler.

    > Gameplay. Gameplay is in the middle for me. On one hand, I love the way each class is characterised and has its own strengths and weaknesses. There's a little bit of overlap, but not too much, e.g. every class can theoretically learn spells or use every type of armour/weapon, it just depends on how difficult you want to make the game for yourself. :P But, that being said, it is still a click-fest. Careful not to get carpal tunnel here. The generalised stats also leave something to be desired, but I'll give them a little leeway as it's just a dungeon-crawler, not an open-world RPG. We need to be careful not to get too carried away with comparing a game from 1996 to games from 20+ years later.

    Cons:

    > Clunkiness. Yeah, the game can be a little clunky. I personally find it charming and am used to it, but I can understand that someone trying to play it for the first time today may struggle a little with slow movement speed, lack of scrolling for vendor item lists, negligible inventory space (which is probably due to monitor sizes at the time), and in the lowest levels often pretty disproportionate enemy spawns that can all but halt your run if they catch you off guard. There's also the distances of Adria and Wurt from the town centre that can grow tiring. Oh and the fun of loading and reloading your game to get the right stuff in the vendors' lists. I recommend muting or you'll have "well, what can I do for ya?" and "I sense a soul in search of answers" burned into your subconscious lol

    All-in-all I think that Diablo 1 is a fantastic example of a genre-defining classic title. It plays well to this day and is short enough to enjoy casually over a few sessions, or even one if you want to and have lucky drops and quest/map pulls. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience something truly atmospheric, timeless and made with love. Go forth and slay those demons!    … Expand
  2. BFG-1337
    Mar 28, 2021
    9
    In rating this game as if its 1996, but ill tell you how it holds up now.
    The atmosphere is the main thing and the village music is stuck in my head with the walking patter sound. You can still enjoy this game if you just forget that its 2021 and imagine you are in 1996.
  3. UmutYldrm
    Apr 23, 2023
    9
    i thınk this game not realy because this game perfect and better than other games
  4. Antohadance
    Jun 22, 2022
    9
    Базированная игра основавшая жанр диаблоид. Всё ещё играется увлекательно и выглядит неплохо
  5. joglow
    May 16, 2022
    9
    The start of my game life literally. My first game ever. And I played it two months straight until I realized I played the demo only. Still better than any other game at that time.
  6. ConstantineDice
    Jun 8, 2022
    9
    Grew up on this game. Sure it has old mechanics, and it feels somewhat clunky compared to today's (2022) games... but this game is still a hardcore gem of an adventure. If you don't mind the old school game once in a while, you should try it.
  7. chosenam
    May 28, 2023
    9
    A masterpiece that made me feel scared while playing games late at night. I was 20 years old.
  8. Gams1
    Jul 27, 2023
    9
    creepi, scary, every monster can kill you and makes exploration terrifying.
    I played it again in 2022 and the charm is still there, 100x better than D4 XD
  9. Pete
    Aug 11, 2007
    8
    I would have to give this a 7.5 to 8 and going down the more add-ons you keep introducing. Nothing seems to get upgraded, and the weapons configurations seem so random and difficult to figure out. Also the cube recipies...come on get real.
  10. BrianLoranger
    Feb 26, 2009
    8
    This game was a great game in its time, but compared to the games now a days, this game is nothing.
    And to those who keep giving it 0s, if you didn't play it in its multiplayer prime (yes it had a prime) you shouldn't really post bad thing about it.
  11. iKen
    Apr 12, 2020
    8
    Played on PC.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GREAT.
    Graphic: GOOD.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
    Dialogue/Voice Acting: GOOD.
  12. Watersson
    Feb 23, 2014
    8
    Diablo is one of the icons of games. It showed the world that the game does not have to be difficult to be good. As in those days was a good graphics and the music even better. Randomly generated underground-that's something!. It is a pity that the disposal were only three character classes (warrior, mage and rogue). The worst thing about this game is that it is a short ...
  13. Jangle
    Dec 1, 2012
    8
    If you like this dungeon runner style, you will like Diablo. Aside from the lack of deep story, the action is fun. Playing a melee character, I found difficult as it seems you spend more time chasing enemies than actually attacking them. Once you switch to mage, it is a walk in the park. I ended up using one spell through the whole game, which shows how repetitive it can get. OneIf you like this dungeon runner style, you will like Diablo. Aside from the lack of deep story, the action is fun. Playing a melee character, I found difficult as it seems you spend more time chasing enemies than actually attacking them. Once you switch to mage, it is a walk in the park. I ended up using one spell through the whole game, which shows how repetitive it can get. One strong element in the game is the limited but fantastic music. There aren't many tracks, but they are very well done. Very similar to the recent Torchlight I game.… Expand
  14. urieaal
    Sep 27, 2014
    8
    I can still re-install and play this game. That should really say something saying that my only real re-playable games are ff7 and xenogears other then that its truly hard for me to pick up and replay games.

    In its time it was great and frankly i still like to dupe (dupelicate items) and hax the hell out of it. its just good old fashion fun. Hell if a **** server was going id be on it    I can still re-install and play this game. That should really say something saying that my only real re-playable games are ff7 and xenogears other then that its truly hard for me to pick up and replay games.

    In its time it was great and frankly i still like to dupe (dupelicate items) and hax the hell out of it. its just good old fashion fun. Hell if a **** server was going id be on it once in a while.    … Expand
  15. Kai82
    Mar 28, 2021
    8
    Hard to rate today. Back then I would give a 9/10 and would praise the dark atmosphere, good gameplay and mechanics that keep you going on to improve your character. My negatives would be that it could be longer as I finished the game quite fast and that the conclusion is not that satisfying (but a great set up for Diablo 2). Today it is not that good anymore as newer games have set theHard to rate today. Back then I would give a 9/10 and would praise the dark atmosphere, good gameplay and mechanics that keep you going on to improve your character. My negatives would be that it could be longer as I finished the game quite fast and that the conclusion is not that satisfying (but a great set up for Diablo 2). Today it is not that good anymore as newer games have set the bars higher and Diablo 2 is better in all regards. So today I am more in the 6/10 range but must say I am under the influence of nostalgia and it could be worse for those who have not played it before. It is an action RPG and for many a primary example for hack and slash. A mayor aspect is getting better equipment from loot or merchants to steadily improve your character (There is the newer term “Loot porn” for this kind of games;-). The game is set in the town Tristram which was build on / near the ruins of an old monastery. There strange things happen as people vanish and live in a state of fear as there are rumors about the things that lurk in the underground of the ruins. Your character is an adventurer that wants to solve the mystery and explore the ruins. Good set up and atmosphere. Story wise it does a bit more than is needed and I appreciate this especially in its genre. For the gameplay: You chose between 3 characters: Warrior who focuses on melee, rouge who focuses on ranged combat and sorcerer who is specialized in magic. Each one has a unique ability and different limits for the attributes. I used all characters and favor the rogue for ranged attacks as they made the game easier. You get experience by killing monsters and side quests. For each level up you get 5 ability points that can be put into the 4 stats strength, magic, vitality and dexterity. These are connected to lifepoints, mana, hit% etc. There are of cause also items that raise these stats and you are always on the hunt for better loot / equipment. There are ability point restrictions for items and spells. For clarification: You can in theory learn all spells and use all items for all characters. However a warrior has a much lower limit for magic than the sorcerer so that higher level spells are not possible to learn (Don't remember if you can outmaneuver this with equipment that raises the stats). Also it would be a waste to nullify the class advantage but you are free to develop your characters as you want. You explore the underground of the ruins and go deeper and deeper while fighting stronger and stronger enemies. If you do not get better items and level up you will be at a huge disadvantage. The items have rarity levels and the rarer the better as by genre standards. Remark: Uncommon items must be identified and there is a degradation system in place. You can of cause repair these in the town. I already point out the negatives that the game is too short for me and the conclusion can be a disappointment (But is fully justified by lore and story). The graphics were good for its time but did not age that well. Maybe a bit to dark in some places but that is the set up for a dark scary dungeon so I cant complain here to be fair. Overall this was an excellent game for its time and started a successful franchise. I have fond memories of it (“Fresh meat”;-).It has one of the most loyal fan bases and is well know. I can not recommend it today for new players as I am too biased by nostalgia and newer games make this look inferior. However I can recommend it for those who want to experience the basic of franchises and it gives a clear example how a game series can evolve. I give an 8/10 with a nostalgia bias warning.… Expand
  16. rich_pl
    Dec 15, 2016
    8
    Now very dated, and 'in comparison' to modern titles seems like a laughable attempt at making a game.

    BUT - I think this game is among three that I will always hold to be 'top-level' games I still remember the nights poured into this game, I still remember the moments of tension and relief at achieving the various milestones of game play, killing certain bosses or surviving certain    Now very dated, and 'in comparison' to modern titles seems like a laughable attempt at making a game.

    BUT - I think this game is among three that I will always hold to be 'top-level' games I still remember the nights poured into this game, I still remember the moments of tension and relief at achieving the various milestones of game play, killing certain bosses or surviving certain levels.

    And knowing now that this spawned a sequel which in my mind is still unsurpassed in the Action RPG genre - Diablo 2, that fact alone means that this game has to be recognised as part of the pinnacle of PC gaming.

    Even now I occasionally like to have a little nostalgia and install Diablo 1 just so I can take a big old dose of happy memories.

    I can't honestly say that anyone should go out and get this game now, but just want everyone to understand that even before today's vast game budgets, before the dedicated teams of artists and environment designers, before all of the impressiveness of modern gaming there were games like this that shone out because they provided fantastic experiences and enticing game play.

    Times have moved on, but my memories are better than a hundred new releases.    … Expand
  17. retkimuna
    Jun 12, 2015
    8
    this is very fun arpg. graphics has aged well and gameplay is ok. It has some problems but it's no't bad like some kids in reviews say. Diablo 1 is fun nostalgic game.
  18. Nel
    Dec 4, 2016
    8
    Great game by Blizzard again, the game when it came out was difficult to master, but it was an enjoyable experience, and had several different ways that you could play, and there was a lot of replay ability.
  19. angelss_13
    Jun 10, 2017
    8
    Gran juego. Un clásico del RPG que definió varias de las mecanicas del género. El sistema de juego es algo elemental, pero engancha. La música y la mitología del juego son fascinantes, aunque la historia no se desarrolla del todo bien.
  20. shkipermann
    Feb 25, 2023
    8
    {__/}
    ( • - •)
    /つ☕______________________________________________________________________
  21. Gorbunov2004
    Mar 25, 2021
    8
    Хорошая игра много врагов много оружия множество возможностей очень крутая игра.
  22. Surrogate6
    May 11, 2021
    8
    I loved the mood of the original diablo but compared to its sequel Diablo is a bit outdated.
  23. Boldanone
    Jun 9, 2022
    8
    Very cool game, cool spooky atmosphere. The game is fun to play. It's had a great impact on the industry, so you should check it out.
  24. proprosmert01
    Jan 7, 2022
    8
    The legendary game is the progenitor of the genre created by those Blizzards who created masterpieces
  25. fnenamg
    Aug 13, 2023
    8
    Well-crafted playground. Simple yet charming. At that time, Blizzard was completely different from what it is now...
  26. whitespider999
    Feb 21, 2012
    7
    While diablo is a weaker 'game' than diablo 2. I think it has a superior atmosphere. However since most of what you do in this game is kill monsters, collect loot, sell loot, return to monsters - the atmospheric bleakness only shows it's stunning head on occasion. For it's time, this game blew my mind. Loot was presented so well, everything was so attractive, what the next floor wouldWhile diablo is a weaker 'game' than diablo 2. I think it has a superior atmosphere. However since most of what you do in this game is kill monsters, collect loot, sell loot, return to monsters - the atmospheric bleakness only shows it's stunning head on occasion. For it's time, this game blew my mind. Loot was presented so well, everything was so attractive, what the next floor would bring was a mystery of sorts.The online implementation was second-to-none. I sincerely miss the darkness and gothic morbid feeling of diablo 1. That said, diablo 2 did everything significantly better, and still retained enough of the atmosphere to make the entire package grander. And diablo 2 has a hell of a lot more lasting power due to the massive depth improvements over it's prequel.… Expand
  27. Crimsonking58
    Dec 26, 2011
    7
    Somehow, this game still holds up. Easily one of the most addictive games I've ever played (besides Diablo 2), it's also one of the most mindless (at least if you play as a fighter). Pure point and click, hack and slash simplicity that somehow manages to stay fun throughout. I ended up wishing for a bit more depth near the end of the game, but that's where Diablo 2 comes in. On it's own,Somehow, this game still holds up. Easily one of the most addictive games I've ever played (besides Diablo 2), it's also one of the most mindless (at least if you play as a fighter). Pure point and click, hack and slash simplicity that somehow manages to stay fun throughout. I ended up wishing for a bit more depth near the end of the game, but that's where Diablo 2 comes in. On it's own, this is still great fun.… Expand
  28. sspamfilter
    Jul 12, 2012
    7
    Diablo was a great game for it's time: very original and entertaining to go deeper and deeper into the depths of caves, killing stuff with interesting skills. Pretty good!
  29. Rox22
    Feb 6, 2013
    7
    I really love the people who judge this game a decade or more after it's release and hold it up to "current" standards and rank it badly. Yes it's a really old game today (or whenever you're reading this) but in its day it was legendary. That's not nostalgia talking, it's fact. While I do have fond memories of the game myself I do remember exactly what I thought of it at the time. A greatI really love the people who judge this game a decade or more after it's release and hold it up to "current" standards and rank it badly. Yes it's a really old game today (or whenever you're reading this) but in its day it was legendary. That's not nostalgia talking, it's fact. While I do have fond memories of the game myself I do remember exactly what I thought of it at the time. A great unique game that was extremely fun to play, but also a tad repetitive and without too much depth. Diablo 1 did change the scene and really gave birth to the modern Hack-n-Slash genre. Overall: While I dod have great respect for this game I also must look at it objectively and not just with nostalgia. A great game of it's age, but also a bit limited and rough around the edges.… Expand
  30. Kotofon
    Feb 26, 2021
    7
    Diablo – игра в стиле тактической РПГ, где ты будешь постоянно сталкиваться с различного рода испытаниями, сложность которых постепенно будет возрастать. Возьми на себя исполнение роли отважного бойца и отправляйся на сражение со всеми, кто посмел встать на сторону злаDiablo – игра в стиле тактической РПГ, где ты будешь постоянно сталкиваться с различного рода испытаниями, сложность которых постепенно будет возрастать. Возьми на себя исполнение роли отважного бойца и отправляйся на сражение со всеми, кто посмел встать на сторону зла
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 1996
1
#1 Most Discussed PC Game of 1996
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 1996

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Yahoo!
    100
    A feast of atmospheric entertainment. While it might tire after a while, you'll likely get your money's worth long before that point, and moreso if you venture into the chaos that is Battle.net, where life takes on a whole new meaning and the hours slip mysteriously away. Diablo is a landmark game.
    Read full review
  2. Adrenaline Vault
    100
    About as close to Hell as you're going to get - whether you believe in it or not. Everything about this game just rules and it will blow you away. The gameplay is the easiest I've ever come across in an RPG which is just fantastic.
    Read full review
  3. All Game Guide
    80
    If you're looking for an action RPG with medieval roots and influences, dark and moody settings, and unique game play, then run to your nearest retailer and pick up a copy of Diablo!
    Read full review
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