Blizzard may have been bowed down by a number of failed decisions in the past related to the popular Diablo 3 such as the inclusion of the Real Money Auction House (obviously to maximize revenue and profit) and rebalancing the game due to that. However, this doesn’t mean that the company will stop supporting the title and not make new additions and releases related to RPG title.
At the company’s Gamescom press conference, Blizzard revealed Reaper of Souls, a brand new and the first ever expansion for Diablo 3. The add-on pack will offer new story content to the game, an additional character class – the Crusader – and a host of tweaks and enhancements.
Reaper of Souls has been described by Blizzard as a dark and terrifying new chapter in Diablo's story that takes place "from the sprawling streets of Westmarch to the ancient walls of the Pandemonium Fortress," with the story of the expansion working out as a fifth act for the original game.
The expansion follows Malthael, the "fallen Archangel of Wisdom" who returns after the events depicted at the end of Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction “as the Angel of Death and seizes the Black Soulstone, which contains the essence of the Prime Evil. It now falls to the players to track down Malthael and stop him before he unleashes irreversible havoc on the world."
To counter Malthael’s inhuman plots, a new hero will join the cause and bring Malthael to justice, called the Crusader.
Crusaders have been driven by a centuries-long quest to cleanse the corruption blighting their beloved Zakarum faith. These are the warriors “of righteousness who have been hardened through relentless, brutal combat with the foul evils plaguing eastern Sanctuary. In addition to wearing immensely heavy armor and wielding a wide range of cruel and punishing weapons, this new playable class in Reaper of Souls uses battle magic to strengthen allies and weaken foes. A natural walking tank, the Crusader adds power and versatility to any party of adventurers.”
“From the beginning, Diablo has always been about the struggle between good and evil, and Reaper of Souls explores the darker notes of that conflict,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “This expansion also represents a big milestone in the ongoing evolution of Diablo III, with key enhancements to the core gameplay, along with a new act to experience, a powerful new character class, tons of new loot, and even more end-game options. We think players will love playing Reaper of Souls, and we can’t wait to get it into their hands.”
Additionally, the expansion is also meant to highlight the key features of the Diablo franchise, with more emphasis on randomized environments to explore. The enhanced Loot experience allows players to further customize Legendary items, with additional item-crafting options on offer at the Blacksmith and Jeweler.
“Diablo III’s Paragon progression system is also being majorly upgraded for the expansion, adding even more end-game character advancement and replayability. Two new game modes—Loot Runs and Nephalem Trials—are being added as well, providing fun and rewarding challenges for players to tackle when they’re not busy saving the world,” the official press release adds.
More details about Reaper of Souls is expected at the forthcoming BlizzCon that’s set to be held Nov. 8 through 9 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Check out the introductory and gameplay trailers below.
